Report on Archaeological Investigations in Girija River

Valley, Districts Aurangabad and Jalna, Maharashtra

Madan Singh Chouhan1, Tejas Garge1, Kishor Chalwadi1 and Amol Kulkarni2

1. Archaeological Survey of India, Aurangabad Circle, Aurangabad, Maharashtra,

India (Email: circleaur.asi@gmail.com)
2. History Museum, Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar Marathwada University, Aurangabad,

Maharashtra, India

Received: 14 August 2015; Accepted: 08 September 2015; Revised: 18 October 2015

Heritage: Journal of Multidisciplinary Studies in Archaeology 3 (2015): 128‐162

Abstract: The archeological explorations in Girija river valley in Aurangabad district of Maharashtra
were initiated as a part of village to village survey scheme by Archaeological Survey of India. This river
valley falls within transit area between Ellora and Ajanta Caves, hence explorations were designed to
know more about contemporary habitation deposits and archaeological potential of the area. The
archaeological survey of Girija River is significant as it has brought to light as many as 39 sites to
historical map of the area for the first time. A continuity of human habitation from terminal phase of
Pleistocene till late medieval period is brought to light in present study. Further existence and role of
non‐urban settlements in the history of the region is also highlighted.

Keywords: Mythology, Legend, Geography, Geology, Soil, History, Exploration

Introduction
The Girija River rises in the Mhaismal hills in Aurangabad district of Maharashtra, and
after an eastward course of about 80 km, meets the Purna river near Pimpalgoan in
district Jalna (Fig.1). This area is known for its historical vibrancy and creation of
magnificent architectural manifestations in form of rock cut caves and forts of medieval
period. Since the area covered by the Girija river valley serves as a transit area between
Ellora and Ajanta Caves, it was essential to know more about contemporary
habitational deposits. Hence the exploration aimed at recognizing full‐scale
archaeological potential of the area, were taken up by recording location of
archaeological settlements, involving study of the environmental matrix around
archaeological sites, settlement patterns through the time and evaluation of
relationship between cultural graph and environment of the area.

Geographical Extent and Environment

Aurangabad is a part of the Deccan plateau, slopping southeastward from the
Sahayadri range (Western Ghats). This area is comprised with northward flowing
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tributaries of the Tapi and Godavari drainage namely Khelna, Shivana, Dudhana,
Purna, Girija, Lahuki, Sukhna and Kham. The district is divided into the following
geographical regions‐the Purna‐ Godavari basin, the northern piedmont slopes and the
Ajanta Plateau. The western edge of the Ajanta plateau flanking the Shivna basin
encompasses the Ellora (Verul) caves.

Figure 1: Location of Archaeological sites reported from exploration (2014‐15) in

Girija river valley

The Baiamuhal hills range, passing along Takli and Kanhar, connects the Aurangabad
hills with the Gaotala ghats to the north, and forms the principal water‐shed for the
numerous tributaries (including Girija) of the Purna. The hills of the range are lofty,
averaging from 600 to 700 feet above the plains near Takli; but the highest are to the
west Kanhar, where the Surpanath hill (3,517 feet above the level of the sea) is 1,082
feet above Kanhar, and 1,173 above Aurangabad. The ghat‐crossing from Kanhar
towards Ajanta, divides the valley of the Girija from that of the Purna and Arjna. The
banks of the Girija river are rugged; its flow is perennial; and it receives numerous
streams from the hills that bound it to the north and south (Aurangabad District
Gazetteer, 2006).

The semi arid climate is characterized by a hot summer and general dryness
throughout the year except during the southwest monsoon season. Here the cold
season starts from December to February followed by the hot season from March to
May. The period from June to September constitutes the southwest monsoon season
while October and November forms the post‐monsoon season.

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Geology and Soils

There are two kinds of superficial formations, one consisting of upland soil derived
from the decomposition of the rocks on the spot, peculiar to the hilly region, and the
other alluvial soil, deposited by water, belonging to the plains and to the hollows in the
valleys of rivers. They are variously composed, according to the rocks from which they
are derived, and are sometimes of a heavy rich aluminous character, or consist of a
light and fertile loam. Black soils occasionally occur, resting either on calcareous beds
or on partially decomposed globular basalt. In the river valleys lower down, a light‐
brown kankary alluvium is the prevailing soil. The black soil is generally derived from
basalt; and its composition and colour vary according to the proportions of iron, lime,
magnesia, and the amount of organic matter that it contains. These, and the grayish
and brownish varieties, are very absorbent and retentive of moisture, and are
exceedingly fertile. The black cotton soil expands and contracts to an unusual extent
under the respective influence of moisture and dryness. During the rains it is
exceedingly muddy; and in the hot weather it is covered with cracks and holes. Near
Bhokardan and Jalna the soil is sometimes very calcareous, generally poor, and
abounds with efflorescence of soda. The wells too, are often brackish. Sometimes the
soil is of a reddish‐brown colour. The Girija river valley contains very adhesive black
soil, shallow and full of basaltic boulders.

Mythology and Legends

Girijadevi is another name of Goddess Parvati; consort of the lord Shiva. According to
a legend while playing dice Shiva lost a game to Parvati which was rare. The sculptural
panels from Ellora depicting Shiva and Parvati playing the game of dices often show
Shiva winning the game and Parvati trying to get off in frustration. Here after losing a
game Shiva reached a hill without informing Parvati about his where about and started
performing penance. Hence the hill is known as Mahesh Mal (Mahesh plateau). Parvati
appeared in the form of a tribal girl known as Girija. As soon Shiva opened his eyes
after penance he saw this beautiful tribal woman and proposed her to marry. She
agreed upon only condition that Shiva will never get angry in future. Then she
returned back in the form of Parvati to surprise of Shiva. This event is supposed to
have taken at a place near a small stream now known as River Girija. A shrine of
Girijamata is seen near this stream locally known as Gaondari. According to another
legend a sage known as Yogiraj Bharati performed hard penance and in reward
Girijamata (Parvati) appeared before him. He requested her to come with him as boon.
She agreed upon in the condition that she will follow him while walking and he shall
not look back. The sage could not keep his word and he looked back while walking in
the forest, so the goddess settled on the same place. At present this place is marked
with another shine of Girijamata. The old temple built in stone is now replaced in RCC.
Remains of the original stone temple are seen nearby the shrine.

Historical Background
The Godavari basin is inhabited since the Lower Palaeolithic phase of Stone Age. The

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evidences of Lower Palaeolithic tools are reported in the river bed of Godavari,
Pravara, Gangapur and Nevasa etc. The most important discovery in Aurangabad
district was the occurrence of the Middle Palaeolithic sites in the old river bed of
Godavari dating around 40,000 B.P. Upper Palaeolithic, a last phase of Palaeolithic
culture have been found in Pitalkhora, Akhatwada, Manjlegaon, Mungi, Rahegaon,
Rakshasabuvan and Ellora, in Aurangabad District. The rich collections of Microlithic
assemblage representing Mesolithic culture are also reported in this area (Sali, 1990).

