In this book, while studying the ceramics of Balathal, an effort has been made to go beyond the pots and pans in order to penetrate into many hitherto unknown aspects of Ahar Culture. Considering the paucity of standard books on ceramics available in India, a brief account on ceramic data retrieval, recording, ordering, description, tabulation, analysis and synthesis of results to achieve the objectivity has been provided. How ceramic variability and quantitative analysis can be useful in interpreting the cultural process and lifestyle of the people is extensively dealt with. Use of scientific methods, like XRD and Thin Section analyses in classification of ceramics, understanding technology, provenance of raw materials, identifying local and non-local ceramics, has been discussed. Besides issues like study of labour division, gender and economics of ceramic production have also been discussed. A maiden attempt has been made to understand the role of climatic stress of ceramics. Ethno-archaeological study of modern potters of the region and catalogue of Chalcolithic ceramics of Balathal have been put forward in the appendices. With 23 colour plates and more than 170 figures, this book will be useful for the beginners as well as researchers of the subjects of archaeology, history and anthropology.
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