Excavation at Ahichhatra, District Bareilly, Uttar Pradesh:

The archaeology excavation at the Ahichhatra has been carried out in 2007-08 and 2008-09 sessions by the Agra Circle of the Survey.

The site has yielded fresh evidence of the Painted Grey Ware (PGW) to the Early Medieval period. A fresh light has been thrown on the extension of the settlement beyond the fortification wall.

Apart from the structures belonging to various periods, the excavation has also yielded a variety of antiquities important amongst which are the coins of Achyu (ta), the king mentioned in the Prayag Prashasti of Samudragupta. Other important coins are of Phalgunimitra, Bhanumitra, Agnimitra, etc.

Other finds include tubular amulets, antimony rods, inscribed object of copper, beads of semiprecious stones including carnelian, quartz, amethyst, garnet, chert, etc., spools/ear-studs of lead, and a few punch-marked coins of silver and copper-silver alloy.

Painted Grey Ware (PGW) sherds were recovered in association with red ware, plain or mica dusted and basket or chord impressed pottery. A lot of animal bones were found within the cultural deposit. A considerable amount of charred grains of different varieties are also present at the site. The archaeology excavation yielded a total deposit of 3.4m so far.