The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) recently carried out excavations at two significant sites, Eran and Tewar, in the state of Madhya Pradesh, Central India. These sites are notable for their affiliations with Chalcolithic Culture, a period that spanned from 2500 BC to 700 BC, following the Bronze Age Harappa culture.
Understanding Chalcolithic Culture
Chalcolithic Culture, the term derived from “Chalco” meaning Copper and “Lithic” meaning Stone, marked an era where both metal and stone were used in the manufacture of daily life equipment. This period is known as the first metal age of India, with copper and its alloy bronze, which melt at low temperature, being predominantly used.
The culture of a region during this time was defined by salient features seen in ceramics and other cultural equipment like copper artifacts, beads of semi-precious stones, stone tools, and terracotta figurines.
Characteristics of Chalcolithic Culture
Chalcolithic communities were mainly rural, settling near hills and rivers. They relied on hunting, fishing, and farming. During this period, distinct regional differences in social structure, cereals, and pottery began to emerge.
Migration and diffusion of population groups were frequently cited as causes for the origin of different cultures within the Chalcolithic period.
Art and Craft in the Chalcolithic Period
Pottery, particularly wheel-made, was a major artistic craft of the Chalcolithic culture. The pottery was mainly of red and orange color, and varied types were used. The black-and-red pottery was common, and the ochre-colored pottery was also in use.
Excavation at Eran: Unearthing Antiquities
Eran, situated on the left bank of the Bina river, was one of the excavation sites. The recent dig revealed a variety of antiquities including copper coins, iron arrowheads, beads, iron objects, stone querns, and pestles.
Interestingly, the use of iron was evidenced by a few metallic objects found at the site. The dig also shed light on the Chalcolithic culture with four distinct periods.
Excavation at Tewar: Unveiling Cultural Sequences
Tewar is another significant site where ASI carried out an excavation. This location revealed four folds of cultural sequences namely Kushana, Shunga, Satavahana, and Kalachuri.
The excavation allowed the recovery of remains of sculptures, copper coins, terracotta beads, iron implements and figurines. Moreover, a variety of ceramics were found, including red ware, black ware, and red slipped ware with shapes of handi, bowl, spouted pot, small pot, big jar, etc. Structural remains were also found, consisting of a brick wall and structure of sandstone columns.