The strategic location of Aurangabad as entry point in ancient Dakshinapatha was the
main reason why this region witnessed the rise and fall of several dynasties for many
centuries. The district has a long and uninterrupted history since the Satvahana
dynasty ruled this area from 230 B.C. to 230 A.D. evidences from Paithan capital city
and Bhokardan trade centre mentioned in The Periplus of the Erythraean Sea (Wilfred
H. Schoff, 1951: 195).

The Vakataka dynasty succeeded the Satvahanas in the Deccan around mid‐3rd
century A.D. The Vakatakas were known as great patrons of arts, architecture and
literature. The Chalukyas of Badami who ruled large parts of southern and central
India succeeded the mighty Vakatakas in the Deccan. In the western Deccan, the rise of
the Rashtrakutas in the middle of the 8thcentury A.D. eclipsed the Chalukyas of Badami
before being revived by their descendants, the Western Chalukyas, in the late
10thcentury A.D.

The Seuna or Yadavas of Deogiri (850–1334 A.D.) initially ruled as feudatories of the
Western Chalukyas then in the middle of the 12thcentury A.D., they declared
independence and ruled from Deogiri (present‐day Daulatabad Fort in Aurangabad
district, Maharashtra). Yadava rulers retained their capital until 1296 when Ala‐ud‐din
Khilji defeated Ramachandradeva, and reduced him as his vassal. Qutb‐ud‐din
Mubarak Shah Khilji made a successful campaign against Deogiri and annexed the
same to the Delhi Sultanate, by quick succession of political events; the area was
wrestled from the Imperial authority and the Tughluq, Bahamani and Nizamshahas of
Ahemadnagar rulers till the area was taken over by the Mughals In 1633. For a short
period it was under the control of the Marathas before the Nizams of Hyderabad took
control of it in 1724 AD (District Gazetteer Aurangabad, 1884).

Previous Archaeological Investigations

The site of Paal, Tehasil‐Fulambri, District Aurangabad was explored by Sh. Ajit
Kumar and Sh. M. Mhadevaiha of Archaeological Survey of India, Aurangabad Circle
and a few antiquities (Pl.3) and a copper plate has been reported (Indian Archaeology‐
A Review, 1986‐87: 120). The presence of marine shell bangles and debitage indicate
that Pal was involved in manufacturing and long distance trade.

The site of Bhokardan is the only nearest excavated site situated on the bank of Khelna
river 13 km to the north of confluence of Purna and Girija rivers. It has been identified

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with the ancient city of Bhokardan or Bhogavardhana. Markandeya Purana, refers it as

a prosperous trading city in Dakshina path / Dandakaranya area, located on the trade
route from Pratisthana then capital city of Satvahanas to Ujjain in the central India.
Bhokardan was the one of the richest city in Satavahana period. Records from Bharhut
and Sanchi mention receiving donations from inhabitants of this city for their
construction. The two ancient mounds discovered here by Sh. M. N. Deshpande in
1958 were subsequently, excavated by a joint team of Marathwada and Nagpur
University in 1973‐74. In the excavation, Period Ia was identified as
early Satvahana period, Period Ib as late Satavahana period and Period II as post
Satavahana period.

Methodology Applied and Explorations Undertaken

Under the village to village scheme the sites were explored under the methodology
including with available geographical data, study of toposheets and google earth
imageries. A physical survey was taken up during February‐ March, 2015 of villages
falling on the both banks of Girija river were inspected and antiquarian remains
reported were brought to record. The details of which are as follows:

Mhaismal (N20°04’31.56”; E75°11’44.50”) Tehsil Khultabad, District‐ Aurangabad

Mhaismal is located at the distance of 12 km towards north of khultabad. Microliths are
reported in the vicinity of old Girija Mata temple locally known as Gaondari. It is
located on eastern margin of the plateau facing the valley. Another temple dedicated
to Girija Mata of late medieval period has been now entirely converted in to a modern
shrine.

Takli, Tehsil Khultabad, District‐ Aurangabad

Takli is situated at the distance of 9.5 km to the north‐west of Khultabad on the left
bank of Girija river. Nearby the village are following remains of archaeological
potential.

Hanuman Temple (N 20°04’ 15.2” E 075°14’ 25.3”)

A Complex known as Hanuman Temple is located to the northern edge of the village.
It has a dharamshala and a temple dedicated to Hanumana inside the premise built in
nineteenth century(1869). Dharamshala is rectangular on plan facing south. It consists of
cells in north‐ south orientation. On the backside (north side) there exists a temple of
Hanuman now converted into a new RCC structure.

Fortification Gateways –There are remains of two ancient gateways found in the
village.

Gateway 1 (N 20°04’ 12.3” E 075°14’ 26.5”)

The original fortification to the village consists of two gateways; one on the south is
still standing and is used as office of Grampanchayat. A colossal gateway is built in
combination of stone and brick masonry. A semi‐round arched gateway has a

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nagarkhana on the upper floor now converted into grampanchayat office. The gateway
was erected in the 18th century by a local Raja Shamraj Bahadur Rajavant.

Gateway 2 (N 20°04’02.9” E 075°14’25.3”)

On the south side of the village has an gateway built in stone masonry. Only two side
walls of the gateway are still in existence while the upper part and main entrance has
now disappeared. Due to in dilapidated condition its main entrance wall and upper
structure were dismantled in 1971 by the Grampanchayat.

Remains of old Kacheri Building (N 20°04’06.2” E 075°14’28.1”)

The remains of old Kacheri building built in bricks masonry has now converted in to a
modern temple. The original structure is contemporary to the fortification wall and
gates as stated above.

Habitation Deposit/ Garhi (N 20°04’05.4” E 075°14’25.6”)

Raised portion having accumulation of older habitation deposits known as Garhi was
noticed amid the village. It is now surrounded by modern constructions. Pottery
including black ware and red ware of late medieval period is reported from this
location. Potsherds are too small to identify its original shape and purpose. A glass
bangle fragment in black colour and triangular section reported from Takali indicates
the presence of Bahamani and Asafjahi (late medieval) periods here.

Remains of Shiva Temple (N 20°04’17.1” E 075°13’25.8”)

The remains of Shiva temple were noticed at a distance of 2.5 km from the Takli village
towards west on the way to Mhaismal. The remains includes a large ‘yonipitha’
measuring 1.35cm in length and 1.12 cm in dia, fragmentary lintel carved with
miniature shikhara, fragmentary kapota and carved horizontal stone blocks having
sockets. These architectural members are found scattered in the adjoining agriculture
field.

