N

Northern Black Polished Ware and traded to far off places from its place of origin, in Indian Archaeology: i.e., Ganga Yamuna doab. Thus it is of immense A Study of Spatial and importance in understanding the then culture con- Chronological Distribution tact and the societal hierarchy.

Alok Kumar Kanungo1,2, Chinmay Kulkarni3, Varad Ingle4 and Oishi Roy1 Definition 1Archaeological Sciences Centre, Indian Institute of Technology Gandhinagar, Gandhinagar, As NBPW was discovered for the first time from Gujarat, India the northern part of India; and due to its black color 2College of Humanities, Arts and Social Sciences, and polished/glazed appearance it was named as Flinders University, Adelaide, Australia Northern Black Polished Ware. Although the sur- 3Civil Engineering, Indian Institute of face color of 90% of NBPW borders around jet Technology Gandhinagar, Gandhinagar, Gujarat, black and brownish black, the remaining 10% India range between gold, gold-blue, silver, pink, 4Materials Science and Engineering, Indian brown black, steel blue, bronze, orange, purple, Institute of Technology Gandhinagar, deep red, violet, etc. Excavations at Kausambi Gandhinagar, Gujarat, India and Rajghat in Uttar Pradesh, Rajgir, Sonepur, Chirand, and Oriup in Bihar, Chandraketugarh, and Mangalkot in Bengal and several other sites Introduction yielded such varied NBPW sherds. Similarly the finds of NBPW is neither limited to north India nor Ceramics is the most abundantly found artefact at the polish and glaze has been consistent through- an archaeological site and is a useful tool in seriat- out. Agrawal (2009) rightly said, NBPW is an ing and co-relating cultural deposits. Furthermore it enigmatic ceramic and its very name is a bit anach- also aid in establishing relative chronologies. It acts ronistic because it is neither northern, nor polished, as a prime marker for a period of occupation and nor even black! In spite of this fact the frequency of the palaeontologist’s term “index fossil” was black shade and color is significantly higher than borrowed to describe a pottery type having a other shades and color, regarding, the term short vertical range, indicating a short period of “polished” used in its nomenclature it may be said manufacture. Northern Black Polished Ware that irrespective of shades and color its quality is (NBPW) is one such ceramics, which was pro- more or less constant wherever it is found. duced in limited quantity using a specifictechnique

© Springer Nature Switzerland AG 2021 C. Smith (ed.), Encyclopedia of Global Archaeology, https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-51726-1_3555-1 2 Northern Black Polished Ware in Indian Archaeology

Historical Background The introduction of repairing. Since these repair evidences are found NBPW marked the beginning of Second Urbani- even during the peak period of NBPW, it reflects zation in the Ganga plain and it coincides with that the repair cost would have been less than the Buddhist archaeology, introduction of coinage, cost of getting a new vessel (Rahman 1998: and art of writing in the middle Ganga plain. 75–93). In most probability NBPW had become (Middle Ganga Plain occupies the eastern portion an integral part of the then culture in the specified of the state of Uttar Pradesh and Bihar. It covers cultural zone whereas the production knowhow of about 600 km east-west and about 330 km north- the same had been kept secret among a few. Thus south direction. Its north and south boundaries are use of the same after repairing could have been the well defined by the Himalayan foothills and the method of recycling in the absence of the knowl- peninsular point respectively.) Hence, it marks a edge of production. Similar is the case of NBPW new era of not only in the field of ceramic industry manufactured in the form of figurines. NBPW but also in respect of ancient polity, formation of figurines is a rare occurrence and two such find states/Janpadas (Janapadas and Mahajanapadas was recovered from the site of Kopia (Sant Kabir were 16 kingdoms or oligarchic republic and can Nagar District, Uttar Pradesh) from NBPW level be dated to sixth to fifth century BCE, better (Kanungo 2013: 447–448, Fig. 1). known as Second Urbanization), socioeconomic and cultural history of Indian subcontinent. Well known archaeologist B.B. Lal (1975) has Chronology associated NBPW with Ramayana as “Deluxe Table Ware.” (Great Indian Epics comprise of A number of archaeological explorations and Ramayana and Mahabharata which were origi- excavations conducted in different parts of India nally composed as Kavyas /Prose in Sanskrit lan- have brought to light a number of sites yielding guage and later translated into many other Indian NBPW. Preceding and succeeding deposits of languages.) According to him the presence of NBPW exposed various types of potteries that “deluxe ware” coupled with the evidence of city helped archaeologists in framing chrono- architecture points to the royal supremacy stratigraphically position of cultural sequence in reigning in the Middle Ganga plains. Many a respect of ancient India. The pre-NBPW wheel scholar associates the ware with early Buddhism. thrown pottery types have been Ochre Colored Pot- (Buddhism is a spiritual order comprising of tra- tery (OCP) followed by Black-and-Red, Painted ditions, teachings, and practices based on the Grey Ware (PGW), and contemporary to NBPW principles of Gautama Buddha.) has been many led by Red lustrous/polished ware. What distinguishes NBPW from black-slipped PGW is approximately dated to 1200–800 BCE. ware is the sheen on its surface. The gloss and the The classical period of NBPW is between 700 and fabric reflect the usage of this type of pottery as a 200 BCE. For the next 200 years, it remained in deluxe ware. NBPW was highly valued, perhaps it circulation in a limited quantity and by 200 CE few was limited for elite usage, which is indicated by sherds of NBPW were found in places. The peak its limited and fragmentary finds. Some interested period of NBPW was 500–300 BCE. Even during finds are those of specimens where fragments the peak period, NBPW comprised only of about have been repaired with copper rivets, fillets, or 5% of the ceramic assemblage. During this period, pins. Ropar in Punjab, Bairat in Uttar Pradesh, and the bulk of the ceramic assemblage comprised of Sonepur, Juafardif, and Kumrahar in Bihar are PGW, plain grey ware, Fine Red Slipped Ware, some of the sites where such repaired NBPW are Red Slipped Ware, Red Ware, Fine Black Slipped found. This suggests that NBPW vessels with Ware, Black Slipped Ware, and Black and Red minor breakage were not usually thrown away Ware. In the late phase of NBPW, the associated after they had been damaged but were used after Northern Black Polished Ware in Indian Archaeology 3

Northern Black Polished Ware in Indian Archaeology: A Study of Spatial and Chronological Distribution, Fig. 1 A terracotta Ram from Kopia, with NBP Finish wares were of inferior quality which comprised of glaze, ranging in color from jet black to grey and a coarse grey ware, unslipped red ware, etc. metallic steel blue, occasionally varied with reddish NBPW has been reported in abundance in brown patches. They coined the ware as “Northern association with Punch marked coins and Black Polished Ware” and suggested the Ganga un-inscribed cast coins in the majority of the basin as its main center. Lal (1954–55: 50–52) excavated sites. The date of these coins is nor- gave more precise and detailed definition as mally between the sixth and second century BCE. NBPW having usually thin section, grey core, and distinctive glossy luster.

First Find and Features of NBPW Epicenter What is known as NBPW today, was first found by Sir John Marshall (1908: 59) in 1904–1905, at Though middle Ganga plain has been accepted as Sarnath near Varanasi, and thereafter, in the place of NBPW yet there have been contradic- 1909–1910 at Bhita near Allahabad (Marshall tory claims, regarding the epicenter of the ware. 1910: 40, 1911–12: 37–81). He described the While scholars like B.P. Sinha (1997), Sach- ware as fine Black Lustrous Ware. Marshall chidanand Sahay (1969) are of the view that the (1951: 432) and when similar ware was recovered epicenter of the ware would have been around from the lower level of the Bhir mound excavation Pataliputra (Patna) and, on the other hand, at Taxila, he classified this ware as Greek Black scholars like G.R. Sharma (1960) proposed Ware and was unsure about the origin of this ware. Kausambi as its epicenter. Even though early In 1946, Wheeler and Krishna Deva described its dates of NBPW come from Bihar but on the distinctive fabric, as made of fine levigated clay, basis of distribution Uttar Pradesh surpasses usually grey but sometimes reddish in section, Bihar. with a brilliantly burnished slip of the quality of 4 Northern Black Polished Ware in Indian Archaeology

Northern Black Polished Ware in Indian Archaeology: A Study of Spatial and Chronological Distribution, Fig. 2 A northern black polished ware dish, found at Kopia

Northern Black Polished Ware in Indian Archaeology: A Study of Spatial and Chronological Distribution, Fig. 3 Northern black polished ware set (G.G. Majumdar Collection)

