[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.c9.s16.1 # An Encyclopaedia of Indian Archaeology v1.c9.s16.1 An Encyclopaedia of Indian Archaeology v1.c9.s16.1 - **Language:** English ### [v1.c9.s16.1](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.reference.ghosh-1989.v1.c9.s16.1) Before the beginning of the early historical period in c. 600 B.C. there were four iron-using centres within the limits of present-day India: (1) the Indo-Ganga divide and the doab (first iron in the PGW levels \[4.15\] of the region); (2) c. India, particularly Malwa (first iron in the post-Chalcolithic \[4.14.5\] but pre-NBPW stage); (3) the middle and lower Ganga valleys (same as the preceding); and (4) s. India, particularly Karnataka (first dated iron in the Megalithic context \[4.17.8\] at HALLUR). Technology and origin are discussed at the end. - [Previous: v1.c9.s15.7](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.reference.ghosh-1989.v1.c9.s15.7) - [Next: v1.c9.s16.2](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.reference.ghosh-1989.v1.c9.s16.2) - [Up: v1.c9.s16](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.reference.ghosh-1989.v1.c9.s16) --- Source: [https://indike.org/pramana/ins.reference.ghosh-1989.v1.c9.s16.1](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.reference.ghosh-1989.v1.c9.s16.1) · Pramāṇa