Uren

The modern village of Uren (Urain) falls within Surajgarha Block of District Lakhisarai, Bihar. It is located at a distance of approximately 160km from Patna, the state capital and approximately 30km from Lakhisarai, the district headquarter. Uren lies to the south of Jamalpur-Kiul rail line. In order to unveil the antiquity of human occupation in the South Bihar plains, Excavation Branch III Patna, Bihar of the archaeological Survey of India initiated archaeological investigations through excavation at Uren and explorations in and around the site.

In course of excavation, preliminary study of the cultural deposits shows that the site was first inhabited during the BRW phase followed by pre-NBPW, NBPW, Sunga-Kushana, Gupta and post-Gupta and Pala periods. The Pala period was without doubt the most flourishing phase in the history of the site. Available evidence suggests the existence of a flourishing Buddhist establishment at the site.

At this site two associated structures were excavated. The first structure, though heavily robbed appears to be circular in nature. The extant portion of the structure shows that the interior was made up of brickbats while exterior was veneered with complete bricks. 11 courses of bricks were exposed along with its foundation. A running wall made of brick is found at the site. Mud mortar was the binding material in the wall. A brick-built well was also found in association with the east-west wall.

The cultural matrix of the earliest inhabitants of the site is marked by the presence of the distinctive Black-and-Red Ware (BRW) associated with Black Slipped Ware (BSW) and Red Ware (RW), few sherds of Black ware (BW) have also been found.

Among the recovered antiquities mention maybe made of terracotta objects like seals, beads, hopscotches, wheel, human and animal figurines; copper antimony rod, bone points, a solitary stone celt and architectural members.