NBPW Shapes dishes from the Indian subcontinent are cooked in this vessel.) Other shapes that have been reported NBPW does not include any large or heavy forms are bottle-necked or spouted jars, knobbed lids, but mostly confined to usual dining set and table saucers, small vases with varying rim forms and wares. The dominating shapes are dishes with conspicuous necks, and surahi. (An Indian clay inverted or straight sides; bowls with straight, pot with long neck usually used for storing liquid convex, corrugated or tapering sides; lids with such as water or alcohol.) flat terminal; and sharply carinated handis A general picture of shapes under this ware has (Figs. 2 and 3). (Handi is usually a deep, wide- been well documented and illustrated by Nigam mouthed cooking vessel, originating from the (1961:40–44). He described varied shapes of Indian subcontinent, specifically used in north 42 bowls, 12 dishes, 3 jars, 3 lids, 1 handi, India, Pakistan, and Bangladesh. Some specific 1 spout, 1 probable basin, a tumbler like vessel Northern Black Polished Ware in Indian Archaeology 5 having flaring mouth, and a few base fragment of practical knowledge about the techniques involv- stand. ing specific organic material(s), application of slip (s), and firing temperatures (in stages) but some- thing else which has been eluding us since the first NBPW Phases NBPW was encountered. Technologically, NBPW is among the finest Phases of NBPW period is divided, normally into pottery ever produced not only in ancient India two subperiods Early and Late (Roy 1983). Yet and South Asia, but also one of the best in the Sinha (1979, 1997) has divided the period of entire Old World. Turned on a fast wheel, it was fi NBPW into three subperiods, i.e., Phases A, B, red in a sagger-kiln at high to very high temper- and C. atures and cooled in a reduced atmosphere (Rowson 1953). It is made of fine-grained clay Phase A Early c. 700–350 BCE Good quality and and with almost negligible tempering material. NBPW variety of NBPW The gloss or surface coating used in the produc- Presence of tion of NBPW has been addressed through several miniature pots with incurved rim hypotheses; however, there is hardly any accepted and flat base theory about it (Agrawal 2009), three prominent Phase B Middle c. 350–230 BCE Mostly in black ones are: NBPW color Spread of ware to 1. NBPW contained ferruginous (iron oxide or various parts of the subcontinent, rust) compounds applied to their molds and such as in Deccan, then fired. The black color was formed once eastern Bengal, the compound got fired in a reducing condi- north-west India, tion. Magnetic iron oxide, liquid clay, hema- and Swat valley Carinated handis, tite, and a natural alkali were applied before pear shaped vases reduction firing. The glossy finish comes from and flat based the iron oxides and the rest contribute to the bowls are the shine. principal types Phase C Late c. 230–175 BCE With the end of 2. This condition (reduction) in the kiln has more NBPW the Mauryan fuel than air, thus lacking oxygen for complete dynasty, the vigor combustion. of the NBPW 3. Oil or plant juice was applied post firing the Culture-complex started pots, while they were still hot. disappearing The NBPW became of inferior Core and Fabric Classification quality and lustrous polish diminished On the basis of core, fabric and slip NBPW has been segregated as Deluxe, Semi-deluxe, and common varieties. Invariably the core is made of very fine well- Production Method levigated clay with little tempering material and it is of light grey color (post-firing). But in some Manufacture of NBPW required technological cases, reddish varieties have also been noticed. It know-how which we are unable to replicate even has a strikingly lustrous surface. The clinging after several attempts at experimental replication. sound which is marker of the metallic nature of It was not only the combinations of technical this ware is probably due to absence of any rem- knowhow of required temperatures but also anence of inorganic substances. 6 Northern Black Polished Ware in Indian Archaeology

Roy (1983) classified NBPW into five fabrics. most common types in this group were the sherds The same was later updated by Sinha (2001) and in which designs are executed in black against the Ahmed (2015): red, or red against the black without any overlap between the two. The other combinations of Fabric A Fabric is hard and compact; it is called colors were dark steel blue which was set off deluxe ware. Thin section, fine, hard and dense, and its surface is difficult to mark. against red, grey against light red, black against Shapes associated with this form are dark brown, and black against ash-grey (Roy corrugated or flanged bowls but no dishes. 1978–79: 108–109). The bichrome variety shares The type abounds in the early NBPW period all the features of the monochrome group, except Fabric B Fabric is not as hard and compact as that it shows a combination of two colors; these Fabric-A and sherds are comparatively thick and the glossy surface can be scratched with can be dark steel blue and deep red, grey and light a knife. At times it is tough to differentiate red, black and dark brown, black and brown, these sherds from Black-slipped Ware. But black and pale red, and black and ash grey. the shapes of the two, are totally different from one another. The notable shapes of this variety are dishes and a few bowls. Bowls are generally straight sided, carinated, and Painted NBPW sub ovaloid in shape Fabric C Below the shining black slip, red, buff or NBPW is sometime found with painted designs on orange yellow matt surface is visible. The slip itself peels off more easily than the other the surface with yellow and vermilion (e.g., types. The core of the pots remained red, Hastinapur, Kaushambi, Sravasti, and Lahuradeva unlike those of Fabric A and B where the in Uttar Pradesh and Bahal in Maharashtra). The core is grey painted motifs range from horizontal bands, ver- Fabric D Core of the sherds are usually black and red, tical strokes, vertical strokes coming out of a thin in section, and have lustrous finish similar to the fabric A and B. Only bowls horizontal band, transverse band or strokes, dots, and dishes are found in this fabric concentric circles, arches, loops to wavy lines Fabric E This is a coarser variety of NBPW. Section is executed in black, cream, blue, and dark brown thick, the surface is dull black or grey, and colors. In addition to painting, incised designs and fi rarely lustrous. It appears to have been red graffiti marks are also occasionally found at a lower temperature than other types and its surface could be described as a wash or on NBPW. self-slip. This is the coarsest of the NBPW assemblage which predominate the Late NBPW levels. The remarkable forms were Chronology of NBPW debased-small bowls and dishes in considerable proportion, and restricted number of vases, basins, and carinated Antiquity of NBPW is ever evolving. As of today handis the earliest date, i.e., 1200 BCE for NBPW is reported from the period II at the site of Juafardif in Nalanda district of Bihar (Saran et al. 2008). The NBPW period at Ayodhya (ASI 2003)is Bichrome NBPW assigned to c. 1003 to 300 BCE. However, on the basis of majority of dates and sites material The bichrome variety NBPW exhibits the combi- equipment, stratification and associated finds, nation of two colors. The designs in color are set Ahmed (2015) revised the accepted time bracket off against the other. These designs appear to have of seventh to second c. BCE to 700–50 BCE for been copied from PGW designs. Some sherds the NBPW with following chronology for earlier with horizontal division of the two colors have discussed fivefold fabric classification: been reported from Sravasti and Rajghat in Uttar Pradesh, and Champa and Manjhi in Bihar. The Stage I c. 700–600 BCE (continued) Northern Black Polished Ware in Indian Archaeology 7

excavation’s result, therefore information Stage II c. 600–500 BCE Stage III c. 500–400 BCE acquired to plot the maps must be used critically. fi Stage IV c. 400–200 BCE However, in most cases, the nal reports have not Stage V c. 200–50 BCE yet seen the light of the day. There is every possi- bility that a respectable number of reported NBPW findings are not NBPW but black ware or black slipped ware. Distribution Through Time and Space In order to better visualize the distribution of NBPW through time and space, all NBPW yield- The spatial distribution of NBPW is not limited to ing sites were mapped. To map the sites first the present day political boundary of India but has sites were categorized according to time chronol- been found in several regions of Bangladesh, ogy and then the longitude and latitude of each site Pakistan, Nepal, and Sri Lanka too. The northern- were determined and fed in an excel sheet. Maps most site of NBPW is Udegram in Pakistan, the denoting occupation of different time periods were southernmost site is Anuradhapura in Sri Lanka, prepared using the ArcMap software. the westernmost site is Prabhas-Pathan in India, Three major challenges faced are: and the easternmost site is Wari-Bateshwar in Bangladesh (Haque et al. 2001:11–40). 1. Quite often NBPW finding layer is dated rela- There are two lists of NBPW finds, firstly by tively rather than using any absolute scientific Roy (1986) who referred to 415 NBPW sites and method. secondly by Ahmed (2015) who listed 617 NBPW 2. Dating of many of these NBPW sites was done sites. based on the associated wares found alongside NBPW. The ceramic chronology of middle Ganga plain is well established whereas in Key Issues Madhya Pradesh it is yet to be finalized (post Chalcolithic ceramics in Madhya Pradesh is There have been few attempts to make a compre- found directly in the early historic level at hensive study of NBPW finds and map the same about 600 BCE without any antecedent evi- through its time and space in India. This paper is dence). The ceramic chronology in other parts an attempt to compile all available references of of India where NBPW is found is far from NBPW and map them according to time and standardized in comparison to middle Ganga space. The official annual report of Archaeologi- plain. In a respectable number of reports, sites cal Survey of India, i.e., Indian Archaeological: have been loosely mentioned as NBPW sites A Review, and the four leading Indian archaeology without evaluating the evidence at hand. journals Ancient India, Puratattva, Man and Envi- ronment, and Pragdhara are consulted for the The first group (Map 1) maps all the NBPW work. Important NBPW findings and absolute sites in association with the wares (Black and Red dates reported in individual publications are also Ware, Black Burnished Ware, Coarse Grey Ware, included. Although all efforts were made to make Cord Impressed Pottery, Coarse Red Ware, Dull this survey of NBPW present in ancient India as Red Ware, Black Slipped Ware, Black Ware, Fine exhaustive as possible, yet it might have missed Grey Ware, Grey and Red Ware, Plain Grey Ware some evidences appearing in publications without and Plain Red Ware) which continued from pre- having reference in the cited periodicals and NBPW period in middle Ganga plain. Likewise books. the second group (Map 2) maps all the NBPW It is fair to note that the summaries/descriptions sites which fall in the time bracket of 700 BCE to in Indian Archaeology: A Review itself are gener- 300 BCE either on the basis of absolute dates or ally very short and are preliminary in nature. They associated wares and/or coins. This time bracket are not necessarily the final output of any was taken into consideration so as to understand 8 Northern Black Polished Ware in Indian Archaeology

