Moti Chher is located in Lakhpat taluka of the Kachchh district of Gujarat. The dune formation is still active on the site. Lakhpat is located near the Arabian Sea and was once one of the most important ports on the vast Kori Creek, which runs between Makra and Saleh. The site was discovered and investigated for the first time by Department of Archaeology, University of Kerala.

Two distinct cultural contexts were discovered; the earliest habitation was early historic, and the latter was mediaeval. The site was 600 X 600 meters in size and had an approximately 7-meter thick deposit, making it a highly disturbed area due to both natural and human activities. There are clear signs of sand dune formation and soil removal for construction purposes. The eroded areas are visible as a result of tidal action, i.e., rise and fall in water levels. Some structural remains were discovered during the explorations and are visible in the sections. There are heaps of stone rubbles stored in numerous areas, which is a recent anthropogenic activity for the reuse of stones.

Various types of ceramics were discovered, including Red Polished Ware, Red Ware, Grey Ware, and Black Ware. Iron items and other signs of iron working such as tuyere and slag, shells and shell objects, copper objects, stone beads, grinding stones and hammerstones, bone objects, and terracotta pieces were among the other material that remains collected from the site.

The faunal remnants of goat and cattle-sized animals, as well as fish, were collected in large numbers. The site’s evidence suggests that the area was a densely populated, prospering township during the historic to mediaeval periods and that it likely played an important role in trade between Gujarat and the Sind region.

Pottery

The investigation uncovered a wide range of ceramic artefacts like pottery fragments, beads, terracotta balls, discs, etc. Sherds of Red Polished Ware (RPW) (Figure 2.11) and sherds of Grey Ware consisting of rims, bases, and a few undiagnostic sherds were recovered from this site. Red polished ware is thin hard pottery with a fine, dense fabric that is free of impurities. It generally consists of bowls with in-turned rims, carinated pots, and a few lid sherds. These are manufactured on a wheel. This is comprised of a well-levigated paste. This site yielded a considerable amount of grey ware. Bowls were the most common vessel type. They were usually manufactured by hand and on a wheel. Almost all sherds had a slip, which is usually grey in colour. Grey ware featured no embellishments, though some of the sherds had grooved surfaces. The majority of sherds have a smooth, levelled surface.

Beads, balls, and discs made of terracotta are some of the various ceramic things. All these things are collected through the explorations. All of these items are extremely well-polished and well-preserved.

Exploration at Moti Chher in 2016