Devlana Budruk (N20°04’02.7” E75°16’12.5”) Tehsil‐ Khultabad, District‐

Aurangabad
Devlana Budruk is located towards north‐ east side of Khultabad at the distance of 12.2
km on the left bank of the Girija river. Architectural members of early medieval temple
are reported from here and they are mostly in the form of fragments including part of
Chhadya, door frame and other decorative stones with simple moldings. They are
stacked at the side of newly constructed temple on the left bank of river Girija.

Devlana Khurd (N 20°03’ 56.9” E 075°16’ 32.4”) Tehsil ‐ Khultabad, District‐

Aurangabad
Devlana Khurd is situated at the distance of 13.4 km towards north‐east of Khultabad
on the right bank of Girija river. There are four late medieval residential buildings on
high platforms built in stone and brick masonry with decorative wooden doors. The
use of large stone blocks in the plinth, construction of elevation in bricks in later age
and decorative wooden craftsmanship are still surviving here.

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Vadhod Kanhoba (N 20°05’ 05.0” E 075°18’ 37.5”) Tehsil Khultabad, District‐

Aurangabad
Vadud Kanhoba is located at the distance of 15.7 km towards north‐east of Khultabad.
A Garhi (fortress) is located approximately 1.30 km to the north side of village. A
rectangular shaped high rising wall measuring 48 m long and 16 m width and 6 m high
is still in extant on the right bank of the river. Originally the Garhi was constructed on
high platform with well chiselled huge stone blocks (Fig. 2). The superstructure and
upper part of the walls have vanished now. A highly disturbed habitation mound
probably of medieval period is found as indicated by pottery and bangle fragments
reported from the surface collection. In the pottery, the application of jet black slip is
noticed; application of red slip is also noticed on few potsherds. Potsherds are too
small to identify its original shape and purpose. Fragments of glass bangles of different
colours like yellow design on black bangle, and fragments of violet bangle having
triangular and circular sections respectively are reported of varying thickness, either
very thin or too thick (minimum 0.4cm, maximum 1.1). This type of bangles is one of
the important features of Bahamani period. Along with bangle pieces, one quartzite
core and stone tool flake are also reported from Vadhod Kanhoba.

Figure 2: Vadood Kanhoba

Shelgaon (N 20°05’ 57.2” E 075°21’ 05.9”) Tehsil ‐Khultabad, District Aurangabad

A few fragmentary stone sculptures of folkish style are reported from the vicinity of
newly constructed Hanuman temple in the village.

Dongargaon, Tehsil ‐Khultabad, District‐ Aurangabad

Dongargaon is located towards north‐east of Khultabad at the distance of 25.5 km on
the left bank of the Girija river. It is almost 4.5 km away from the river bank towards
the north. The antiquarian remains found nearby the village are;

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Habitation Mound (N 20°08’ 59.3” E 075°22’ 18.6”)

A habitation mound is reported from the village limits nearby a School (Fig. 3). The
site is located to north of school extending east west for about 450 m x 300 m. The
remains here includes foundation of a structures built in random rubble masonry and
mud mortar. Other antiquities are pottery including red and grey ware and bangle
fragments. The site is disturbed as often dug by villagers for the want of hidden
treasure. The structures built in rubble masonry seem to have been destroyed for stone
reuse. The whole surface of the mound is strewn with potsherds (Figs. 4 & 5).

Figure 3: Dongargaon

Figure 4: Dongargaon

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Figure 5: Pottery, Dongargaon

As indicated by the pottery found on the surface, the site was under occupation during
historical and medieval period. Black and red ware potteries of early historical
(Satavahana) period and Medieval (Bahamani) are reported from this site. In the
pottery, the application of red slip, jet black slip, brown slip is noticed here. The
common shapes of the pottery are storage jars, bowls and globular pots. Decorations in
the form of stamp, groove inside lines are very common on this pottery (Fig. 6).

Some stone objects like broken mullar, a pear shaped stone object with four dents like
depressions on each face, rotary quern were also reported from the surface. Fragments
of glass bangles in black colour with circular section of Bahamani period are reported
from site along with animal bone and three quartz cores and six stone flakes (Length:
2.1‐ 4.6 cms, Width:1.1 ‐ 2.1 cms, thickness: 0.4 ‐ 1.2cms).

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Figure 6: Pottery, Dongargaon

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Loose Sculptures (N 20°09’ 00.0” E 075°22’ 16.2”)

Some loose sculptures of Yadava period are stacked and placed under a banyan tree
behind the Zila Parishand School slightly away from the reported habitation deposit.
Architectural members including ceiling fragments, pillars fragments and loose
sculptures are reported from here which once formed the part of a temple here. These
sculptures are:

Unidendified figurine (Height: 52 cm, Width: 46 cm.): One unidentified human figurine
is found with broken head, hands and a leg. The image is shown seated having left leg
folded and right leg mutilated.

Ganesh (Height: 72 cm. width: 46 cm.): The four armed deity is shown seated in
lalitasana holding battle‐axe or parshu in upper right, unidentified object in the lower
right and laddus in lower left hand. The upper left arm of the deity is also unidentified.
The ornaments are not visible due to thick application of vermillion over the surface.
On pedestal, his mount; mouse has depicted near his feet. Stylistically image can be
assigned to 13th century AD.

Uma Maheshwar on Nandi (Height: 62 cm. width‐ 48cm.): The image of Uma Maheshwar
is shown seated on standing Nandi; a celestial mount of lord Shiva where Parvati is
shown seated behind him. Shiva’s left hand is placed on the back of her shoulder while
his right folded hand comes on the stomach. Goddess puts her right arm across Shiva’s
shoulder while left hand is mutilated. Both are with two handed badly covered with a
patina of Vermilion. Stylistically image can be assigned to 13th century AD.

Uma Maheshwar (Height: 76 cm, width: 47 cm): Uma‐Maheshwara is shown seated on

Nandi. Goddess is seated on the left thigh of Shiva. They embrace each other as his left
arm is placed around her breast and she puts her right arm across Shiva’s shoulder.
Shiva is shown four armed and Parvati with two arms. Shiva’s upper right hand is
broken while lower right hand is on the right leg. Stylistically image can be assigned to
13th century AD.

Dancers (Height: 75 cm. width: 42 cm.): The present panel is a beautiful composition of
three rhythmically composed male dancers. This sculpture is unique in the sense that
three figures joint each other with their lower back and bent their leg in peculiar pose.
On the front figurine is flanked by two more dancers who share a hand and a leg with
main dancer. A close view of lower half shows that a pair of legs behind legs in front
joins each other as if the central figure is standing on his toes. The side figures sharing
a hand and a leg stand in a more comfortable tribhanga dance posture while main
figurine in dvibhanga mudra. The ghungarus (bells) placed on four legs shared by three
male figurines and hand postures indicate their identity as dancers. Besides elaborate
tying of ghungarus the male figures are minimally ornamented with armlets and
bangles. A grinning face of the man standing on left of the main figure is clearly
noticeable. In all present panels remain special due to unique thought of composition
and its fine execution (Fig. 7).

