An Encyclopaedia of Indian Archaeology v1.c21.s4.1

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.