An Encyclopaedia of Indian Archaeology v1.c17.s4.1

v1.c17.s4.1

Archaeological evidence of the disposal of the dead in India comes from habitational areas as well as cemeteries. The body was either cremated or inhumated. When cremated the ashes were collected, sometimes in earthen pots; and buried; when inhumated, the entire body or a collection of post-exposure disarticulated bones was buried. In both the cases the disposal was done in various ways, depending on the social status of the dead person and in accordance with the prevailing religious beliefs and practices.