An Encyclopaedia of Indian Archaeology v2.c29.97

v2.c29.97

Pd II (c. 600-300 B.C.) marked a complete change in the life-pattern of the site with the emergence of iron and of the black-and-red ware with its variants in which the red was replaced by buff or cream. The ware had a highly burnished surface, and the bowl with featureless rim and the shallow dish were the common shapes. The shapes in the associated red ware of gritty core were the globular jar and carinated *hāṇḍī*. In addition there were highly polished faceted beads of carnelian, jasper, crystal and opal and large cylindrical ear ornaments of agate with mirror-like polish. The iron objects were represented by spearheads, arrowheads, knives, daggers, sickles, etc., indicating an agricultural community living at the site and tilling the rich soil in the Tapti valley. The Pd II had three structural Sub-pds indicated by post-holes at short intervals, suggesting modest timber-built huts. Legged querns and pestles [6.19], of which a large number were found, and charred grains, probably rich and millet, pointed limitedly to the food-habits of the contemporary people.