An Encyclopaedia of Indian Archaeology v1.c21.s12.8

v1.c21.s12.8

The *gajaput* fire consists of a pit of about 90 cubic cm. At the bottom it is closely packed with cow-dung cakes up to a height of 20 to 30 cm. The sealed jar is placed at the centre of the pit above the cow-dung cakes. It is then fully surrounded with cow-dung cakes and excess cakes are piled up above the pit. It is then set fire to and allowed to burn first slowly for a few hours, and then with strong intense fire for 8 to 12 hours. Within the jar the pottery is baked in a reducing atmosphere of excess carbon monoxide. Under the reducing condition the pottery develops a black surface finish.