User:Leslie.SFC/sandbox

Songaon is an archaeological site more specifically known for its black and red-ware pottery. It was excavated by the Department of Archaeology of Deccan College Post-graduate and Research Institute in Poona.

= Geography = Songaon is located west of Baramati, India. This area is very dry and flat and receives little to no rain, but, to the east, there is the small river of Nira. The river allows for the growth of sugarcane, a crop that helps the current economy thrive.

= Time Period = This site is from the Deccan Chalcolithic time period, a period which describes the use of copper and stone tool in cultures. There are five main phases in this period all of which are differentiated by pottery styles; Songaon represents the Late Jorwe phase which lasted from 1000 BCE—700 BCE.

= Archaeological Site = The site was first found by Shri Inamder, part of the State Department of Archaeology, in 1965 and was later excavated for 3 weeks by Dr. H. D Sankalia. Songaon consists of 2 mounds: one big one under the name of ‘thorali’ (elder) and the smaller one being called ‘dhakli’ (smaller). In town, the two mounds, as a whole, are known as the mounds of the milkmen. When excavated it was discovered that there were three distinct periods.

= Period I = The first period held 3 different pits in which each contained ash and burnt earth.

= Period II = The second period contained evidence of permanent habitations—there was a house discovered. Appearing to be made of clay walls and bamboo, there were distinct lime floors that backed up the claim of habitation. Further evidence suggests the roof caught on fire and destroyed the house. Remains of pots, stones, burnt clay and animal bones were also found. Charred wheat was also discovered which gives evidence of wheat production.

= Period III = This period indicates a more developed form of living represented by the planned housing built sturdily of black clay. A house with two rooms was discovered and contained remains of black and red-ware inside; period III is the only period in which this pottery is found.

= Pottery and Lithics = There were many sherds of red ware which appear to have come from handmade storage jars and lids made of clay. Jorwe Ware consisted of geometric designs on spouted pots and globular vessels. The Malwa Ware was only slightly different—rounded pots with prominent mouths. Lithics such as hammers, anvils and edge tools (e.g. axes) were discovered. After further research, it was determined techniques such as flaking and grinding were used by the inhabitants.