[Pramāṇa](https://indike.org/pramana/) › [Studies](https://indike.org/pramana/ins) › [Reference works](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.reference) › [An Encyclopaedia of Indian Archaeology](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.reference.ghosh-1989) › v1.c25.s2 # An Encyclopaedia of Indian Archaeology v1.c25.s2: 20.2 Ink-pots An Encyclopaedia of Indian Archaeology v1.c25.s2 - **Language:** English ### 20.2 Ink-pots ### [v1.c25.s2.1](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.reference.ghosh-1989.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](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.reference.ghosh-1989.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. ## Linked texts (3) - [Ahicchatra](https://indike.org/pramana/inp.site.ahichchhatra) - [Vaiśālī](https://indike.org/pramana/inp.site.vaisali) - [Nālandā](https://indike.org/pramana/inp.site.nalanda) --- Source: [https://indike.org/pramana/ins.reference.ghosh-1989.v1.c25.s2](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.reference.ghosh-1989.v1.c25.s2) · Pramāṇa