The Enigmatic Mushtikas and the Associated Triangular Terracotta Cakes: Some Observations

For over four decades, now, mushtikas and its common associate, thetriangular terracotta cakes have been believed to be part of ‘fire altars’. This is, inspite of the fact that, either or both of these have been found from hearths, ovens,kilns, as flooring material, on walls, in passages, streets, bathrooms and thereforeobviously near commodes. Further, the great variety of central stele and constructionmaterial, size and shape, materials found within ‘fire altars’ suggest that, all theabove were devoid of religious symbolism and used to achieve domestic or industrialobjectives. The cakes being primarily associated with run of the mill economicactivities ended up in diverse and defiling contexts. However, like many cultures acrosstime and space Harappans may also have used the medium of fire for offering sacrifices.Therefore the existence of ‘fire altars’ is not denied as such, but these then shouldnot have the ubiquitous cakes, at the least