Repository logo
 

Cultural Evolutionary Paradigms and Technological Transformations from the Neolithic up to the Indus Urban Period in South Asia

Accepted version
Peer-reviewed

Type

Book chapter

Change log

Authors

Abstract

Studies of Indus ceramics, especially considerations of raw materials, manufacturing tools and techniques, have tended to argue for a) local technological developments within South Asia and b) linear evolutionary trajectories that played out across thousands of years. The concept of a linear evolution of ceramic technologies in particular has had a significant impact on research at several levels, and in a previous paper we addressed issues concerning the theoretical frameworks adopted for the interpretation of archaeological data in South Asia.1 We noted that culture historic paradigms remain prevalent, and that there has been a tendency to focus on certain styles and types of artefacts to build seriations and identify archaeological ‘cultures’, which are often equated to ethnic groups or major phases of socio-political transformation. This paper aims to take the theoretical debate one step further, by looking at studies of technological transmission and transformation and considering the underlying tendency among researchers to adopt demic diffusion-based interpretations. The first part of this paper reviews the development of ceramic technologies from the Ceramic Neolithic up to the Indus urban period to understand how certain themes have developed. It will particularly discuss how more ‘evolved’ technologies are typically seen to have been adopted, homogenously replacing older and less sophisticated manufacturing methods, mostly in view of possible functional or economic gains. The second part will focus on ceramics from northwest India, and will explore evidence for variable regional technologies and resistance to innovation. Our broader aim is to strengthen theoretical mindfulness in this field of research and thus to stimulate dialogue, rather than provide solutions.

Description

Title

Cultural Evolutionary Paradigms and Technological Transformations from the Neolithic up to the Indus Urban Period in South Asia

Keywords

Is Part Of

Religions, Society, Trade and Kingship: Archaeology and Art in South Asia and along the Silk Road, 5500 BCE-5th Century CE

Book type

Publisher

Dev

ISBN

978-93-81406-95-3

Rights

All rights reserved