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Figure 7: Dancers, Dongargaon

Uma maheshwar (Height: 60 cm. width: 46 cm.): The image is identified as Umasahit
Shiva, and description is almost identical to images mentioned as above except here
Shiva holds trident in upper right hand and lower right is on his right leg.

Uma Maheshwar (Height: 60 cm. width: 45 cm.): This image is almost identical to the
images as mentioned above. Many of the sculptures and architectural members are
now applied with vermillion.

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Beside that other sculptures include fragment of ceilings, image of Nandi and a broken
panel of bharwahaka scattered nearby this place.

Bhawani Temple (N 20°09’ 01.9” E 075°22’ 13.9”)

A temple dedicated to goddess known as Bhawani Mandir is located to the west of the
mound near foothill near a modern Shiva temple (Fig. 8). It is built with blocks of
stones belonging to ancient temple now rearranged in the form of a small rectangular
shrine. The original temple seems to have been constructed in Yadava period. The
huge blocks of basalt are used in masonry and elegant sculptures are embedded on the
outer walls of the shrine. On the basis of style it can be assigned to 11th ‐12th century
AD, however it were later on altered. Most of them are carved in high relief specially
damsels or apsaras in dancing postures. A panel of male dancers with drums is also
notable. Among divinities figures of Vishnu and Ganesha are common. A unique panel
consisting of five standing bulls facing viewers and a pair of bulls being deployed by a
man for ploughing is depicted to the upper right side on the front wall. It is carved in
low relief notable for rare depiction of ploughing scene and rhythmic composition of
the figures (Fig. 9). The central figure in the shrine is probably of Vishnu but it is being
worshiped as goddess Bhawani.

Figure 8: Bhawani Temple, Dongargaon

Pimpalgaon, Tehsil‐ Phulambri, District‐ Aurangabad

Pimpalgaon is located at a distance of 5.8 km towards north‐east of Phulambri on the
right bank of river Girija.

Microlithic Deposit (N 20°07’ 11.8” E 075°23’ 58.9”)

Few microlithic tools are reported from the village limits of Pimpalgoan on a terrace
located to the south east of the village at the distance of 535 m as crow flies. The terrace
formed at the right bank of the river is composed of sediments deposited over basalt
formations by fluvial action consists of silt, sand, calcareous elements and few agate
nodules. Stone flakes of different shapes and size (length: 1.2 ‐ 3.3 cm, width: 0.9 ‐ 1.7
cm, thickness: 0.2 ‐ 0.6 cm, weight: 0.440 ‐ 3.190 grms) and few cores (length: 2.2 ‐ 5.4

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cm, width: 1.6 ‐ 3.7cm, thickness‐ 0.5 ‐ 2 cm, weight: 3.190 ‐ 32.940 grms) are reported.
The main raw material used here is chalcedony and a few tools made on crystal quartz
are also reported.

Figure 9: Ploughing Scene, Dongargaon

Habitation Deposit (N 20°07’ 23.7” E 075°23’ 43.4”)

A habitation deposit was noticed right side of the Pimpalgaon village which overlooks
the river meander as a raised mound. Open spaces between modern houses in present
village have yielded with pottery of Bahamani/ Nizamshahi/ Mughal period
characteristics. Some of the structures locally known as Wadas (Havelies) are also
identified as fortress of late medieval period in the village along with circular brick
wells. Mouldings, projections, use of black colour for bricks and use of designs in
terracotta are noteworthy in brick buildings built in late medieval period (Fig. 10). The
pottery reported from here is essentially black and red ware. The application of brown
slip is noted on potsherds.

Loose Sculptures (N 20°07’ 22.2” E 075°23’ 44.2”)

Few fragments of sculptures and architectural members of early medieval period
including a kirtimukha are reported near Shiva temple built on the left bank of the river.
Five Samadhis (memorials) of 19th century, built in stone masonry are also found
adjoining to the temple.

Mhasla (N 20°06’ 51.6” E 075°24’ 30.1”) Tehsil Phulambri, District‐ Aurangabad

Mhasla is located to the north of Phulambri at the distance of 3.2 km on the right bank
of the Girija river. The maximum habitation deposit noticed here is around 5 m above
the surrounding ground level. At present, modern houses have encroached upon the
entire mound. Cultural material from habitation mound indicates its medieval period
(Bahamani to Asafjahi). Pottery found on the surface and from the exposed sections is
black and red ware. Decorative patterns and tool impression is noted on the rim and
body portion on potsherd. The application of jet black slip is noted on one of the
potsherd. Few potsherds are well fired, few are medium and some of them are ill fired.
A terracotta sling ball is reported from Mhasala.

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Figure 10: Decorations on brick Pimpalgoan

Paal, Tehsil‐ Phulambri, District‐ Aurangabad

Paal is located towards north‐east at the distance of 6.9 km of Phulambri Tehsil in
Aurangabad district on the left bank of the Girija river. The antiquarian remains found
nearby the village include:

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Shiva Temple (N 20°08’ 16.1” E 075°27’ 04.2”)

A temple consisting of a garbhagriha, antarala, and a closed pillared madapa is reported
near this village (Fig. 11). It is modified heavily on the exteriors however original
features are visible in the interiors. This site can be assigned to 11th ‐12th century AD.

Figure 11: Shiva Temple, Paal

Habitation Mound (N 20°08’ 14.1” E 075°27’ 13.6”)

The mound (Fig. 12) is situated to the south‐western periphery of the village. The
mound has about 10 m thick cultural deposit extending over an area of 50 m x 40 m.
Eastern half of the mound is almost destroyed due to digging activity for soil and
western side of mound has been encroached upon by the modern houses. It consists of
the debris of structural remains, greyish soil, potsherds and other remains indicating
cultural deposits. As indicated by the pottery found on the surface the site was under
occupation during Satavahana and Vakataka period. The pottery of black and red ware
variety of Satavahana period is reported from this site. One potsherd in jet black slip
with graffiti has also found. The application of red slip, brown slip, and dark red slip is
noted on potsherds. Large number of rims of storage jars and pots were noticed here
(Figs. 13 & 14). Ritualistic objects probably a fire alter made in terracotta of Satvahana
period is reported from here (Figs. 15 & 16). A terracotta lamp in oval shape is reported
along with terracotta stopper of cylindrical shape. The site is also reported with good
number of shell bangles.

