Early India and Pakistan to Ashoka c8.103

c8.103

The microlithic phase at Nāsik ended characteristically with the introduction of iron, though an intervening 'weathered horizon', of uncertain implication, is recorded. The Iron Age occupation was marked by iron spearheads, arrowheads, knives, choppers and caltrops, by four-legged saddle querns and pottery-ringed soakpits, and by N.B.P. and Black-and-red Wares. Traces of mud-walled houses were identified, but their plans are unknown. Above this phase come Russet coated (‘Āndhra’) wares and ‘sprinklers’ of red polished pottery, all characteristic of the 1st century A.D.