[Pramāṇa](https://indike.org/pramana/) › [Studies](https://indike.org/pramana/ins) › [Reference works](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.reference) › [An Encyclopaedia of Indian Archaeology](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.reference.ghosh-1989) › v1.c11.s17.1 # An Encyclopaedia of Indian Archaeology v1.c11.s17.1 An Encyclopaedia of Indian Archaeology v1.c11.s17.1 - **Language:** English ### [v1.c11.s17.1](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.reference.ghosh-1989.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. - [Previous: v1.c11.s16.3](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.reference.ghosh-1989.v1.c11.s16.3) - [Next: v1.c11.s17.2](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.reference.ghosh-1989.v1.c11.s17.2) - [Up: v1.c11.s17](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.reference.ghosh-1989.v1.c11.s17) ## Linked texts (5) - [Kālībangan](https://indike.org/pramana/inp.site.kalibangan) - [Burzahom](https://indike.org/pramana/inp.site.burzahom) - [Chirand](https://indike.org/pramana/inp.site.chirand) - [Gilund](https://indike.org/pramana/inp.site.gilund) - [Sarai-nahar-rai](https://indike.org/pramana/inp.site.sarai-nahar-rai) --- Source: [https://indike.org/pramana/ins.reference.ghosh-1989.v1.c11.s17.1](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.reference.ghosh-1989.v1.c11.s17.1) · Pramāṇa