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Figure 12: Habitation Mound, Paal

Phulambri (N20°05’28.2”; E075°25’ 23.6”) Tehsil‐ Phulambri, District‐ Aurangabad

Phulambri is located at the distance of 28.7 km to the north of Aurangabad city on the
bank of Girija river. On the northern periphery of the village about half a kilometre
away to the west from the highway connecting Aurangabad to Jalgon a medieval
dargah built over the ruins of a Yadava temple is noticed (Fig. 17). The stone
architectural members of a Yadava period temple are used for constructions of steps
from revaluate to the platform of the structure. On stylistic basis the tomb falls in
Mughal period. The mausoleum is square on plan and placed on a raised platform of
stone. The surmounting flattish dome is ornamented with petal design and provided
with minarets on four corners. Now entire structure is whitewashed with lime. The
architectural members originally from temple consist of human figurines, pilasters,
elephants, geese and other geometrical motifs carved in high relief now seen fitted in
secondary context (Fig. 18). The temple remains including sculptures belong to Yadava
period, tentatively of 12th century AD.

Pathari, Tehsil ‐Phulambri, District‐ Aurangabad

Pathari is located 8.3 km north‐east of Phulambri on the right bank of Girija river.
Nearby the village are found following antiquarian remains:

Microlithic Deposit (N 20°08’ 01.7” E 075°29’ 02.5”)

A deposit of microlithic tools is reported on the right bank of the river Girija slightly
away from village to the east. A quartz blade of triangular section, some stone flake
tools of different shapes and size (length: 1.6 ‐ 4cm, width: 1.3 ‐ 2.9 cm, thickness: 0.4‐
0.8 cm, weight: 1.090 ‐ 11.250 grms,) and colours like white, grayish, and yellowish
reported along with cores of quartzite stones of different size, (length: 1.9 ‐ 5.5 cm,
width: 1.5 ‐ 4.2 cm, thickness: 0.7 ‐ 1.6 cm, weight: 2.840 ‐ 42.070 grms) are reported.

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Figure 13: Pottery from Paal

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Figure 14: Pottery from Paal

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Figure 15: Fire Altar, Paal

Figure 16: Fire Altar, Paal

Habitation Mound (N 20°08’ 11.3” E 075°29’ 10.2”)

A habitation mound near the village has been destroyed to a large extent. A few
potsherds of late phase of medieval period (Asafjahi), red and black wares, a potsherd
with brown slip; and one in yellowish brown slip applied on inside of potsherd are
reported from here.

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Figure 17: Medieval dargah built over the ruins of a Yadava temple, Phulambri

Figure 18: Decorations in architectural members of Yadava temple, Phulambri

Waghalgaon (N20°06’50.4”; E075°30’11.5”) Tehsil‐ Phulambri, District‐ Aurangabad

Waghalgaon is located towards north‐east of Phulambri at the distance of 9.7 km on
the right bank of the Girija river. Few late medieval (Asafjahi) period buildings
constructed in bricks with decorative wooden architectural members are reported from
here.

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Wadod Bajar (N 20°08’46.7”; E 075°31’29.3”), Tehsil‐ Phulambri, District‐ Aurangabad

Wadod Bajar is located towards north‐east of Phulambri at the distance of 13.8 km on
the right bank of the Girija river. There are three medieval period buildings (Havelis) on
an ancient mound over here. These buildings are built in composite masonry of stones
and bricks. Almost all the surface area on the top of mound is covered by these
buildings. The pottery and bangle fragments recovered from the section (Fig. 19) and
from surrounding fields show existence of Satavahana and medieval period (Yadava,
Bahamani and Asafjahi) settlements. Potsherds of early historic period are with brown,
dark brown and red slip. Circular decorative pattern is noted on one of the potsherds.
One potsherd having spouted jar is reported. Storage jar, spouted vases were common
shapes in the early historic period(Satavahana). Potsherds of medieval period consist
of black and red ware, few potsherds with brown slip and few applied with jet black
slip were also found. A broken stone mullar is also reported.

Figure 19: Exposed Section, Wadood Bazar

Wadod Khurd (N 20°09’14.1”; E 075°32’45.8”) Tehsil ‐ Phulambri, District ‐

Aurangabad
Wadod Khurd is situated at a distance of 15.9 km from Phulambri on the left bank of
Girija river. The mound is 180 m away from the village towards south. At present
mound is under protected forest land. This mound is of early historic (Satvahana)
period which seems to have continued in medieval era (Yadava, Bahamani to Asafjahi)
periods indicated by pottery and bangle fragments reported from the surface. Few
potsherds of medieval period are reported from here consists of black and red ware,
main shape noted is storage jar. Shell fragment probably a bangle with graffiti and an
isolated stone flake is reported from here.

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Shevta Khurd, Tehsil ‐ Phulambri, District ‐ Aurangabad

Shevta Khurd is located 16.3 km towards north‐east of Phulambri on the right bank of
the Girija river. The remains of gateway and a mound are reported from here as below:

Gateway (N 20°09’ 08.4”; E 075°33’ 45.2”)

Near the entrance of the village a late medieval gateway built in composite stone and
bricks masonry is reported. Few architectural members of temple and stone cannon
balls are reported near the gateway.

Habitation Mound (N 20°09’ 07.7”; E 075°33’ 43.7”)

A brick structure of medieval period is reported in the centre of the village. A
habitation mound of 5 m thickness is reported near this brick structure. At present
mound is destroyed due to digging of soil. Western side of the mound is encroached
upon by the modern houses. The mound is of medieval (Bahamani to Asafjahi) period
as indicated by pottery reported from the surface. Black and red ware pottery with
black and yellowish brown slip is reported and main shapes noticed are bowl and
storage jar. A circular terracotta lamp with ring base, small glass bead in white and
blue colour and unidentified stone object in half roundish shape at broken condition
are also reported.

Shevta Budruk, Tehsil ‐Phulambri, District‐ Aurangabad

Shevta Budruk is located 17.7 km north‐east of Phulambri Tehsil. The archaeological
remains found nearby are:

Hero stone (N 20°09’ 10.8”; E 075°33’ 56.1”)

In the front of newly built Hanuman temple there are two hero stones of 12th‐13th
century AD and some temple architectural member reported.

Habitation Mound (N 20°09’ 12.5”; E 075°33’ 57.7”)

North of the village there is a mound of 3 m cultural deposit reported with mud walls.
At present it is badly destroyed by digging for soil. A highly disturbed mound of early
historic (Satvahana) period seems to have continued in use in the medieval (Yadava
and Bahamani) period as indicated by pottery and bangle fragments reported from the
surface. Potsherds of early historic period are in red ware with decorative design and
different types of rims. Medieval pottery includes storage jar and pots with black and
red ware with jet black slip (Fig. 20). A small scrubber of terracotta is also reported
from here.

Jalgaon Mete (N 20°08’ 49.0”; E 075°34’ 45.2”), Tehsil‐ Phulambri, District‐

Aurangabad
Jalgaon Mete is located 17.8 km towards north‐east of Phulambri on the right bank of
river Girija. Remains of an old temple, a shivalinga, few architectural members and a 1.5
m cultural deposit is reported to the north of the village. The mound is destroyed by
the villagers for digging the soil. The pottery found from the surface here are of early
medieval (Bahamani) period includes black and red ware having decorative wavy

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lines. Potsherds are too small for identification its original shape. Among debris flake
tools of chalcedony in different sizes are reported. A circular brick well of late
mediaeval period is also reported near this mound.

