An Encyclopaedia of Indian Archaeology v1.c11.s17.1

v1.c11.s17.1

The earliest specimens of ovens come from SARAI NAHAR RAI (Mesolithic [4.5], ¹⁴C date 8395 ± 110 ʙᴄ ). They are oblong or circular on plan, with burnt clay lump and animal bones, charred and uncharred. In the dwelling pits of BURZAHOM (Neolithic [4.6.1]) clay- or stone-lined hearths are found in the centre located on raised platforms and with ashes, charcoal and burnt clay. In one case three hearths appear in a row. In the late Neolithic [4.6.4] phase of CHIRAND a series of open longitudinal ovens is laid on circular floors. Similar hearths continue in the Chalcolithic [4.14.3] levels of the same place. Circular hearths are also reported in Neolithic [4.6.9] levels at HALLUR. At KALIBANGAN (Harappa [4.9]) within each house are found ovens both underground and overground, resembling modern tandurs in that region; the former have mud-plastered walls, and the latter, also with mud walls perhaps plastered, have bridged side-opening for feeding fuel Similar ovens are also found at SANGHOL in the late Harappa [4.10] times. At GILUND ovens have whitewashed exteriors. Large hearths with a unit of two or four cooking positions are common at AHAR⁴; they are laid on a square platform decorated with depressed chevrons.