Northern Black Polished Ware in Indian Archaeol- 39. Deomackandey, 40. Dhappa, 41. Dharhni, 42. Diaon, ogy: A Study of Spatial and Chronological Distribu- 43. Digghi, 44. Erich, 45. Fatehgarh, 46. Fatehpur, 47. tion, Map 1 Distribution of NBPW, pre 700 BCE. Fauzdari, 48. Gajahar Mau, 49. Ganjaura, 50. Ganwaria, 1. Adampur, 2. Agiabir, 3. Ajaypur, 4. Akorhi, 51. Garah, 52. Garha, 53. Gauna Ghat Ranijot, 54. Gerar, 5. Ammadei, 6. Andika, 7. Anguthia, 8. Aphsad, 55. Ghatampur, 56. Ghosi, 57. Godhana, 58. Gogaon, 59. 9. Ardauna, 10. Ashrafpur, 11. Atnariian, 12. Ayodhya, Gokula, 60. Gorasara, 61. Gulrihva Ghat Gobhia, 62. 13. Baghera Kalan, 14. Bahua, 15. Bahuwara, 16. Baira Hassanpur Bhadwar, 63. Hazipur, 64. Husainganj, 65. Dumuhwa, 17. Bairala, 18. Banda, 19. Banimilia Bahera, Imadpur, 66. Imiliadih, 67. Isauli, 68. Itasvagarh, 69. 20. Bara Imambara, 21. Baragaon, 22. Basai, 23. Belhari, Jahagirabad, 70. Jakhera, 71. Jamalpur, 72. Jaugambhari, 24. Bhaderea, 25. Bharadvaja Ashram, 26. Bharuli, 27. 73. Jhimjhimia Kalisthan, 74. Kabra, 75. Kabra Kala, 76. Bhisara, 28. Bhismapur, 29. Bihuri, 30. Bindaur, 31. Kachawa, 77. Kamhari, 78. Kanneri, 79. Karna Chaura, 80. Chakki, 32. Chandaura, 33. Chharauncha, 34. Chorma, Katinga, 81. Khas, 82. Kithawan, 83. Kohadia, 84. Kora, 35. Dadari, 36. Dakhinwara, 37. Dariabad, 38. Deodiha, 85. Kura, 86. Kurain, 87. Kuri Diha, 88. Lavada Diha, 89. Northern Black Polished Ware in Indian Archaeology 9 the distribution of the NBPW before the Mauryan been reported from Uttar Pradesh, closely period. The third group (Map 3)mapsallthe followed by Madhya Pradesh and in the third NBPW sites which falls in the time bracket of position we have NBPW finds from Bihar. And 300 BCE to first century CE, on the basis of abso- on the basis of time period, the most NBPW finds lute date, associated coins, figurines, and wares. are from 700–300 BCE which was the early phase This map gives an idea of spatial distribution of closely followed by pre 700 BCE finds and finds NBPW during the Mauryan and post-Mauryan from Sunga-Kushana sites. period when Buddhism and trade got respectable patronage. The last group (Map 4)mapstheNBPW sites of Sunga-Kushana time period when the ware Inferences remained in use but not in production and eventu- ally went into oblivion. Following deductions can be drawn after looking Since it is well established that NBPW is pri- at the base maps marily a ware of middle Ganga Plain and it trav- elled to other regions not before 700 BCE, all 1. Maps of a specific artefact over different time reported NBPW finds in association with Painted periods show how the cultural significance of Grey Ware (PGW) in northern India is placed this artefact has transformed over time. These under the bracket of 700–300 BCE. maps indicate if the area using these artefacts The entire data are plotted in four different has expanded or if the users were limited to maps (Maps 1, 2, 3, and 4). Due to dense concen- certain area. tration of the sites in the NBP region, the maps 2. As evident from the maps, the NBPW yielding prepared show all the sites but the respective sites are concentrated mainly in the middle and numbers of only selected sites are visible. How- lower Ganga plains. ever, all the names are listed in the captions. 3. However in comparison to the Ganga plains, The number of sites yielding NBPW in respec- very few sites are present in central and south- tive states is shown in Fig. 4 and state wise finds as ern India and do not show any pattern. They are per respective time period are shown in Fig. 5. rather scattered than being concentrated. This The reported sites from newly carved state of indicates that NBPW was not common in cen- Jharkhand is treated as that of undivided Bihar in tral and southern India but was found there the Figs. 4 and 5. probably due to trade relations with the After careful tabulation of provenances, it is Ganga plains.

clear that the most number of NBPW sites has

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Northern Black Polished Ware in Indian Archaeol- 125. Puk, 126. Purani Payar, 127. Raja Nala ka Tila, 128. ogy: A Study of Spatial and Chronological Distribu- Rajghat, 129. Ramchaura, 130. Ramgarh, 131. Rampur, tion, Map 1 (continued) Lohradewa, 90. Madahi, 91. 132. Rekaicha, 133. Revelganj, 134. Sahar, 135. Sambhal, Mahal, 92. Maharajganj, 93. Majhwa, 94. Malangasthana, 136. Sapaur, 137. Sarai Hridaya Shah, 138. Saranwan, 139. 95. Malhausi, 96. Malhipur, 97. Malkhan, 98. Mangrawa, Saunthra, 140. Senuwar, 141. Shanakardih, 142. Sheogarh, 99. Mathura, 100. Mirapur, 101. Musaldah, 102. 143. Shivpur, 144. Sikandarpur, 145. Singraur, 146. Musanagar, 103. Nagsar Mirray, 104. Nagwa, 105. Nakara, Sonkh, 147. Sonouthi, 148. Surajbhan Patti, 149. Takia, 106. Nalanda, 107. Naraini, 108. Narauli, 109. Nariaon, 150. Teduhar, 151. Telari, 152. Tendhiya, 153. Tilyani 110. Naugaon, 111. Nimsur, 112. Nishar, 113. Oriup, 114. Upadhyaya, 154. Tilyani Upadhyaya, 155. Tori, 156. Padrian, 115. Paharia, 116. Painkalan, 117. Pakri Chauhan, Tulsi Diha, 157. Ultidech, 158. Utarthia, 159. Uttarpara, 118. Panapur Batesar, 119. Pancho Peeran, 120. Parsawan, 160. Vikramaditya 121. Pingesar, 122. Pipri, 123. Pirdauri, 124. Prahaladpur, 10 Northern Black Polished Ware in Indian Archaeology

