An Encyclopaedia of Indian Archaeology v1.c9.s18.t4.11

v1.c9.s18.t4.11

Agriculture was the main occupation of the people. Quantities of husk and charred paddy from the earlier levels at TIRUKKAMPULIYUR, iron sickles, tips of ploughs etc., from the Megalithic burials [4.17.10] and the embankment of a reservoir with an inlet at KĀVERĪPŪMPAṬṬIṆAM supply evidence on the agricultural activities during the period. The agrarian community was supported by subsidiary industries such as pottery, weaving and dyeing, metal-working, etc. besides the imported and imitation Roman wares such as of the Black-and-red Ware [11.15.3], the Russet-coated Painted Ware [11.22] and the red-slipped ware, besides the imported and imitation Roman wares such as the Arretine [11.20], amphorae [11.19] and the Rouletted Ware [11.21] at a number of sites shows a perfected and sophisticated ceramic industry. The two dyeing vats of brick, one at ARIKAMEDU and the other at URAIYUR, and a bunch of silk thread found at TIRUKKAMPULIYUR, of a slightly later date, would prove the practice of weaving and dyeing during the period. Knowledge of metallurgy had advanced considerably and iron, copper, tin, silver and gold were known. The metal objects included weapons of war, household articles, objects of ornamentation, miscellaneous objects and coins. Objects of gold are not available.