Figure 20: Ceramics from the Habitation Mound, Shevata Budruk

Borgaon Arj, Tehsil ‐Phulambri, District‐ Aurangabad

Borgaon Arj is located 19.6 km towards north‐east of Phulambri on the left bank of the
Girija river. A habitation mound and hero stones of historical period are reported from
here as below:

Habitation Mound (N 20°08’ 56.9” E 075°35’ 06.2”)

The eastern part of the village comprises a 4 m cultural deposit mound and few
medieval period buildings (Havelis) built in bricks. The pottery of black ware and red
ware and bangle fragments reported from surface indicate its medieval period
(Yadava, Bahamani to Asafjahi). A few potsherds of late medieval period are also
reported from this site. Incised decorations are noted on few potsherds. A circular
bricks well is reported near this mound adjoining to the river. Main shapes are storage
jar and globular pot.

Hero Stone (N 20°08’ 58.4”; E 075°35’ 05.5”)

A hero stone (Virgal) is noticed amid the village near Hanuman temple. All four sides
of hero stone are carved. Sun and moon signs are marked on the top of the surface
while at the lower has the scene of two warriors. Besides that a fragment of temple
pillar is also noticed here. These remains can be assigned to late historical period.

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Pedgaon (N 20°09’ 07.2” E 075°35’ 57.6”) Tehsil‐ Phulambri, District‐ Aurangabad

Pedgaon is located 20.5 km towards north‐east of Phulambri on the left bank of Girija
river. South of the village there is around 5 m cultural deposit mound. Half portion of
the mound is destroyed by digging for soil and remaining part of the mound is in
extant (Fig. 21) and containing pottery and bangle fragments of medieval period
(Yadava, Bahamani and Asafjahi). Contemporary brick structures are also noticed here.
Potsherds consist of red ware, black ware few of which have horizontal grooves on
neck and body portion.

Figure 21: Disturbed Archaeological Site, Pedgaon

Padali (N 20°08’ 47.6” E 075°36’ 04.7”) Tehsil‐ Phulambri, District‐ Aurangabad

Padali is located 19.8 km towards north‐east of Phulambri on the right bank of Girija
river. A mound with cultural deposit was noticed in centre of the village. The cultural
remains of 7 m thickness including burnt brick walls extended in an area of 50 x 60 m
still stands here while rest of the mound seems to have been destroyed by the modern
digging activity (Fig. 22). Remains of burnt brick wall standing up to a height of 6 to 7
m is still seen standing adjoin to the mound. The pottery and antiquities reported from
the surface of early historical (Satavahana) and Medieval (Bahamani to Mughal) period
is noticed here. A bead of terracotta arecanut shape also indicates presence of early
historical period. Black ware with grooves, red ware with brown slip is noted. Bangles
fragments found here are in red, green, blue and black with circular section, a piece of
shell debitage and fragments of shell bangle is reported from here (Fig. 23).

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Figure 22: Disturbed Archaeological Site, Padali

Figure 23: Various artifacts from Padali

Takli Jivrag (N 20°08’ 36.6”; E 075°37’ 36.0”) Tehsil ‐Sillod, District‐ Aurangabad
Takali Jivrag is located 17.7 km towards south of Sillod on the left bank of the river
Girija. A deposition of 7 m thick greyish soil is noticed in the centre of the village
extending in an area of 20 x 15 m. At present half portion of mound is destroyed by the
villagers for digging the soil and remaining half portion is still in extant (Fig. 24)
having circular feature in one of the corners. This tower like deposition of soil is inner
core probably having burnt brick or stone veneering on the exterior which has now
vanished. Pottery and bangle fragments found on surface show its affiliation to early

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historic (Satvahana), historical (Vakataka) and medieval (Bahamani to Mughal)

periods. Potsherds of early historic period are black and red ware applied with jet
black slip. Early medieval pottery includes red and black ware, with brown and dark
brown slip wherein rims of storage jar are significantly reported. Glass bangles
fragments of black colour and one shell bangle fragments with circular and flattish
section, a stone striker of marble in oval shape and a flake has found along with iron
fragments.

Figure 24: Disturbed Archaeological Site, Takli Jivrag

Kaygaon (N 20°10’ 01.5”; E 075°37’ 48.7”), Tehsil‐ Sillod, District‐ Aurangabad

Kaygaon is situated on the left bank of Girija river about 15 km to the south of Sillod. A
cultural deposit of 6 m thickness was noticed amidst village with mud walls and two
buildings (Havelis) of medieval period. The remaining mound at present is
approximately 20 m long and 16 m wide. The pottery of medieval (Bahamani to
Mughal) and late medieval (Asafjahi) period is reported from the surface including
black and red ware. Application of red and yellowish brown slip is noticed on the few
of sherds. Along with usual storage jars, globular pot a sherd of pan (tava) is also
reported from here.

Vajrakheda, Tehsil ‐ Bhokardan, District ‐ Jalna

Vajrakheda is located 18.3 km towards south‐west of Bhokardan on the left bank of
Girija river. Nearby the village are a habitational mound and a temple as described in
the following paragraphs.

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Habitation Mound (N 20°08’ 01.5” E 075°38’ 50.8”)

In the centre of the village 4 m thick cultural deposit with mud walls is reported (Fig.
25). A highly disturbed mound of medieval (Yadava and Bahamani) period contains
the remains of pottery, earthen storage jar and bangle fragments on the surface. Black
and red ware potsherds are reported from here. Rims of storage jar and decorative
patterns on body in the form horizontal grooves are noticed on the pottery. Two
fragments of glass bangle in black and green colour are also reported.

Figure 25: Cultural Deposit, Vajrakheda

Shiva Temple (N 20°07’ 59.4” E 075°39’ 50.8”)

A Shiva temple reported to the north of village has been altered to a great extent by the
villagers. It enshrines a shivalinga inside the garbhagriha. It consists of a garbhariha and
antarala. Doorframe is typical Yadava style in four shakhas with four deity figurines at
the both lower part of the shakhas. Beside that ornate pillars and pilasters, decorative
vitana are found in the temple. Empty devkoshtakas are noticed on the both walls of the
antrala. Few loose sculptures of Shivaite affinity including Umamaheshwar and fragment
of temple are also noticed outside of the temple.

Goshegaon (N 20°10’ 07.8” E 075°39’ 16.8”) Tehsil ‐ Bhokardan, District ‐ Jalna

Goshegaon is located 14.2 km south‐west of Bhokardan on the left bank of the Girija
river. Four old buildings (Havelis) and a mound of cultural deposit of 1.5 m are
reported amid the village. At present mound is destroyed by digging for soil. Black

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and red ware potsherds of early medieval (Yadava) period are reported here. A small
fragment of glass bangle in black colour and a shell kawrie are reported from this site.