Northern Black Polished Ware in Indian Archaeol- 31. Aurangabad, 32. Awakhera, 33. Awra, 34. Ayodhya, ogy: A Study of Spatial and Chronological Distribu- 35. Baghpat, 36. Bahiri, 37. Bahri, 38. Bahua, 39. tion, Map 2 Distribution of NBPW, 700 to 300 BCE. Bahukashiktaur, 40. Baighar, 41. Baira Dumuhwa, 42. 1. Adam, 2. Aguncha, 3. Ahar, 4. Ahichchhatra, Bairahva, 43. Bairat, 44. Bairat, 45. Bajalha, 46. Bajilkha, 5. Ahmadpur Khaira, 6. Ahmanullahpur, 7. Ahraura Dih, 47. Bajra Tiket, 48. Baksari banni, 49. Balandpur, 50. 8. Aidhi, 9. Ajaneraghar, 10. Ajgarha, 11. Akabarpur Banda Dih, 51. Bangadh, 52. Banthra, 53. Baraillia, 54. Baroth, 12. Akoda, 13. Akos, 14. Alagankulam, 15. Baraini, 55. Barata, 56. Barauli, 57. Barehat, 58. Barhat, Alamgirpur, 16. Allahpur, 17. Ama, 18. Amar Kachh, 19. 59. Barhayapar, 60. Barji Mukundpur, 61. Barnawa, 62. Amaravati, 20. Amarut, 21. Amil Koni, 22. Anai, 23. Basai, 63. Basarh, 64. Batesvara, 65. Behil, 66. Belan, 67. Andhedih, 24. Angucha, 25. Aong, 26. Arambha, 27. Benagutti, 68. Benh ki kot, 69. Benipur, 70. Berachha, 71. Araonjagdish, 28. Asohna, 29. Atranjikheda, 30. Attawa, Berhat, 72. Besnagar, 73. Betor, 74. Betthar, 75. Bhadauni,

asmi 7.Kyta 7.Ku,23 hda 274. Khadda, 273. Keur, 272. Kayatha, 271. Kausambi,

7.Saaa,42 hhdKrr 7.Saaii,474. Shaharidih, 473. Karar, Shahad 472. Shahabad, 471.

argr,28 anapr 6.KuaaBzr,270. Buzurg, Kaurara 269. Kaundanpur, 268. Katragarh, oaar,48 aad,49 eta,40 Sevaidih, 470. Semthan, 469. Sawalda, 468. Sohagaura,

6.Ksiu,25 apn 6.Ksaah 267. Kasrawadh, 266. Kaspon, 265. Kashipur, 264.

6.Stn 6.Suadh 6.Suiu,467. Sauripur, 466. Saunakdih, 465. Saton, 464.

ada,21 ah,22 aia,23 Karmanasa, 263. Karihan, 262. Karha, 261. Kardhan, ant,41 apk iai 6.Sren,43 Sathar, 463. Sarseena, 462. Pipari, Sarpoka 461. Sarnath,

5.Knaj 5.Krha 5.Krhlpr 260. Karchalipur, 259. Karahna, 258. Kannauj, 257.

5.SriSek,48 aagu,49 aia 460. Sariya, 459. Sarangpur, 458. Sheikh, Sarai 457.

hna,24 aipr 5.Knabg,26 Kannauj, 256. Kankarbagh, 255. Kanispar, 254. Dhanraj, atkprGa,45 aaiai,46 aa Mohana, Sarai 456. Sarahiyadih, 455. Ghat, Santokhpur

apl 5.Knu,22 adrn 5.Kanhauli 253. Kandaran, 252. Kanauj, 251. Kampil, uug 5.Snia 5.Snai 5.Snn 454. Sanon, 453. Sannati, 452. Sankisa, 451. Buzurg,

ahhm 4.KliPcchm 4.Klapr,250. Kalyanpura, 249. Pachchhim, Kalli 248. Pachchim,

4.Snhi 4.Snh,49 akaa 5.Sankhim 450. Sankhara, 449. Sankha, 448. Sanghoi, 447.

aaiKlnI,26 aaa,27 al Najhagaman Kalli 247. Kalayat, 246. II, Kalan Kalani ehn,44 acakt 4.Snh,46 Sandipani, 446. Sanchi, 445. Sanchankot, 444. Perhina,

4.Kkat,23 arui 4.Kl hvn 245. Bhavan, Kala 244. Kakrauni, 243. Kakrahta, 242.

4.Shdui 4.Sii 4.Sks 4.Salempur 443. Sakas, 442. Saini, 441. Sahadauli, 440.

3.Khna,29 ata 4.Kkrha 4.Kakoria, 241. Kakarahta, 240. Kaitha, 239. Kahinjar, 238.

3.Rhn,47 ony akt 3.Rpr 3.Rupar, 439. Ropar, 438. kot, ka Rohniya 437. Rohini, 436.

ufri,25 ukn 3.Kcaaa 3.Kahina, 237. Kachanama, 236. Jurkan, 235. Juafardih,

3.Rmaa,43 aiu,44 aja,45 Reona, 435. Ranjhat, 434. Ranipur, 433. Ramnagar, 432.

hs,21 iaahm 3.Jnar 3.Jka 234. Jokha, 233. Jindaur, 232. Jiganadham, 231. Jhusi,

2.Rji,49 amhl 3.Rjaa,41 Ramdiha, 431. Rajmahal, 430. Rajmahal, 429. Rajgir, 428.

2.Jt,27 ahraj 2.Ja,29 hun 230. Jhauan, 229. Jhar, 228. Jauharganj, 227. Jata, 226. aau,45 abd ag,46 agr,47 Rajghat, 427. Rajgarh, 426. Danga, Rajbadi 425. Rajapur,

adr,23 aua 2.Jnok aa,25 Jarda, 225. Marai, ki Janso 224. Jamuha, 223. Jamdara, iAkr,42 aaNl aTl,43 aarh,424. Rajagriha, 423. Tila, ka Nala Raja 422. Ankori, ki

1.JgnahBb,20 amu 2.Jkea 222. Jakhera, 221. Jajmau, 220. Baba, Jagannath 219.

1.Riu iara,40 aaKrak ia 2.Raja 421. Qila, ka Karna Raja 420. Bilasrual, Raipur 419.

1.Iwn 1.Jblu,27 adpat,28 Jaderau, 218. Jaddappatti, 217. Jabalpur, 216. Itwan, 215. iaMhmangr 1.Rhnypr 1.Raigram, 418. Rahiniyapur, 417. Muhammadnagar, Qila

da,22 laaa,23 mii hr,24 Itauwa, 214. Khurd, Imlidih 213. Illahabas, 212. Idgah,

1.Prn ia 1.Pr uug 1.PtiKrr 416. Karar, Putli 415. Buzurg, Pure 414. Qila, Purana 413.

0.Hnta 0.Hlshr,20 uu aa,211. Nagar, Huzur 210. Hulaskhera, 209. Hinetia, 208.

0.Pii 1.Paaapr 1.Paah 1.Puraini, 412. Prakash, 411. Prahaladpur, 410. Poiyi, 409.

atnpr 0.Htrs 0.HtiTl 0.Hindora, 207. Tol, Hethi 206. Hathras, 205. Hastinapur, iago,46 iai 0.Ppaw,48 Pirthnagar, 408. Piprahwa, 407. Pipari, 406. Pipargaon,

0.Hrhru,22 anl 0.Hsnu,204. Hasanpur, 203. Harnol, 202. Hariharpur, 201. an 0.Pnaa 0.Pro,44 hrni 405. Pharengi, 404. Person, 403. Pengawa, 402. Paun,

aiu,18 aiprTha 9.Hnar 0.Hansi, 200. Handaur, 199. Tahra, Hakimpur 198. Hadipur,

9.Pra,38 aaiur,39 aa,40 an,401. Patna, 400. Patan, 399. Pataliputra, 398. Parwar, 397.

9.Glabg,15 ua,16 wlmia,197. maidan, Gwal 196. Gumad, 195. Gulzarbagh, 194. aia,33 ar 9.Pra,35 air 9.Parraon, 396. Pariar, 395. Parham, 394. Panr, 393. Panipat,

9.Gplu akoa 9.Gvnpr 9.Gudera, 193. Govindpur, 192. Hatkhola, Gopalpur 191. ue,39 ahna 9.Plhr,31 ahn 392. Panhan, 391. Palkhera, 390. Pakhanna, 389. Dubey,

o,18 od,19 oeUagr,10 Gopalpur, 190. Umargarh, Gone 189. Gondi, 188. Gol,

8.Phra 8.Pir,37 aaaBzr,38 Pakari 388. Buzurg, Pakara 387. Painra, 386. Paharia, 385.

htr,14 hsu,15 hrm 8.Gra,187. Giriak, 186. Ghuram, 185. Ghespur, 184. Ghatera, rrenk o,32 za,33 ahua 8.Pagia, 384. Pachaura, 383. Ozham, 382. kot, ka Orarheen

8.Gaapr 8.Gaiht 8.Gaapr 183. Ghatampur, 182. Gharighat, 181. Ghaianpur, 180. ii 7.Nh 7.Nkea 8.Oahr 381. Oraghar, 380. Nokhera, 379. Noh, 378. Nibi,

awra 7.Gr aia 7.Gra 7.Gedar, 179. Garha, 178. Kalika, Garh 177. Ganwaria, aiu,34 aiaa,35 eai 7.Nwl 377. Newal, 376. Nevari, 375. Nazirabad, 374. Nazipur,

aah,14 adiwn 7.Gnapr 176. Ganjanpur, 175. Gandhiawan, 174. Galatha,

7.Nsk 7.NvaTl,32 aagn,373. Nawabganj, 372. Toli, Navda 371. Nasik, 370.

