An Encyclopaedia of Indian Archaeology v1.c11.s15: 6.15 Needles
An Encyclopaedia of Indian Archaeology v1.c11.s15
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6.15 Needles
v1.c11.s15.1
Needles—round and oblong pins of various sizes, with one end pointed and the other thick and perforated—are mainly used for stitching. The first evidence of needles in India is reported from the Neolithic [4.6] levels at BURZAHOM, CHIRAND, and BAGOR.
v1.c11.s15.2
Needles have also been found at Harappa. At LOTHAL a mould for manufacturing needles has been noticed. LOTHAL has also a needle with the hole at the working end. From the post-Harappa times down to the end of the Mauryan period needles conforming to the above definition are conspicuous by their absence. Sculptural remains at Sanchi, Sarnath and Mathura however reveal the evidence of stitched garments worn by foreign rulers and soldiers, thereby suggesting the continued use of needles.
v1.c11.s15.3
For sites see respective entries in vol. II.—R.P. SHARMA