Hasnabad (N 20°07’ 45.0” E 075°41’ 48.6”) Tehsil‐ Bhokardan, District‐ Jalna

Hasnabad is located 14.1 km south‐east of Bhokardan on the left bank of the river
Girija. A building belonging to medieval era with enclosure wall is reported from here.
A colossal structure with round arched gateway is built in composite masonry of stone
and bricks. The structure has a mud enclosure wall. The area of the building with
compound wall is approximately 100 m X 80 m. The soil used here is distinct in colour,
whitish soil comprising potsherds and other materials of cultural remains. Black and
red ware potsherds are reported from this site. A small flake tool of green colour, small
glass beads of green and blue colour, fragments of glass bangles in black and green
colour are reported among the antiquities (Fig. 26). The mound which once existed
here belonged to early mediaeval (Yadava and Bahamani) period as indicated by the
ceramic assemblage.

Figure 26: Artifacts from Hasnabad

Ita No.1 (N 20°07’ 10.6” E 075°40’ 09.9”) Tehsil‐ Bhokardan, District‐ Jalna
Ita No.1 is 17 km south‐east of Bhokardan Tehsil of Jalna district. It is situated on the
right bank of the Girija river. In the village, a hero stone applied with vermillion (13th ‐
14th century AD) is reported inside a modern shiva temple. The upper half is displayed
with a human figure in seated pose worshiping Shivalinga while lower half shows a
fight scene between two warriors.

Sawkheda (N 20°06’ 55.0” E 075°39’ 22.9”) Tehsil‐ Bhokardan, District‐ Jalna

Sawkheda is located 18.7 south of Bhokardan on the right bank of river Girija. As a
common feature here the mound is located right in the middle of the village. It is
surviving to a height of 3.5 m and rest is destroyed due to digging for soil. This highly
disturbed mound probably of early medieval (Yadava and Bahamani) period as
indicated by pottery reported from the surface. Black ware applied with black slip, red
ware with yellowish brown slip having storage jar and pots as main shapes are among
the reported pottery. A rusted horseshoe of iron is also reported.

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Deulgaon Kaman (N 20°08’ 00.8”; E 075°39’ 42.2”), Tehsil‐ Bhokardan, District‐ Jalna
Deulgaon Kaman is located on the left bank of Girija river at a distance of 16.8 km
south of Bhokardan. On the southern side a mound of 3 m deposit is noticed here. A
few medieval bricks structure (Wada/ Havelis) are still present in the village. The soil
diggers have destroyed this mound badly; however surviving cultural material
indicate presence of early historic (Satavahana) and medieval (Bahamani) pottery with
usual black and red ware. An isolated flake tool of chalcedony and a shell fragment are
reported among antiquities.

Borgaon Khadak (N 20°07’ 58.9” E 075°42’ 47.8”), Tehsil‐ Bhokardan, District‐ Jalna
Borgaon Khadak is located 13.9 km south of Bhokardan on the left bank of Girija river.
Remains of old Shiva temple along with a shivlinga, Nandi and a hero stone belonging
to 13‐14th AD are reported. A much disturbed habitation mound is located 255 m away
from the village towards north. The pottery and bangle fragments reported from the
surface indicate its medieval (Bahamani to Mughal) origin. Black and red ware
potsherds with application of brown and black slip, a shell kowari in damaged
condition, a few bangle fragments in red, green colour and a small bangle fragment in
black colour with yellow design on it; a typical feature of Bahamani bangle is reported
from Borgaon Khadk.

Javkheda (N 20°05’ 38.6” E 075°43’ 32.1”), Tehsil‐ Bhokardan, District‐ Jalna

Javkheda is located at the distance of 18.5 km south of Bhokardan on the right bank of
the river Girija. In front of modern temple dedicated to Hanuman to the West side of
the village, two loose sculptures of Vishnu sculpture were found applied with
vermillion. First image is in sthanakmudra holding gada and padma in upper two hands
and shown with two dwarf attendants. Second image of Vishnu is shown seated on
Garuda with Lakshmi seated in his lap. Both images measures 24 cm height and 18 cm
width and on stylistic ground is assignable to Yadava period.

Khadki (N 20°07’ 04.6” E 075°43’ 29.6”), Tehsil‐ Bhokardan, District‐ Jalna

Khadki is located at a distance of 16.7 km south of Bhokardan on the right bank of river
Girija. The ancient mound is reported 566 m north from village which is under
destruction. It is of early medieval (Yadava and Bahamani) period as indicated by
pottery reported from the surface. Potsherds of black and red ware including jet black
and brown slip are seen here. Remains of a temple are noticed adjoining to the mound.
An enclosure wall is reset out of stones used in a temple; a Shivalinga is seen in the
middle and a sculpture Uma‐maheshwar is placed at the back wall. On stylistic grounds
it is crude as compared to Yadava period sculptures can be assigned to Maratha
period.

Latifpur (N 20°07’ 28.9”; E 075°41’ 54.3”), Tehsil ‐Bhokardan, District‐ Jalna

Latifpur is located 16.2 km south of Bhokardan on the right bank of Girija river. The
central portion of the village comprises a 15 m high mound locally known as Garhi.
The mound is encroached upon by the modern houses from all directions. Potsherds of

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early Satvahana and Vakataka period are reported from the section of this Garhi
including black and red ware. The application of jet black, yellowish brown and brown
slip is noticed. A chalcedony flake tool and a shell fragment are also reported from
here.

Takli Bajad (N 20°07’39.6”; E 075°46’12.5”), Tehsil‐ Bhokardan, District‐ Jalna

Takali Bajad is located 13.4 km south of Bhokardan on the left bank of Girija river. A
mound is 230 m away from the village towards south extending over an area of 130 x
90 m. The remains of thick mud walls indicating presence of a large structure are
noticed here in the middle of the mound. This mound is being destroyed by soil
diggers. It is historical (Vakataka) and early medieval (Yadava, Bahamani) period as
indicated by pottery and bangle fragments reported from the surface. Potsherds of
black and red ware are reported from Takali Bajad. Rims of storage jars, potsherd with
geometrical decorative pattern, bangle fragments in blue and black colour are also
reported from here.

Borgaon Taru (N 20°08’01.1”; E 075°46’46.1”), Tehsil‐ Bhokardan, District‐ Jalna

Borgaon Taru is located 12.7 km south of Bhokardan on the left bank of Girija river. A
mound and few old buildings (wada) built in burnt bricks masonry were noticed at the
south of the village. The mound is about 3.5 m high; half portion of the mound has
been encroached upon by the modern constructions. The ceramics of black and red
ware and bangle fragments in blue and yellow on black colour are reported from the
surface of Bahamani period.

