[Pramāṇa](https://indike.org/pramana/) › [Studies](https://indike.org/pramana/ins) › [Science, technology and education](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.science) › [Minerals and Metals in Ancient India](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.science.biswas-1996) › v1.c19.s5.t1 # Minerals and Metals in Ancient India v1.c19.s5.t1: Terracotta Minerals and Metals in Ancient India v1.c19.s5.t1 - **Language:** English ### Terracotta ### [v1.c19.s5.t1.1](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.science.biswas-1996.v1.c19.s5.t1.1) Terracotta objects were apparently not popular during this period. Not a single terracotta human figure was found. Even animal figures are rare during this period at Atrañjikhera. They could possibly be connected with some ritual, and perhaps were not merely children toys. As for toys, terracotta balls were probably intended for children, while the game-pieces of various shapes used for a primitive class. Though wheels have been found, toy-carts are missing. This suggests that the wheels are probably spindle-whorls. Similarly other terracotta objects were made to meet the needs of life. These objects include stoppers of containers, reels, discs, net-sinkers, crucibles and clay-stands. ### [v1.c19.s5.t1.2](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.science.biswas-1996.v1.c19.s5.t1.2) In all, twenty-six terracotta beads have been recovered from the different phases of Period III. Sixteeen of them are broken or damaged. Generally, the beads are well-baked and eighteen of them are slipped. On the basis of their shapes, the beads may be divided broadly into eleven types. Apart from this, twelve beads of semi-precious stones have been recovered from the different levels of Period III. Out of these, six beads are broken or damaged. On the whole, the beads show a high order of workmanship and skill. Agate is represented by eight beads of different shapes including a small spherical etched bead. While carnelian is the material for another two beads, quartz is represented by a standard barrel triangular bead and marble by a short circular bead. Besides these finished beads, waste cores and raw material have also been found. ## Linked texts (1) - [Atranjikhera](https://indike.org/pramana/inp.site.atranjikhera) --- Source: [https://indike.org/pramana/ins.science.biswas-1996.v1.c19.s5.t1](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.science.biswas-1996.v1.c19.s5.t1) · Pramāṇa