History of Technology in India, Vol. I: From Antiquity to c. 1200 A.D. v1.c26.s3.t4.1
History of Technology in India, Vol. I: From Antiquity to c. 1200 A.D. v1.c26.s3.t4.1
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v1.c26.s3.t4.1
*Oilseed crushing* : A charred lump of sesame seed was found in Harappa (Piggott, 1950, p.153), and carbonised *rai* (mustard) seeds in Chanhudaro (Visnu-Mittre, 1974, p. 3), so at least two oil- bearing seeds were known to the Harappans. They had copper frying pans with a lip (Mackay, 1938, II, Pl.71, Item 42, Plate 82, Item 11) and small stone querns for grinding spices. The body fat of various animals and fish, and that of milk, was likewise available. Since all the elements were present, it is quite probable that frying of food was practised. Animal fats would have risen to the top on boiling any flesh in water. Whether vegetable oils were also obtained in this way, or in any other, is not known.