An Encyclopaedia of Indian Archaeology v1.c11.s16: 6.16 Net-sinkers
An Encyclopaedia of Indian Archaeology v1.c11.s16
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6.16 Net-sinkers
v1.c11.s16.1
Net-sinkers are heavy, perforated metal, stone or terracotta objects used as weight at one end of the fishing net to keep that end under water, the other end being kept floating with the help of light-weight floaters. There are two main varieties of net-sinkers: (1) annular bead-shaped, and (2) perforated disc-shaped. Both varieties have been found at Mohenjo-daro, Chanhudaro, KALIBANGAN and LOTHAL—all Harappa [4.9] sites. From the Neolithic [4.6.1] site of BURZAHOM oblong terracotta net-sinkers, with one end pointed and the other grooved, have been recovered. Fragmentary terracotta net-sinkers occur in the OCW [4.12] levels at LAL QILA. At ARIKAMEDU the second variety has been found in plenty. Other sites are KĀVERĪPAṬṬINAM and many sites in n. India, such as KAUSĀMBĪ, RAJGHAT⁴ and PĀṬALIPUTRA.
v1.c11.s16.2
Outside the subcontinent the first type, fashioned out of pebbles, is reported from Al 'Ubaid, and the second along with the remains of a fishing net, from Khafaja, both in Iraq.
v1.c11.s16.3
Mackay, E.J.H.. 1983, *Further Excavations at Mohenjo-daro*, Delhi, 1, pp. 435, 641; 1943, *Chanhu-daro Excavations 1935-36*, New Haven, pp 168, 221. For sites see respective entries in vol. II.—R.P. SHARMA