7.Fudr,11 aaiga,12 aaCa,173. Chak, Gaka 172. Gadabirghar, 171. Foujdari, 170. aaagd 6.Nra,39 aptSnhK Garhi, Ki Singh Narpat 369. Narhan, 368. Narayangad,

6.Fthu,18 aeprBzr,19 Fatehpur-Ram, 169. Buzurg, Fatehpur 168. Fatehpur, 167. oaa 6.Nnar 6.Nne,36 adr 367. Nandur, 366. Nander, 365. Nandaur, 364. Sopara,

a,13 uvs,14 klaa 6.Eah,16 Eran, 166. Erachh, 165. Ekalbara, 164. Durvasa, 163. ram,

6.Ngr,31 air,32 argr,33 Nala 363. Nagragarh, 362. Nagiari, 361. Nagara, 360.

ia,10 i aai 6.Dmaa 6.DraaAsh- Durbasa 162. Dumhara, 161. Darari, Dih 160. Dihar,

5.Ndn ii 5.Nde,38 aa,39 Nagar, 359. Nagal, 358. Nadner, 357. Dihi, Nadini 356.

uiDh 5.Duipr 5.Dgwn 5.Dh 159. Dih, 158. Diguwan, 157. Dhuriapar, 156. Dih, kusi

5.Mrdwj 5.Mw 5.Miaah 5.Munj, 355. Muiyagarh, 354. Mow, 353. Moradhwaj, 352.

5.Daei 5.Daapr,14 hru,15 Dhuri 155. Dharaut, 154. Dharampuri, 153. Dhaneli, 152. eaaBzr,39 i,30 izpr 5.Misa, 351. Mirzapur, 350. Mia, 349. Mehara-Buzurg,

4.Doi 4.Doia 5.Dui 5.Devachandpur, 151. Deuli, 150. Deoriya, 149. Deori, 148.

4.MuRda ada,37 a-uug 348. Mau-Buzurg, 347. Rasdhan, Radhan Mau 346.

er,15 ekl,16 ep hna 4.Deoraon, 147. Chanda, Deopa 146. Deokali, 145. Dehra, iy,33 aupr 4.Mtua 4.Mt Kisanpur, Mati 345. Mathura, 344. Masumpur, 343. tikya,

aa,11 aiau,12 altbd 4.De,144. Deeh, 143. Daulatabad, 142. Dariyapur, 141. Darau, ydh 4.Mso,31 aani,32 Mastipur- 342. Masaondih, 341. Masaon, 340. ayadih,

3.DmnKad,18 agaa 3.Dnr,140. Dantri, 139. Dangwada, 138. Khanda, Daman 137.

3.Mnu,37 awn 3.Moan 3.March- 339. Maoraon, 338. Manwan, 337. Manpur, 336.

lbGa ia 3.Dbh 3.Ddpr 3.Daindih, 136. Dadupur, 135. Daboh, 134. Tila, Ghar Club adn,33 aglo,34 aji 3.Manjhigarh, 335. Manjhi, 334. Mangalkot, 333. Mandoni,

hcai 3.Ciad 3.Col,12 hra,133. Churhat, 132. Chosla, 131. Chirand, 130. Chichali,

2.Mla,30 aiamd,31 adi 332. Mandai, 331. Maligaimedu, 330. Malhar, 329.

2.Chvn,17 hoaBla 2.Ciay,129. Chibaiya, 128. Belma, Chhota 127. Chhavani, 126. andh 2.Mhau huhr 2.Majanpur, 328. Chauthar, Mahuapur 327. Mahnydih,

2.Cerl,13 hca,14 har,15 Chhiat, 125. Chhapra, 124. Chechar, 123. Chebrolu, 122. ajdaI 2.Mhii I 2.Mhii I,326. III, Mahjidia 325. II, Mahjidia 324. I, Mahjidia

ua 1.Caa,10 huajn 2.Catik kot, ka Chauthi 121. Chauharjan, 120. Charan, 119. pura,

2.Mhswr 2.Mhw,32 aiaa,323. Mahinagar, 322. Mahewa, 321. Maheshwar, 320.

1.Cadaeuah 1.Cadaai 1.Chandu 118. Chandravati, 117. Chandraketugarh, 116.

1.Mhd akt 1.Mhgo,39 Mahamadagarh, 319. Mahagaon, 318. kot, ka Mahada 317.

hnapr 1.Cad,14 hniia 1.Chando, 115. Chandidiha, 114. Chandi, 113. Chandanpur, aapr 1.Mdvi,35 ay,36 Magaraur, 316. Madya, 315. Madavdih, 314. Madarpur,

hk 1.CaangrKea 1.Cap,112. Champa, 111. Kheda, Chakannagar 110. Chak, a,30 elpr 1.Mdnu,32 aaaa 313. Madaraha, 312. Madanpur, 311. Leelapur, 310. Dam,

0.Bxr 0.Caa hr,18 hipra 109. Chainpurwa, 108. Khurd, Chabal 107. Buxar, 106. asmnTl,37 apr 0.Llua 0.Latifshah 309. Lalpura, 308. Lalpur, 307. Lakshman-Tila,

aa 0.Boc,14 udihs 0.Budhakhera, 105. Buddhikhas, 104. Broach, 103. Gaya, aa,34 auaea 0.Lkmpr 306. Lakhmapur, 305. Lahuradeva, 304. Lahar,

idu,9.Bru,10 ht,11 ihr 0.Bodh 102. Bithur, 101. Bhita, 100. Birpur, 99. Bindaul,

0.Kta,31 ahhaii 0.Lchgr 303. Lachhagir, 302. Lachchhagiri, 301. Kutwar, 300.

4 ihn,9.Bjlpr 6 iaia 7 ia 98. Bina, 97. Bilariya, 96. Bijalipur, 95. Bidhuna, 94. ur,27 urhr 9.Kr ia 9.Kushuridih, 299. Diha, Kuri 298. Kumrahar, 297. Kukra,

i,9.Bibta 1 ht,9.Biai 3 Bhorgarh, 93. Bhitari, 92. Bhita, 91. Bhimbetka, 90. Dih, oau,23 oi,24 or,25 u hr,296. Khera, Kua 295. Kotra, 294. Kotia, 293. Kotasur,

6 hvnpr 7 hlvr 8 hlaa 9 Bhimapur 89. Bhilwara, 88. Bhelavar, 87. Bhavanipur, 86. opl 8.Kt 9.Kt iMr,21 oaaai 292. Kotabarahi, 291. Mari, ki Kota 290. Kot, 289. Koppal,

2 hran 3 hrc,8.Bavla 5 Bhatolva, 85. Bharvalia, 84. Bharuch, 83. Bhargain, 82. oa,25 ouaa,26 orn 8.Kpa 288. Kopia, 287. Koiran, 286. Kodumanal, 285. Kodar,

hdaa,7.Bas,8.Bawt ei 1 Bhanwat, 81. Devi, Bhagwati 80. Bhadsa, 79. Bhadravan,

8.Keai,22 hkrkt 8.Klra,284. Kilarman, 283. Khokhrakot, 282. Kheradih, 281.

cniud 6 hda 7 hda,78. Bhadras, 77. Bhadra, 76. (continued) in a 2 Map tion, hrha,28 hra,29 hoa 8.Khera, 280. Kheora, 279. Kharwal, 278. Kharahwan,

g:ASuyo pta n hoooia Distribu- Chronological and Spatial of Study A ogy: hg,25 hlu,26 hnaKea 277. Khera, Khanwa 276. Khalaua, 275. Khaga, otenBakPlse aei ninArchaeol- Indian in Ware Polished Black Northern

ä otenBakPlse aei ninAcaooy11 Archaeology Indian in Ware Polished Black Northern 12 Northern Black Polished Ware in Indian Archaeology

