[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.s19.23 # An Encyclopaedia of Indian Archaeology v1.c9.s19.23 An Encyclopaedia of Indian Archaeology v1.c9.s19.23 - **Language:** English ### [v1.c9.s19.23](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.reference.ghosh-1989.v1.c9.s19.23) The archaeological data relating to the classical period indicate that most of them were akin to those of the Madhya-deśa, including the growth of artistic standardization both in ceramics and sculpture. However in the initial stages the cultural traits of the preceding age seem to have survived to a certain extent. The ceramic industry of this period is largely represented by red wares of diverse texture and fabric with plain utilitarian and ornate forms, besides kaolin pots. The principal types included the bowl, trough, vase, spouted vessel, globular jar, \*surāhī\*, sprinkler, incense-burner \[12.2\], knobbed lid, storage jar, etc. The RANG MAHAL ceramic tradition \[11.24\] perhaps continued for some time in the period with its varied wealth of painted decorations. However aesthetically significant were the moulded pots both in red ware and kaolin with diverse geometric and floral designs including rosettes, vine-creepers, some \*patra-latā\* patterns and zoomorphic depictions, besides those bearing embossed human figures like \*mithunas\*, \*kinnaras\*, Gaṅgā(?) and her descent from the matted locks of Śiva, Gaṇeśa with elephants and a female holding a vase with hands and other motifs. A solitary glazed sherd from the late levels of the period of NAGAR¹ indicates a restricted use of this industry. A few dabbers \[11.16\] from NAGAR¹ and SAMBHAR bear inscribed labels, possibly names of the owners, suggesting some kind of literacy amongst potters. - [Previous: v1.c9.s19.22](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.reference.ghosh-1989.v1.c9.s19.22) - [Next: v1.c9.s19.24](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.reference.ghosh-1989.v1.c9.s19.24) - [Up: v1.c9.s19](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.reference.ghosh-1989.v1.c9.s19) ## Linked texts (1) - [Sambhar](https://indike.org/pramana/inp.site.sambhar) --- Source: [https://indike.org/pramana/ins.reference.ghosh-1989.v1.c9.s19.23](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.reference.ghosh-1989.v1.c9.s19.23) · Pramāṇa