Takli Hivardi (N 20°07’27.0”; E 075°46’20.8”), Tehsil‐Bhokardan, District‐ Jalna

Takali Hiwardi is located 14.4 km south of Bhokardan on the right bank of river Girija.
A mound of 6 m deposition was noticed to the north‐east of the village. The remains
are approximately extended over an area of 4020 square meter. Few thick mud walls
still stand against great damage done by soil diggers. This highly disturbed mound is
of medieval (Bahamani) period as evidenced by pottery; red and black ware ceramics
and bangle fragments reported from the surface. On potsherds application of brown,
red slip is noticed and storage jar and pot seems to be the most common shapes of the
pottery reported from this site. A small terracotta animal figurine; most probably a
bull, few bangle fragments of Bahamani period in red and black colour are among the
antiquities reported from this site along with an animal teeth.

Deulgaon Tad ‐ 2, Tehsil ‐ Bhokardan, District‐ Jalna

Devulgaon Tad‐ 2 is located 14.3 km south of Bhokardan on the right bank of Girija
river. A shiva temple and a habitational mound are reported from this village as below:

Shiva Temple (N 20°07’28.5”; E 075°47’56.8”)

A renovated Shiva temple amid the village is of medieval period as indicated in
decorative mouldings on pillars and other architectural members of the temple used in
reconstruction. Temple enshrines a Shivalinga in the garbhagriha.

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Habitation Mound (N 20°07’21.8”; E 075°47’46.3”)

At the south of the village, there is a mound and good numbers of mud walls thereon.
The mound is of 5 m deposit and approximately in the area of 23,808 square m. A
large part of mound is destroyed. A mud structure or walls with the cells can be seen
on mound. The cells now fallen may be originally of double storied. A mound of
historical (Vakataka) early medieval (Yadava and Bahamani) period is found as
indicated by the pottery and bangle fragments reported from the surface. Few
potsherds of medieval period are reported from Deulgaon Tad. Potsherds are black
and red ware and the application of brown and dark brown, red and black slip has
noticed, while one potsherd is in jet black polished slip. Most of potsherds reported
from site has rim of storage jars and pots including geometrical decorative pattern.
Two stone tool flake of quartz stone, two metal rings; one is in good condition and
other is half in broken condition and both are rusted in green colour, fragments of
black bangles, red bangles, two fragments of shell bangle and two small fragments of
polychrome bangles are reported from Deulgaon Tad (Fig. 27).

Figure 27: Artifacts from Habitation Mound, Deulgoan Tad

Sangameshwar (Girija Purna Confluence), (N 20°09’15.8” E 075°48’11.7”), Tehsil

Bhokardan, District‐ Jalna
Sangameshwar is located on Girija ‐ Purna confluence, to the south of Bhokardan at the
distance of 10.9 km. In the village, there is a modern temple having loose sculptures
and architectural members used in the masonry of old temples. A shivlinga and a much
eroded image of Uma‐maheshwar are of historical period.

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Valsa‐1, Tehsil‐ Bhokardan, District‐ Jalna

Valsa‐1 is located 10.5 km away from Bhokardan on the right bank of river Purna.
Among the antiquarian remains there are few architectural members and a habitational
mound found nearby the village.

Architectural Members (N 20°09’44.4”; E 075°47’30.4”)

There are few fragments of old temple scattered in the premise of modern Hanuman
temple which includes decorative motifs like kirtimukha and part of vitana(ceiling).
These are placed at the corner of the temple.

Habitation Mound (N 20°09’47.9”; E 075°47’30.7”)

A habitation mound of 5 m deposit is noticed at the south of village extended
approximately in 100 square m area. At present, half of the mound is encroached upon
by the modern houses and remaining mound is still open and seen littered with
cultural debris. Potsherds reported from the surface indicate medieval (Bahamani)
origin. Black and red ware including storage jars and pots are main shapes while
surface application of brown, red and jet black slip with horizontal incised straight
parallel lines are also noticed on the pottery. One unidentified rusted iron object and
broken stone Muller are also reported from this site.

General Observations
The archaeological survey of Girija river is significant as it has brought to light as many
as 39 sites to historical map of the area. The site of Paal was reported earlier but no
details were published, the present survey of 50 villages has resulted in discovery of
cultural remains from 45 locations for the first time. Outcome of present survey is 3
microlithic deposits, 31 habitation mounds, 18 places with remains of temples, lose
sculptures and architectural members, 4 sites with hero stones, 9 locations with
buildings or havelis of late mediaeval origin, a dargah and 3 brick wells. The
preliminary analysis of the ceramic assemblage and antiquities found from the
habitation deposits indicate presence of Satavahana remains at 8 localities, 9 sites with
Vakataka affinity, 15 sites of Yadava, 19 sites of Bahamani to Mughal and 10 sites of
Asafjahi/Maratha affinity.

The surrounding area of Girija valley remains very important in the historical
perspective, world famous Ellora Caves are just 4 to 5 km away as crow flies from
Girija Mata temple, Mhaismal from which the river originates. The Pitalkhora and
Ajanta Caves are 40 and 70 km away respectively from Mhaismal. The fort of
Daulatabad is about 15 to 60 km away from the river course on an average which was a
major political centre throughout medieval period. The ancient site of Paithan situated
at the distance of 50 km, Newasa is 80 km and Nashik is 200 km away from Girija
valley crossing point. The excavated site of Bhokardan in Jalna district was one major
settlement involved in trade and manufacturing during early historical period. The
ceramic assemblage and small size of settlements indicate that these were mostly non
urban habitats surviving on natural resources namely fertile black cotton soil and

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resources available from surrounding hilly landscape. Some of the settlements like Paal
and Doangargoan may have served as transit points on the trade route connecting
Pratishthan (modern Paithan, Maharashtra) to other trade centres like Ujjain in central
India and Asika (modern Adam, district Nagpur) in Vidarbha as indicated by presence
of marine shell bangles during historical period.

The presence of rock cut architecture in form of Pitalkhora and Ajanta Caves during
the early historical or Satvahana period along with number of habitation settlements
denote significance of this region, this continuation is also witnessed during Vakataka
period. Presence and continuity of occupation during Yadava period is indicated by
remains of temples in form of architectural members and sculptures. Under Bahamani
rule sites continued and their number also seems to have increased, during Mughal
period no architectural activity is witnessed in Girija valley however number of
settlements seems to have continued under Maratha and Asafjahi (Nizam of
Hydrabad) period. The present study is preliminary reporting of archaeological
findings from the Girija River bringing it to the notice of archaeologists and historians.
Further there is still scope of carrying out study on geoarchaeology of the region,
ceramic assemblage, settlement patterns etc.

Acknowledgments
Authors are thankful to Director General, Archaeological Survey of India for reviving
village to village survey scheme under which present explorations were carried out.
Thanks to Shri. Mayuresh Khadke and Ms. Snehal Kulkarni for assistance in
documentation work.

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