4. As shown in Map 1, the manufacturing of India. The sites are associated with various cul- NBPW started in the middle and lower Ganga tural horizons and distributed throughout but con- plains. With passage of time, the number of centrated density in middle Ganga plain, in sites in this region increased (Maps 2 and 3). respectable numbers in Madhya Pradesh, which Moreover, trade started flourishing and the is followed by West Bengal, and sparse in the west number of sites in central and southern India and south. This ware seems to have appeared late also started increasing in these periods. in the southern, western, and eastern part of India 5. By the time of Sunga-Kushana period as seen and beyond. in Map 4, the use of NBPW had again limited NBPW dating to earlier than 700 BCE are only itself to the middle Ganga plain. Perhaps it was found in the middle Ganga plain from 160 sites. due to the fact that production of the ware had The next phase, i.e., 700–300 BCE (known as started to disintegrate but it remained in limited NBPW period in Indian Archaeology) yielded circulation for some years. NBPW from 550 sites through the length and breadth of the country. The distribution during the Mauryan time period (300 BCE to 100 CE) remained throughout, however, it was limited to Discussion 130 sites. It is interesting to note here that though during the rule of multiple kings, i.e., the period of Northern black polished ware is a fascinating Mahajanapadas, NBPW was in wider circulation ware and by all means was a premium ware of and production, but in the following period when its age. It catered to elite section of the society the subcontinent was ruled by a single Kingdom, during that period. Through mapping of all i.e., the Mauryan, there is decline in use of this reported NBPW sites, we are able to successfully delux ware vis-à-vis production. Although narrow down the geographical location of NBPW 270 sites from Sunga-Kushana Period have use and manufacturing sites in different time reported NBPW but it is limited to the middle period, as well as establish trading link between Ganga plain and disappeared from circulation the NBPW sites in the Ganga plains with the from other areas except for few stray finds from central and southern India. These maps can be northwest India and a few finds in east and south. further enhanced if we can include the subtle Finds of NBPW in respectable quantity in difference within the NBPWs found and classify northwest, Deccan, and Eastern part of the sub- them further into different subtypes like that of continent shows that it was not unknown to the tinges in NBPW. people of this region. The evidence of NBPW in This literature survey yielded 1015 NBPW south and western India is very poor.

sites within the present day political boundary of

ä ä

Northern Black Polished Ware in Indian Archaeol- Sugh, 508. Sunari, 509. Takhawan, 510. Tamluk, 511. ogy: A Study of Spatial and Chronological Distribu- Taradih, 512. Tendus, 513. Ter, 514. Tewar, 515. Thana, tion, Map 2 (continued) Shahganj, 475. Shahpur, 476. 516. Theriruveli, 517. Thurat, 518. Tickar, 519. Tikri, 520. Shampur, 477. Shamsherganj Maholi, 478. Sheikhopur, Tildhar, 521. Tilpat, 522. Tohargani, 523. Tokwa, 524. 479. Sherpur, 480. Shikhana mound, 481. Shimla, 482. Trilokapur, 525. Tripuri, 526. Tumain, 527. Tungi, 528. Sidhi, 483. Sidut ka kot, 484. Sikandarpur, 485. Sikariganj, Uchad, 529. Udhaura, 530. Udsara, 531. Ujaini, 532. 486. Sirpat Baram, 487. Sirsa, 488. Sirsaganj, 489. Ujhan, 533. Ujjain, 534. Ukada, 535. Umargarh, 536. Sisupalgarh, 490. Siswal, 491. Siswania, 492. Sitalpur, Umed Khera, 537. Unch Dih, 538. Uncha Islamabad, 493. Siyapur, 494. Siyara Jhunri, 495. Sohagaura, 496. 539. Unnao, 540. Uruva, 541. Utrawan, 542. Uttara, 543. Sonepat, 497. Sonepur, 498. Sonik, 499. Sonitpur, 500. Vaddamanu, 544. Vaisali, 545. Vaman, 546. Varaha, 547. Sonpur, 501. Sooran, 502. Soron, 503. Sravasti, 504. Veekar, 548. Virpur, 549. Wazidpur ka kot, 550. Zafarabad Sringaverapura, 505. Sringraur, 506. Subhanath, 507. Northern Black Polished Ware in Indian Archaeology 13

Northern Black Polished Ware in Indian Archaeol- Dharanikota, 40. Dharaut, 41. Dharhara, 42. Durvasa, 43. ogy: A Study of Spatial and Chronological Distribu- Ganwaria, 44. Ghurum, 45. Gobindpur, 46. Hastinapur, 47. tion, Map 3 Distribution of NBPW, 300 BCE to 100 CE. Hetimpur, 48. Hulaskhera, 49. Jaderau, 50. Jhusi, 51. 1. Adam, 2. Agorha, 3. Ahichchhatra, 4. Ajgarha, Kachanama, 52. Kala Bhavan, 53. Kanaganahalli, 54. 5. Alagankulam, 6. Alamgirpur, 7. Allahpur, 8. Amar Kanauj, 55. Kannauj, 56. Karna Ka Tila, 57. Katragarh, Kachh, 9. Amaravati, 10. Amil Koni, 11. Amini, 12. 58. Kausambi, 59. Keur, 60. Khairadih, 61. Khalaua, 62. Anai, 13. Arni, 14. Atranjikheda, 15. Autha, 16. Ayodhya, Kheora, 63. Kodumanal, 64. Kolakhas, 65. Kolhua, 66. 17. Bahal, 18. Bahiri, 19. Baira Dumuhwa, 20. Bairat, 21. Korkai, 67. Kotra, 68. Kumrahar, 69. Kuri Diha, 70. Baksari banni, 22. Baligarh, 23. Balirajgarh, 24. Besnagar, Madighat, 71. Maheshwar, 72. Malhar, 73. Mangalkot, 25. Bharat Mandir, 26. Bhavanipur, 27. Bhon, 28. 74. Manjhi, 75. Masaon, 76. Mathura, 77. Moradhwaj, Brahmapuri, 29. Chaisar, 30. Champa, 31. Chandahadih, 78. Nagara, 79. Nagda, 80. Nander, 81. Nandur, 82. 32. Chandraketugarh, 33. Chechar, 34. Chhapra, 35. Narayangad, 83. Narhan, 84. Nevasa, 85. Noh, 86. Chirand, 36. Dadhari, 37. Dangwada, 38. Daulatabad, 39. Noorpur, 87. Paithan, 88. Pandu Rajar Dhibi, 89. 14 Northern Black Polished Ware in Indian Archaeology

The earliest evidence of NBPW in India is region, prior to fifth century BCE? Ahmed (2015) reported from Juafardif dated to c. 1200 BCE. is of the view that during the extension of bound- NBPW covers the period of the Mahajanapadas, aries by Janapadas which led to establishment of the Nandas, the Mauryas, the Sungas, and the 16 Mahajanapadas around sixth to fifth century Kanvas. Distribution pattern and the chronology BCE, people right from Rajgir in the north-west of the NBPW clearly demonstrate that NBPW was and up to Ujjain in the south would have become in use right from the formation of the Janapadas quite familiar with NBPW and to cope with their and it was during this time that the production changing socioeconomic and political status they technologies of the NBPW got standardized. The started using the best ware of the time, i.e., very tinges and variety of the NBPW found during NBPW. In Mauryan time period, the use catch- this period bear an eloquent testimony to the fact ment area extended to large part of north and east that the making of variety of NBPW had been India but neither the production catchment fully understood and utilized to the maximum extended beyond the middle Ganga plain nor the extent by the artisan of that time. It remained in use extended to entire Mauryan Empire. The dif- use with all its variety (rather with addition of few fusion of NBPW to the Southern and eastern part more tinges) throughout Mauryan period. of the subcontinent might be related to the spread- In general the catchment area of luxury items is ing of Buddhism as it was propagated during the always broad. Was it that middle Ganga plain Mauryan rule of Ashoka. Mauryan period was people were affluent class then the rest or there followed by the Sungas, Kushanas, and Guptas were any other factors responsible for limited in the core NBPW region. All the three empires

distribution of this ware beyond a geographical were known for their wealth, prosperity, and art

ä ä

Northern Black Polished Ware in Indian Archaeol- Rupar, 107. Sarai Mohana, 108. Sarnath, 109. Sohagaura, ogy: A Study of Spatial and Chronological Distribu- 110. Semthan, 111. Si Mithan, 112. Sisupalgarh, 113. tion, Map 3 (continued) Pataliputra, 90. Pauni, 91. Siswania, 114. Sodanga, 115. Sohagaura, 116. Sonpur, Piprahwa, 92. Prabhas Patan, 93. Prahaladpur, 94. Prakash, 117. Sravasti, 118. Sringaverapura, 119. Sugh, 120. 95. Purana Qila, 96. Raghuasoi, 97. Raipur, 98. Raja Nala Takiaper, 121. Ter, 122. Tripuri, 123. Tumain, 124. Ujjain, ka Tila, 99. Rajghat, 100. Rajgir, 101. Ramanathapuram, 125. Ujjaini, 126. Uttara, 127. Vaddamanu, 128. Vaisali, 102. Ramnagar, 103. Ranjhat, 104. Reh, 105. Ropar, 106. 129. Vidisha, 130. Virpur Northern Black Polished Ware in Indian Archaeology 15

