An Encyclopaedia of Indian Archaeology v1.c9.s19.t3.30

v1.c9.s19.t3.30

Archaeologically the period witnessed the straggling continuation of the ceramics of the early historical period [4.18.10], albeit in a degenerate form. Thus the pottery in the Kaveri basin right from Koṅgu-nāḍu to Coḻamaṇḍalam and Paṇḍimaṇḍalam consisted of the Russet-coated Painted Ware [11.22] with the usual painted pattern, crude degenerate Black-and-red Ware [11.15.3] (not found in Koṅgu-nāḍu) and slipped wares in red black and brown colours, some of the red wares bearing paintings in black pigment. Besides an unslipped dull red ware including a thick variety is also available. In the Koṅgu country, in late levels appears a new ceramic-blackish grey in colour and bearing stamped and incised designs. In the provincial capital of Kāñchī (KANCHIPURAM), however, locally made amphorae [11.19] continue along with a fine red and orangeslipped wares. The Rouletted Ware [11.21] is absent. The shapes in general are mainly utilitarian, such as the bowl, dish, globular pot, carinated cooking vessel, storage jar, etc. Paintings on the Russet-coated Pained Ware comprise mostly linear and geometric patterns. Incised and stamped designs consist of linear, geometric and floral patterns, viz., bands of lines, criss-cross forming diamonds, herring-bone, etc. An annular rubble structure with rammed brickbat floor and brick cistern are some of the structural vestiges. Earlier brick structures of religious import continued to be repaired and flourish. The personal ornaments consist of beads of semiprecious stones, glass, terracotta and paste and bangles of glass and shell. Gold was also used for ornaments. The other antiquities include terracotta toys, human and animal figurines, copper antimony rods [18.1], nails and rings of iron, etc., the last being mostly of household utility.