An Encyclopaedia of Indian Archaeology v1.c16.s1.5

v1.c16.s1.5

*11.1.3 The middle Ganga region.* In the middle Ganga valley CHIRAND is the only known site with a Neolithic deposit [4.6.4]. The Neolithic pottery of the site has a coarse to medium fabric, the clay mixed with mica and sand. It is generally handmade, specimens made by the turntable method being very rare. It is a predominantly red ware industry, although examples of grey, pale yellow, black and black-and-red wares are not altogether lacking. It is significant that the types in the black-and-red ware are different from their Chalcolithic [11.6.4] counterpart. Numerous pots of grey ware show lustrous burnishing on their exterior, but their interior is usually rough and hard-brushed. The variety of types shows a clearly developed stage: for example the vase with broad mouth and narrow neck; the spouted vase; the vase with rusticated base; the bowl, including lipped one; the perforated bowl; the footed bowl; the oval bowl with broad lip; the bowl-with-stand; the 'begging' bowl; the footed cup; the channel spout; the miniature pot; the spoon or ladle; a knobbed sherd (shape unascertainable); the miniature handmade dish in red ware with double perforation at four points representing a toy balance, etc. The neck portion of the vase usually has an applied decoration which conceals the luting of the neck with the body. Specimens with mat impression and post-firing graffiti are also present. Some vessels show applied notch-designs and engravings. Painted specimens and slipped and plain sherds are also not lacking. Post-firing paintings in ochre colour are usually noticed on blackish-grey bowls and a few black-and-red pieces but rarely on red ware specimens. The common painted designs include the cross, concentric semicircles, wavy lines and dots.