Early Harappan Pottery Art

Examples of Early Harappan pottery from Kalibangan

Exploring the distinctive pottery traditions of the Early Harappan period (3000-2700 BCE) at Kalibangan.

The distinctive feature of this period, particularly the Early Harappan phase (3000–2700 BCE), is its pottery—first identified at Sothi and also referred to as Kalibangan pottery. This pottery tradition is characterized by six distinct fabric types, labeled as A, B, C, D, E, and F.

1. Fabric 'A' is on display in Showcases 03 and 05 Fabric 'A' pottery is known for its thin texture and is commonly referred to as Dull Red Ware. It is adorned with painted motifs such as checkered triangles, mouth-shaped designs, trees and plants, fish, ducks, deer, and bulls—mostly rendered in black, and occasionally in white.
2. Fabric 'B' :- The pottery of Fabric 'B' has been carefully manufactured whose outer part is below the shoulder and painted with white color.
3. Fabric 'C' :- The pottery of Fabric 'C' ware is very beautifully decorated with fish-scale design and are also known as deluxe ware. These vessels are smooth and have red coated surface, which are painted with black.
4. Fabric 'D' :- The pottery of “fabric D” are displayed in the showcase no. 06. The utensils of Fabric 'D' are strong and basin shaped, with ornamentation in the inner part. Stripes of one or more red colored lines are also found on the outer part, on which the marks of rope and comb are found. The main vessels of this fabric include pots and bowls.
5. Fabric 'E' :- The color of fabric 'E' is buff or dull, on which black colored bands and squares are found. The main characteristics of this group are Chashak and small pots.
6. Fabric 'F' :- The color of Fabric 'F' is grey, painted in black and white.

Photo Gallery

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