Ahar–Banas culture facts for kids

The Ahar culture, also known as the Banas culture, was an ancient community in India. They lived during the Chalcolithic period, which is also known as the Copper Age. This culture existed from about 3000 to 1500 BCE. The people of the Ahar culture lived at the same time as the famous Indus Valley Civilization.

They built their homes along the banks of the Banas River and the Ahar River in southeastern Rajasthan. Because they lived near the Aravalli Range, they had access to copper mines. They used this metal to make tools like axes and other useful objects. They were also farmers who grew crops such as wheat and barley to feed their families.

Where was the Ahar culture located?

Archaeologists have found more than 90 sites belonging to the Ahar culture. Most of these ancient settlements were located in the river valleys of the Banas river and its smaller streams. While the main area was in Rajasthan, some sites have also been found in the neighboring state of Madhya Pradesh, such as at Jawad and Kayatha.

In Rajasthan, the sites are spread across several districts. Some of the most important ones are in Udaipur, Chittorgarh, and Ajmer. Major ancient towns discovered by scientists include Ahar, Gilund, and Balathal.

Important discoveries at Gilund

In 2003, archaeologists made an exciting discovery at the site of Gilund. A team from the University of Pennsylvania Museum and Deccan College (Pune) found a large bin filled with more than 100 seal impressions. These are marks made by pressing a seal into wet clay. These seals date back to between 2100 and 1700 BCE.

The designs on these seals are simple but very important. They look similar to seals found in the Indus civilization. Surprisingly, they also look like seals from Central Asia and northern Afghanistan, which are over 1,000 miles away. This suggests that the Ahar people might have traded or communicated with people from very far lands.

Pottery and artistic creations

The pottery made by the Ahar people is unique and helps archaeologists identify their settlements. It is called Black-and-Red ware. This type of pottery has a black top and inside, while the bottom part is red.

How the pottery looked

The people decorated their pots with white designs, such as lines and dots, painted on the black surface. They made many different shapes, including:

• Bowls for eating
• Tall vases for storing things
• Bowls on stands

This pottery was the main type used by the people of Ahar for drinking and eating. Besides the Black-and-Red ware, they also made pottery that was bright red, tan, or shiny black (burnished).

Famous archaeological sites

• Balathal
• Gilund
• Ojiyana

See also

• Malwa culture
• Jorwe culture
• Pottery in the Indian subcontinent