The archeologists of Deccan College in Pune on Sunday found broken pieces of ancient pottery and utensils, which according to the researchers is over 2000 years old. The archeologists found the ancient objects at a construction site in Budhwar Peth, where an old wada existed, where digging work for foundation was going on.      

The archeologists told that the ancient findings indicate that Pune city was an acknowledged trade hub two thousand years ago. Pandurang Balkawade, the historian studying the city's historical past and working with archeologists, said, “They are the oldest ever found in the city which indicate that the city was a trade center at that time.”

Balkawade told that the ancient objects, found from 15 to 20 ft deep trench at Budhwar Peth area, appear to be belonging to the period of the Satvahan king dynasty. He told that the found ancient objects include broken pieces of terracotta, black and red pottery, polished pottery, cooking and food storage vessels. The utensils were found in the old part of the city, which is on the bank of Mutha river.   

Balkawade 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.”

“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,” Balkawade added.

Balkawade told that similar things were found in Kasaba Peth area of Pune a few years ago, and after carbon dating method, it was confirmed that the things belonged to the Satvahan king dynasty period. The earlier objects have been stored in the Deccan College’s museum. He said that the same method will be used to destermine the age and historic period of the recently found objects. Balkawade and the researchers including Pravin Patil, Abhay Kale and Amol Bankar are studying the broken pieces of ancient pottery and utensils.