The Personality of India: Pre- and Proto-historic Foundation of India and Pakistan c17.s1: The Problem
The Personality of India: Pre- and Proto-historic Foundation of India and Pakistan c17.s1
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The Problem
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In this appendix, it is proposed to discuss certain general problems arising out of our recent studies in India regarding this crucial ceramic type, hitherto described loosely as the ‘Megalithic pottery.’ The most characteristic feature of this ware is its method of firing in the kiln. Since it is placed in an inverted position, the interior and a portion of the exterior at the top turn black due to firing under reduction. A pottery with a similar technique, but chronologically very early in Pre-Dynastic Egypt and other parts of Western Asia, is described as the ‘Black-topped ware’. For well over a century, this black-and-red ware, as it is popularly known in Indian archaeological literature, was being exposed or excavated from the hundreds of megalithic burials all over South India and hence it was designated megalithic ware. But within the last five years, and specially after the large scale excavations at Maheshvar-Navda Toli (1952-53), followed by Nagda, Ujjain, Somnath, Nevasa, Bahal, its occurrence with the iron in the Pre-N.B.P. levels, and its occurrence outside the so-called megalithic areas (where megaliths are not known to occur), have given rise to a lively controversy.
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A second complication was the discovery of a painted variety of this ware in the Chalcolithic levels at Navda Toli again started a new line. Besides by its first recognition at Rangpur, now we know that its epi-centre is in the Chambal basin in Eastern Rajasthan. At Ahar, we have nearly 20 feet deposits of this ware. It was noticed at Nagda and Lothal in the earliest levels under the mud-brick platforms. This discovery gave fresh food for thought and its relation (1) to the local wares of the site, where it occurs in small quantities and (2) to the succeeding Iron Age pottery of the Early Historic period came into lime light. Hence it gave rise to the following questions :
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1. Whether it is just a resemblance in technique without any other cultural and chronological implications,
2. or, whether the whole ceramic group belongs to a single complex,
3. and if so, the relation of these Chalcolithic to the Historic wares.
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Before trying to answer these questions, it should be noted, that there are serious gaps in our knowledge about the true character and origin of this pottery. At the last Symposium, held under the auspices of the Department of Archaeology, Government of India, some attention was paid to the Chalcolithic or Proto-historic black-and-red wares. But pending the publication of the entire range of forms and patterns, it will be premature to attempt any dogmatic reply to the problems posed above. In this appendix, the writer expresses his personal views in the matter.