An Encyclopaedia of Indian Archaeology v1.c16.s15.t2.12

v1.c16.s15.t2.12

Graffiti scratched on pots with a sharp tool before and rarely after firing are found on all wares and types, usually on the outside and occasionally inside. These are not restricted to any tomb or burial type and even to the Megalithic culture itself [20.1]. What they represent is still enigmatic. They have been variously thought to represent the owner's/potter's mark, signs from which the Brāhmī script was developed, symbols of punch-marked coins [3.1], etc. A comparative study of graffiti of the Chalcolithic and Megalithic cultures reveal that out of 61, 47 are common to both. The usual symbols are simple arrows, chevrons (connected or disconnected), double 'U's, turned 'N's, vertical lines, combinations of vertical and horizontal lines, ladders, door-jambs with lintel, trees, stylized animals, etc.