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Ancient Pottery Cultures

Ochre-Coloured Pottery (OCP) at Hastinapur | UPSC

Ochre-coloured Pottery (OCP) was officially christened at Hastinapur by archaeologist B.B. Lal, where it was first identified as a distinct archaeological culture.

Primary Reference: Standard Educational Reference

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The Ochre-coloured Pottery (O.C.P.) was christened at:

[U.P.P.C.S. (Mains) 2006]

Detailed Solution & Historical Context

Concept


Archaeological cultures in India are often named after the specific style of pottery found at a type-site, which helps in dating and tracking human settlement patterns.

Authentic Source Evidence


Archaeologist B.B. Lal first identified and named the 'Ochre-coloured Pottery' (OCP) during his excavations at Hastinapur in the early 1950s.

Analytical Breakdown


  • Logic 1: The pottery is characterized by its orange-to-red color (ochre), which often rubs off due to poor firing or water-logging.

  • Logic 2: OCP is generally dated between 2000 and 1500 BCE and is frequently found associated with 'Copper Hoard' artifacts in the Indo-Gangetic divide.

    • Conceptual Deep Dive & Logic

    "What is the typical timeframe of the OCP culture?"

    It flourished during the late 2nd millennium BCE (c. 2000-1500 BCE), overlapping with the transition from the Harappan to the Vedic period.

    Examiner's Mindset & Pro-Tip

    "While OCP was 'christened' at Hastinapur, it represents a widespread rural culture that preceded the more urban Painted Grey Ware (PGW) culture."

    Topic Clusters (click to see related topic questions)

    Painted Grey Ware (PGW) 2
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