An Encyclopaedia of Indian Archaeology v1.c21.s4: 16.4 Crucibles
An Encyclopaedia of Indian Archaeology v1.c21.s4
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16.4 Crucibles
v1.c21.s4.1
The crucible is a heart-resistant container used for smelting and making glass as also for converting wrought iron into wootz steel in the crucible process. Specimens have been reported from a number of sites right from the Harappa period, though there hasbeen no specialized study on them. Thick-walled, they include conical, cylindrical, oval, cup-shaped, squat and broad forms, their heights ranging from 24 to 164 mm and maximum diameters from 24 to 57 mm. Their surfaces are often vitrified and enamelled, evidencing their use in smelting operations. Some have metalliferous and glassy residues sticking to them. Metallic crucibles are also known; an iron specimen datable to the 3rd century B.C. has been reported from SAMBHAR.
v1.c21.s4.2
While crucibles ahve been reported from many sites, details are available of the following: LOTHAL, Harappa [4.9]: height 164 mm, diameter 56 mm, fair-sized, deep, from the so-called industrial area; AHAR², Pd I B, Chalcolithic [4.14.1]: height 77 mm, diameter 48 mm; INAMGAON, Chalcolithic [4.14.6]: height 75 mm, diameter 35 mm; NASIK, Pd II A, early historical: height 43 mm, diameter 31 mm; NEVASA, Pds IV, V and VI, early historical: three intact specimens, maximum height 130 mm and maximum diameter 57 mm; SHAMALAJI, early historical: a large number, maximum height 112 mm, and a tuyre measuring 133 × 57 mm; and MAHESHWAR, early historical: height 24 mm, diameter 42 mm, a shallow specimen.
v1.c21.s4.3
In addition crucibles are reported from LAL QILA, OCW [4.12], TAKALGHAT, Megalithic [4.17.8], UJJAIN, Pd II, where a large number of specimens along with contraptions for blowing air have been noticed, NAGARJUNAKONDA, *c.* A.D. 300, DEVNIMORI, A.D. 400, Kanheri, A.D. 500, etc.
v1.c21.s4.4
For sites see respective entries in vol. II.—H.C. BHARDWAJ