1907,1111.169

Find site description

General name for the whole of the debris area stretching north of Yurung-kash and Hanguya including an ancient fort and a temple (Kighillik), east of Khotan. When Stein visited the walls remained 8-15 foot high, which must have enclosed an area of 800 ft in diameter. With a circular rampart made of earth stamped loess measuring 50 ft at base and about 11 ft high. Signs of ancient fields outside. One Wuju Chinese coin but Stein suggests marks on bricks suggest kharosthi builders' marks, dating the site to 3rd-4th century.

Excavation history : The remains of Aksipil were visited in 1891 and 1892 by Dutreuil de Rhins and Grenard (see 'Mission D. de Rhins', iii. pp. 140 sq.), and by the Swedish missionary Högberg (see Hoernle, 'Report of C.-A. ant.', i. pp. xiv. sq.). Stein spent one day carrying out a survey of the site in April 1901.