An Encyclopaedia of Indian Archaeology v1.c9.s19.5

v1.c9.s19.5

(i) Classical period. The period was marked by several new cultural traits indicated by specific pottery types and other materials like ornamental bricks, fineness of artistic manipulation in terracotta figures and sculptures, developments of temple forms and emergence of some new socio-cultural and religious institutions. The characteristic pottery of this age is marked by highly artistic moulded or stamped forms with interesting designs in relief and some vases painted especially with horizontal bands, besides usual utilitarian forms mainly in red ware. Embossed and applied decoration is also noticed on some pots. The main types comprise the jar, vase, *surāhī*, shallow and deep bowl, lid, cooking *hāṇḍī* and sprinkler. The last-named is available mostly in dull red ware but in some cases, especially from the large Gupta temple complex at BHITARI and RAJGHAT, in the Red Polished Ware [11.23] also. Probably the sprinkler was used as *bhṛṅgāra* or *kamaṇḍalu*. A significant feature of the decorative designs on the pottery is the popularity of animal and human motifs. Depiction of Gaṅgā on a sherd from Mathura and a jar shaped as a jackfruit from AHICCHATRĀ [also KASHIPUR and VIRBHADRA] deserve special mention as artistic manifestations of the potter's art. Some pots also show the use of mica dust or particles on them. The spouts in this period are simpler.