The discovery confirms Pune's importance during the Satavahaan period between 200 BC and 250 AD
The discovery confirms Pune's importance during the Satavahaan period between 200 BC and 250 AD
Pottery, some of it dating as far back as 200 BC, was uncovered during the foundation laying at a construction site in 723 Budhwar Peth yesterday. The discovery confirms Pune's importance during the Satavahaan period
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Unearthed: The artifacts that were found at the site will be handed over to Pune's museums |
(200 BC - 250 AD).
Paduranga Balkawade, a historian closely working with archeologists of Deccan College in Pune, said, "The pieces of pottery found here are often referred to as black and red pottery and black polished ware. Remains of a big plate, small water container as well as pieces of big urn mainly used to hoard grain have been unearthed. One pot, which has a spout, is an example of the advanced pottery skills of the ancient artisans who made it 1,000 years ago."
Balkawade added "Nine layers marking nine different eras of civilisation have been unearthed from the archeological mount at the site. The uppermost layer belonged to the 18th century, while the lowest dates to 100 BC."
He said, "Clearly, Pune was an important trade link between major cities like Junnar, Pratisthan (Paithan, the ancient capital of Satavahanas) to the ports n the Konkan region like Champavati or Chaul, Revati (also called Revasm), Nalasopara, Kalyan, Nagothane and Rajpuri."
Balkawade added, "As many important trade routes culminated at Pune, it enjoyed the status of being an importantu00a0 commercial hub during this period, when trade links were developed with the other civilisations in China, Mesopotamia, Rome and Greece." The artifacts found at the site will soon be handed over to Pune's museums.
History that was unearthed in PuneIn November last year, 847 coins were found at a construction site, of which 34 were gold mohars, dating back to the time of Mughal emperor Shah Jahan. The remaining 813 were Venetian ducats, which were used between the 13th and 18th century
1974: 1,519 sliver coins from the 2nd to 4th century AD were found at Rajangaon
1945: 460 silver and copper alloy coins dating back to the 12th century were discovered at Urali Kanchan