Northern Black Polished Ware in Indian Archaeol- Behsi, 40. Bhagner, 41. Bhagwas, 42. Bhaintari, 43. ogy: A Study of Spatial and Chronological Distribu- Bhairodih, 44. Bharatpur, 45. Bharthara, 46. Bhatgawan, tion, Map 4 Distribution of NBPW, Sunga Kushana 47. Bhatta Dhua, 48. Bhirawa, 49. Bhorsar, 50. Bichchi, Period. 1. Abbasganj, 2. Abhaipur, 3. Ahi, 4. Aiaspur 51. Bidaon, 52. Bihupur, 53. Bikapur, 54. Biloria Riuri, 55. Dih, 5. Alagankulam, 6. Alapur Deehan, 7. Anjora I, Brahmapur, 56. Bunagantmula, 57. Burhanpur, 58. Burru 8. Ankhurigarh, 9. Arawan, 10. Arje, 11. Aronj, 12. Arsara, Phapkund, 59. Chachinda, 60. Chaderu Chaukatha, 61. 13. Asai, 14. Asawar, 15. Awainia, 16. Babaganj, 17. Chainyya Dihwa, 62. Chaisare, 63. Chakarnagar, 64. Baghi, 18. Baharia, 19. Bahuti Mai Chakchaurna, 20. Chakra Tirtha, 65. Chamarahvaghat, 66. Chamudagarh, Baidrabad, 21. Bajahan, 22. Bajtha, 23. Bakarganj, 24. 67. Chandanpur, 68. Chandiana Koli, 69. Chanheta, 70. Banawarighat, 25. Banbhikhanpur, 26. Baniya, 27. Channapur Dih, 71. Chanwar, 72. Chauki, 73. Chhedani, Banni, 28. Barakalan, 29. Baraulia, 30. Baraun, 31. 74. Chilraula, 75. Chitrakota, 76. Churmuliadih, 77. Barauna Khurd, 32. Barhan, 33. Barhauna, 34. Bari, 35. Dalippur, 78. Daulatpur, 79. Derwa Khurd, 80. Barkard, 36. Barrainchi, 37. Basahava, 38. Bedaur, 39. Dharampur, 81. Dhari, 82. Diha, 83. Dihwan, 84.

ae,14 aglah 7.Mnhi 7.Mankahari, 176. Manjhoi, 175. Mangalgarh, 174. Maner,

6.Ua,28 pdi 6.Wn,20 iiChak Zimi 270. Wina, 269. Upadhi, 268. Unai, 267. I 7.Mmn 7.Mnio,12 adwl,173. Mandowala, 172. Mandiaon, 171. Mamen, 170. II,

6.Mht 6.Mhai,18 aipr,19 Malpar 169. Malikpura, 168. Mahuaria, 167. Mahet, 166. jrl,24 mr,25 mrat,26 Ummedpur, 266. Umarpatti, 265. Umara, 264. Ujardlh,

aak ia 6.MhdvMsr,15 aaay Dih, Mahanaiya 165. Mishra, Mahadev 164. Kila, ka Raja 6.TuhaKud 6.Tkui 6.Uapr 263. Udaipur, 262. Tikauli, 261. Khurd, Thuthia 260.

htmu,27 aiahs,28 eua,29 Tharauli, 259. Tenuhar, 258. Taripachisa, 257. Ghatampur, 6.Ldpr 6.Mdui 6.Mga,13 Mahadeo 163. Maghar, 162. Madhuri, 161. Lodipur, 160.

utnu ho,24 uih 5.Sspr 5.Tahsil 256. Susipar, 255. Surikh, 254. Ghaos, Sultanpur amnu,17 ahua 5.Ltfhj 5.Lodipur, 159. Latifshaj, 158. Lathaura, 157. Lalmanpur,

5.Ks,14 ahhr,15 ahewrDh 156. Dih, Lakhneswar 155. Lachchura, 154. Kusi, 153. hru ubu,21 ipr 5.Ssu nuu,253. Andupur, Sisaur 252. Sihpur, 251. Qutbpur, Sherpur

uwrdh 5.Kriu,11 uwr 5.Kushmri, 152. Kurwar, 151. Kurmipur, 150. Kunwaridih, 4.Sti,28 hha,29 hr usm,250. Mulsama, Sheri 249. Shahbad, 248. Sathin, 247.

4.Srgdi 4.Sri 4.Srl i,26 Satdhara, 246. Dih, Saroli 245. Sarai, 244. Saragadhi, 243. 4.Ktsa aae,17 oha 4.Kdro,149. Kudarkot, 148. Kothia, 147. Mahadev, Koteshar 146.

aaaa 4.Smi,21 adrm 4.Sanwaradih, 242. Sandiram, 241. Samain, 240. Salaraha, 4.Kha 4.Kiiu,14 ohr ht 4.Kota, 145. Ghat, Konhara 144. Koiripur, 143. Kohra, 142.

3.Ksn,19 iro,10 ihaia 4.Kochhit, 141. Kithbariya, 140. Kisraom, 139. Kishni, 138. uuaa,26 aadh 3.Sba,28 aa,239. Sahan, 238. Sabhad, 237. Sabaidlh, 236. Rurukalan,

hkaai,15 hra,16 ht,17 Khumehri, 137. Khata, 136. Khariad, 135. Khakharadih, 3.Rugr,23 iiiau,24 uhui 235. Rudhauli, 234. Rihiniyapur, 233. Raungarh, 232.

2.Rda,29 ai 3.Rmngr 3.Raump, 231. Ramanagar, 230. Raki, 229. Radhan, 228. on,12 argr,13 ea i,134. dih, Kewai 133. Katragarh, 132. Mound,

2.Krnah 3.Ksan 3.KtaKeshavdeo Katra 131. Kasraon, 130. Karangarh, 129. udi 2.Pr ain 2.Prn ia 2.Puranikot, 227. Qila, Purana 226. Balian, Pura 225. Pundri,

2.Jrpti 2.Kcno,17 ahr,18 Karama, 128. Kanheri, 127. Kachnaon, 126. Jurapatti, 125. rbuaanu,22 rok,23 rtpu,224. Pratappur, 223. Praonkh, 222. Prabhunarainpur,

2.Jdpr,12 oia1 2.Joaat,14 Jorasi, 124. Joorapatti, 123. 1, Jogiya 122. Jodhpura, 121. iapta 1.Pta,20 ohra 221. Pokharna, 220. Pithan, 219. Piparpatia,

a,25 aai 1.Pahmu 1.Plc,218. Pilich, 217. Phaphamau, 216. Pasahi, 215. Jal, 1.Jllu,18 ae,19 al,10 Jhangirbad, 120. Jaula, 119. Jamen, 118. Jalalpur, 117.

sal ,14 thaTwr uw,15 ta 1.Itoura, 116. Itha, 115. Purwa, Tewari Itahia 114. 1, Ismaila acaPnaaTki 1.Pnuga,24 Parewa 214. Pandurghat, 213. Tekdi, Pandava Pancha

ioi 1.Hls 1.Hsign,12 nrn,113. Indrani, 112. Husainganj, 111. Hulas, 110. Sirohi, 0.Pcpkai 1.PdiLlu,21 ai 212. Pali, 211. Lalpur, Padri 210. Pachpokhari, 209.

ioi 0.Nraa,27 upr 0.Pachawania, 208. Nurpur, 207. Nurnagar, 206. Niroli, aiprTha 0.Hrdvnt,19 Hetapatti 109. Haradevanath, 108. Tahra, Hakimpur

agr,23 ihprPpai 0.Nnar 205. Nindaur, 204. Piprahi, Nibhapur 203. Naugarh, uaiaaht 0.GraaSuu,16 aiu,107. Hajipur, 106. Shukul, Gursara 105. Gularihavaghat,

ialkea 0.Gryk 0.Gtu,104. Gothua, 103. Giriyak, 102. Gilaulikhera, 9.Nnii 0.Nrh,21 ahaa hn,202. Thana, Nathnagar 201. Nariha, 200. Nandini, 199.

a,9.Gor,9.Gra 0.GraGplu,101. Gopalpur, Garha 100. Garha, 99. Gaonri, 98. Tan, K al hr,16 a i,17 a i,18 Naipora, 198. Dih, Nai 197. Dih, Nai 196. Khera, Nagla

aa,13 al aei,14 al hsGor,195. Gloura, Khas Nagla 194. Havelia, Nagla 193. Dayal, twhFr,9.Frdngr 6 aeprSki 7 Gaddi 97. Sikri, Fatehpur 96. Faridinagar, 95. Fort, Etawah

8.Mrai 9.Ndyns,11 aai,12 Nagla 192. Nagaria, 191. Nadiyanasa, 190. Muriari, 189. 0 ur,9.DraAta,9.Drau,9.Ea 94. Eka, 93. Durgapur, 92. Asthan, Durga 91. Dugra, 90.

oa,8.Dapd ht 8 uaa 9 Dubgawan, 89. Dubaha, 88. ghat, Draupadi 87. Dobah, 8.Mhmangr 8.Mnir,18 uaDiha, Mura 188. Mundiari, 187. Muhammadnagar, 186.

cniud idmgr 5 il,86. Dilla, 85. Dildamagar, (continued) in a 4 Map tion, uanu aa,14 oaaaI 8.Mhrw II, Moharawa 185. I, Moharawa 184. Kalan, Husainpur

erbd 8.Mhaai 8.Ma,13 Milk 183. Miar, 182. Mehtawari, 181. Mehrabad, g:ASuyo pta n hoooia Distribu- Chronological and Spatial of Study A ogy:

otenBakPlse aei ninArchaeol- Indian in Ware Polished Black Northern 7.Mnakt 7.Mri 7.Mttu 180. Matethu, 179. Marai, 178. Manoalkot, 177.

