Page 11 - Citadel Book P I

Out of the 13 sondages conducted in Anuradhapura Citadel, clay artefacts found from
ASW1 87/88, AMP 88, AG 84/85, ADB 87/88 and ASM 89 were selected for constructing the
chronological sequence of the pottery as they were with the deepest deposits with the longest
time-spans. Revised radiocarbon dates were used as the basis for analysis.

Firstly, based on the stratigraphy of each excavation, the clay artefacts found in each
context were sequentially organized according to the main phases, sub-phases, and context
numbers. In this way, separate data tables were prepared in context order for each excavation.
These data tables were then cross-referenced, and separate data tables were created detailing
the clay object categories and clay ware categories found in each excavation.
The clay artefacts from ASW 1 87/88 were the first to be selected for analysis.
Regrettably, during the concluding phase of this work, the untimely demise of Dr.
Deraniyagala transpired. Following the established methodology for analyzing the clay
artefacts at ASW 1 87/88, the analysis of the clay artefacts from the subsequent 4 sondages
was progressed.

The stratigraphic description of the AMP 88 excavation, the stratigraphic section
drawing of the AG 84/85 excavation, and the stratigraphic descriptions and stratigraphic
section drawings of the ADB 87/88 and ASM 89 excavations could not be found among the
manuscripts of Dr. Deraniyagala and therefore could not be included here.

I extend my profound gratitude to Dr. Ranjith Bandara Dissanayake, Senior Lecturer,
Postgraduate Institute of Archaeology, University of Kelaniya, for his invaluable guidance in
these undertakings in the wake of Dr. Deraniyagala's passing. Additionally, I express my
heartfelt appreciation to Mrs. Eranya Deraniyagala, who has continuously encouraged and
supported the advancement of this work by assisting in the retrieval of essential documents
following her husband's demise.

Reshani Dharmawardene
Department of Archaeology
Sri Lanka
July, 2025

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