An Encyclopaedia of Indian Archaeology v1.c25.s2: 20.2 Ink-pots
An Encyclopaedia of Indian Archaeology v1.c25.s2
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20.2 Ink-pots
v1.c25.s2.1
Archaeological evidence tends to show that metallic ink-pots were introduced in the subcontinent by the Greeks; the Śakas imitated them in terracotta. In India the earliest ink-pots were in the shape of a ledged lid and hence the name 'ink-pot type of lid'. Some specimens recovered at AHICCHATRĀ contain traces of ink while a few examples from VAIŚĀLĪ have soot stains on the rim or inside. Thus it can be inferred that at least some of them, if not all, were used as ink-pots. These are generally made of fine to medium quality clay, bear a wash or slip and have a short rim, prominently splayed waist and a thick, flat or round base, though specimens having a flat base are more appropriate for ink-pots. They are dated between the 1st and 6th century.
v1.c25.s2.2
A vase-shaped ink-pot of bronze fixed on a pedestal has been recovered from NĀLANDĀ. Datable to the 8th to 10th century, it is decorated with Buddhist figures on the top of the rim. Indigenous ink-pots of various shapes are still used in India and are mostly of glass or terracotta and rarely of metal.