https://doi.org/10.1140/epjp/s13360-025-06442-6
Regular Article
A multi-analytical approach to Harappan pottery: tracing technological refinement through material characterization
1
Department of Tourism Administration, Dr Babasaheb Ambedkar Marathwada University, 431005, Aurangabad, India
2
Deccan College Post Graduate and Research Institute, 411006, Yerwada, Pune, India
3
Department of Civil Engineering, Indian Institute of Technology, 400076, Bombay, Mumbai, India
Received:
10
March
2025
Accepted:
16
May
2025
Published online:
8
June
2025
This study utilizes a comprehensive multi-analytical approach to investigate the technological evolution of Harappan pottery, focussing on mineralogical, morphological, and thermal changes. XRD analysis identified muscovite and quartz as primary minerals, with calcite and albite variations in early and mature samples indicating lower firing temperatures of 750–850°C. The absence of calcite in late Harappan samples suggests higher firing temperatures exceeding 900°C, indicating advancements in kiln technology. SEM analysis revealed smaller intragranular pores in late samples, highlighting refined firing control, while bulk density and water absorption data suggest a transition from calcareous to non-calcareous clay sources. FTIR and thermogravimetric analysis confirmed the use of organic additives, with structural transformations reflecting different clay compositions and firing techniques across periods. These findings collectively illustrate the increasing sophistication in Harappan pottery production, with technological innovations contributing to enhanced durability, reduced porosity, and optimized firing processes over time. This study offers new insights into the Harappan civilization’s material engineering, emphasizing the progressive refinement of ceramic craftsmanship.
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© The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Società Italiana di Fisica and Springer-Verlag GmbH Germany, part of Springer Nature 2025
Springer Nature or its licensor (e.g. a society or other partner) holds exclusive rights to this article under a publishing agreement with the author(s) or other rightsholder(s); author self-archiving of the accepted manuscript version of this article is solely governed by the terms of such publishing agreement and applicable law.
