An Encyclopaedia of Indian Archaeology v1.c9.s18.35

v1.c9.s18.35

Copper, already in vogue, continued in use along with iron during the period, being mainly used for preparing toilet objects and ornaments. Objects like nail-pairers, antimony rods [18.1], bracelets, ear rings, brooches, needles, pins, pendants and bangles have been reported from various sites. Of particular interest is the occurrence at ŚRĀVASTĪ Pd II (300-50 B.C.) of a copper bangle with interlaced knots. Of exquisite workmanship, the object is identical with the one recovered from Mauryan levels of Taxila. Copper continued to be used for agricultural purposes perhaps in a limited way—a handled cap of a sickle has been reported from HASTINĀPURA Pd III. It was also used as building material: hooked pins, nails, etc., have been reported from the same site.