ä 6Nrhr lc oihdWr nIda Archaeology Indian in Ware Polished Black Northern 16 Northern Black Polished Ware in Indian Archaeology 17

Northern Black Polished Ware in Indian Archaeology: A Study of Spatial and Chronological Distribution, Fig. 4 Distribution of NBPW yielding sites in Indian states 18 Northern Black Polished Ware in Indian Archaeology

Northern Black Polished Ware in Indian Archaeology: A Study of Spatial and Chronological Distribution, Fig. 5 State and period -wise distribution of NBPW but discontinuation of this “luxury ware” in their Archaeological Survey of India Report on Ayodhya. time is a subject of further research. (2003). Ayodhya 2002–2003, Volume I, Chapter X. “ ” Haque, E., S.S.M. Rahman, and S.M.K. Ahsan. 2001. While the NBPW, once produced, travelled A preliminary report on Wari-Bateshwar trial excava- to distant places, their production required a com- tion by ICSBA. Journal of Bengal Art 5: 11–40. plex web of processes, techniques, and skills that Kanungo, A.K. 2013. Glass in Ancient India: Excavations were likely to be available at only a limited num- at Kopia. Thiruvananthapuram: Kerala Council for Historical Research. ber of locations. Thus, the dispersal was of the Lal, B.B. 1954–55. Excavations at Hastinapura and other artefact, not of the whole web of production Explorations in the Upper Ganga and Sutlej Basins processes. 1950–52: New light on the dark age between the end of the Harappa culture and the early historical period. Ancient India 10–11: 5–156. Lal, B.B. 1975. In search of India’s traditional past: lights References from the excavations at Hastinapura and Ayodhya. India International Centre Quarterly 2 (4): 311–314. Agrawal, D.P. 2009. Mystery of the gloss on the early Marshall, J. 1908. Excavations at Sarnath. Archaeological historic NBP ware. In History of Indian science and Survey of India Annual Reports 1907–08. technology, ed. R. Malhotra and J. Patel. http://www. Marshall, J.H. 1911. Excavation at Saheth-maheth. Annual indianscience.org/essays/NBP%20Gloss.pdf report of Archaeological survey of India 1910–11. Ahmed, J. 2015. Technology and culture change (northern Marshall, J. 1951. Taxila, 3 Vols. Cambridge: Cambridge black polished ware culture in the middle Ganga University Press. plain). Indore: International E- Publication. Northern Black Polished Ware in Indian Archaeology 19

Marshall, J. 1910. Excavation at Bhita. Annual report of Deva, Krishna, and R.E.M. Wheeler. 1946. Northern Archaeological survey of India 1909–1910. polished black ware. Ancient India 1: 55–58. Nigam, J.S. 1961. Northern black polished ware. Marg Dikshit, K.N. 1977–78. Did the painted grey ware continue 14 (3): 37–46. up to the mauryan times. Puratattva 9: 64–83. Rahman, S.S.M. 1998. Recent discovery of northern black Dikshit, K.N. 2002–03. Ramayana, Mahabharata and polished ware in Mahasthangarh region: An archaeo- archaeology. Puratattva 33: 114–118. logical perspective. Journal of Bengal Art 3: 75–93. Erdosy, G. 1985. Settlement archaeology of Kausambi Rowson, P.S. 1953. Surface treatment of early Indian pot- region. Man and Environment 9: 66–75. tery. Man 14: 41–42. Ghosh, A. 1951. Rajgir 1950. Ancient India 7: 66–78. Roy, T.N. 1978–79. A suggested classification of northern Gogte, V.D. 1997. The Chandraketugarh-Tamluk region of black polished ware. Puratattva 10: 106–109. West Bengal: Sources of the early historic rouletted Roy, T.N. 1983. The Ganges civilization. New Delhi: ware from India and Southeast Asia. Man and Environ- Ramanand Vidya Bhawan. ment 22: 69–85. Roy, T.N. 1986. A study of northern back polished culture: Joshi, M.C., and A.K. Sinha. 1978–79. A chronology of An Iron Age culture of India. New Delhi: Ramanand Mathura-an assessment. Puratattva 10: 39–44. Vidya Bhawan. Lal, B.B. 1985. Mathura: A re-assessment of the chronol- Sahay, S. 1969. Origin and spread of northern black ogy of the crucial northern black polished ware hori- polished ware. In Potteries in ancient zons. Man and Environment 9: 109–112. India, ed. B.P. Sinha, 146–154. Patna: Dept. of Ancient Mate, M. 1969–70. Early historic fortifications in Ganga Indian History & Archaeology, Patna University. valley. Puratattva 3: 58–69. Saran, S.C., N.G. Nikoshey, S. Nayan, J.K. Tiwari, A. Arif, Nauriyal, K.C. 1990–91. The northern black polished and and N. Saxena. 2008. Excavation at Juafardih and its other associated wares from Ropar. Puratattva identification with Kulika. Puratattva 38: 59–73. 21: 87–89. Sharma, G.R. 1960. The excavations at Kausambi Possehl, G.L. 1988. Radiocarbon dates from South Asia. (1957–59) – The defences and the Syenaciti of the Man and Environment 12: 169–196. Purusamedha. Allahabad: Department of AHC and Rai, S., and T.N. Roy. 1980–81. Mossbuaer studies of Archaeology, University of Allahabad. black slipped and northern black polished wares. Sinha, B.P. 1979. Archaeology and art of India. New Puratattva 12: 165–167. Delhi: Sundeep Prakashan. Sahi, M.D.N. 1974. Stratigraphical position of the N.B.- Sinha, B.P. 1997. Ancient Magadh: The cradle of the P. Ware in the upper Ganga Basin and its date. northern black polished ware. In Ancient Puratattva 7: 91–94. ceramics, ed. P.C. Pant and Vidula Jaiswal, 85–108. Sarma, L.K. 1990–91. Ceramics and maritime routes of New Delhi. India: New evidence. Puratattva 21: 37–42. Sinha, P. 2001. Buddhist sites of the Age of Buddha: Sharma, Y.D. 1953. Exploration of historical sites. Ancient Archaeological evidence on dating and urbanization. India 9: 116–169. In Life thought and culture in India (from c. 600 BC to Sharmin, Dilruba, and Fumio Okada. 2011. Surface coat- c. AD 300), Vol. I Part-2, ed. G.C. Pande. Publication in ing technique of northern black polished ware by the History of Indian Science, Philosophy and Culture microscopic analysis. Ancient Asia 3: 49–65. Series (General Editor: D. P. Chattopadhyaya). New Sinha, A.K. 1982. The chronological grouping of the Delhi: Pauls Press. painted grey ware sites. Man and Environment 6: 102–106. Further Readings Sinha, B.P. 1969. Potteries in ancient India. Patna: Patna University. Agrawal, D.P., and S. Kusumgar. 1979. Radiocarbon chro- Sinha, B.P. 1995. Ancient cities of Bihar in archaeology nology of Indian protohistoric cultures. In Essays in and literature. Man and Environment 20: 7–20. Indian protohistory, ed. D.P. Agrawal and Wasson, R.J. 1987. Report of Indo-French archaeological D.K. Chakravarti, 371–386. New Delhi: D.K. mission: Summary of 1985 field season. Man and Publishers. Environment 11: 123–125. Chakrabarti, D.K. 1984–85. Iron and urbanization: An examination of the Indian context. Puratattva 15: 68–74.