The archaeological inquiries in Trans-Salt Range Zone of northern Punjab, Pakistan have unveiled the multifaceted data for the cultural development of the Early Harappan-Kot Diji phase of Indus Civilization during third millennium BC. Up until now, the urbanism of Indus Civilization is missing in the area while absolute dating at Sarai Khola, Jhang-Bahater & Hathial, has shown that Kot Diji phase has evolved in the Trans-Salt Range Zone parallel to Harappan phase of Indus Plains. The latterly found Kot Diji phase Mohra site in the area further strengthens this cultural phenomenon. This article will propose the data for the late development of Kot Diji phase at Mohra and its connection to other adjacent sites in a more wide spread context.

We have evaluated the proto-indica model that is the proponent of multiple domestication of rice but a single origin of the key genes in japonica. Attainment of non-shattering, a marker; appeared least integral to the initial phases of domestication. The other archeological determinants were less discernible in specimens. Existence of the key domestication genes in the wild rice and absence of introgression signature in indica further weakened the hypothesis. Moreover, japonica introduction from China happened in a backdrop of a culture exploiting domesticated rice. Summarizing, we propose that proto-indica model has a little bearing on rice domestication.

Stable isotopes of lighter elements are frequently used to understand diet and ecology of ancient population in the western world. In India however, in spite of the infrastructure being available for stable isotope analysis, its usage to date is limited to geological and oceanographical studies. Its applications in investigating archaeological questions are still uncommon. Stable isotopes can be used to satisfy various hypotheses pertaining to an archaeological site in multiple ways. In this article, taking two recent stable isotope studies into consideration (one based on human teeth and another on faunal teeth), the scope and limitations of use of stable isotope analysis in archaeology are extended in detail. The differences in selection of samples, sampling procedures, methodologies and interpretations while working on human as against faunal teeth are discussed discretely. Publisher's note: The citations and reference for Kalwankar (2013) were originally published with the incorrect date, and they have been corrected on 25/09/2020.

Fresh investigation carried out in the southern part of Bonaigarh subdivision of Sundargarh district, Odisha, brought to light some very significant dimensions of lithic celt production sites located in the village Sulabhdih and its surrounding region. Not only valley floors and foothills, but slope and top of hills were also utilized for mass production of semi-finished celts, particularly chisels and adzes. Our study suggests that mass production of these craft specialized semi-finished items were probably intended for not only local use at settlement areas where these were further modified into finished products, but these were presumably transported to different regions of highland Odisha and also beyond through trade and/or exchange network. Although no datable material could be recovered during our limited section scrapping, keeping in view available dates from within Odisha, Jharkhand and Karnataka, these sites are tentatively dated to the beginning of second millennium BCE. The present paper intends to bring out some new aspects of celt production in the southern part of Bonaigarh subdivision, hitherto unknown in Odisha and other parts of the sub-continent.

Narada is one of the most admired characters in ancient Indian literature and mythology. He has been associated with numerous aspects of Indian life like music, architecture, art, law, justice, storytelling, agriculture and devotion. This versatile and adroit nature of Narada made him very popular among different ethnic, linguistic, religious groups and geographical regions of India. This paper is an attempt to document the sculptural depictions of Narada across the country and to identify and designate its iconographical features. The authors have tried to understand the regional varieties among the sculptural illustrations of Narada. This paper also looks into the symbolism behind the attributes and icons of Narada in view of the regional variations in legends and mythologies.

Studies on the history of Satpanth (literally. true path) tradition of Ismā’īlīsm are extremely rare. The Institute ofIsmaili Studies (IIS), London, which is globally renownedas the publication hub of Ismā’īlī studies, has failed tocompile even a single petite volume on this subject. Thematter becomes crystal clear when a glance is thrown atefforts by individual scholars like Dr. G. A. Allana, whohave tirelessly worked to compile whatsoever knowledgethey could afford in the form of various books. Publishedin 2010 by Mehran Publishers, Karachi, the book Ismā’īlīMovement in Sindh, Multan and Gujrat is one of the masterpieces inscribed by Dr. G. A. Allana. Available at economical rates, this book is a fascinating read for all thosewho wish to extend their knowledge about the origin, evolution and historical development of the Ismā’īlī traditionacross South Asian regions.