Textural Analysis of Soil Deposits from Archaeological Sites: Paturda and Bhon, District Buldhana, Maharashtra

Soil texture is a key factor influencing the formation and characteristics of soil deposits. Defined by the relative proportions of sand, silt, and clay, soil texture provides critical insights into the depositional environment. In archaeological contexts, the textural analysis of ancient soil layers significantly aids in understanding the processes that contributed to site formation. This study focuses on the soil texture of deposits from two significant archaeological sites in Sangrampur Taluka, Buldhana District, Maharashtra—namely, the Early Historic site of Bhon and the Early Medieval site of Paturda. A total of 54 soil samples were collected and analyzed using the international pipette method to determine their textural composition. Both sites are strategically located along the banks of the Purna River, suggesting a strong geomorphological influence on soil deposition. The findings reveal that the archaeological deposits predominantly exhibit a silty loam texture, indicating the contribution of riverine alluvium in their formation. In contrast, the virgin and modern surface soils from the region are characterized by a silt texture, highlighting variations in depositional processes over time.