History of Technology in India, Vol. I: From Antiquity to c. 1200 A.D. v1.c20.s3.t1.13

v1.c20.s3.t1.13

In this context, it is noteworthy that the polished stone surfaces of many of the Sanci stupas were reddened with a translucent stain which has the advantage of not obscuring the texture of the stone or the delicate details of the carvings. Sanci paintings on walls have been found to be made by mixing red ochre with lime-wash to give red or *geruka* (brownish yellow) colour (Ray, pp. 77-78). Red lead or minium has also been found as an ingredient for the application of red paint. Excavations at Arikamedu in the 1st and 2nd century A.D. have brought out potteries with burnished slips and some of them are glazed. The polished bright red slip has been identified as haematite. A slip of ferruginous clay was also applied to some (Ray, p. 83)