The Chalcolithic period, marked by the use of copper and stone tools, represents a significant transition in human history. In Bengal, this era witnessed the rise of unique cultures that laid the foundation for future civilizations. Let's delve into the fascinating world of Chalcolithic Bengal.
The Pandu Culture (c. 1600 BC – 750 BC)
The most prominent Chalcolithic culture in Bengal is the Pandu culture, named after the type site, Pandu Rajar Dhibi. This culture extended across southwestern and coastal Bengal, primarily concentrated in the Ajay, Damodar, Rupnarayan, and Hooghly river valleys.
Key Features of the Pandu Culture:
Black and Red Ware: The hallmark of this culture was its distinctive pottery style – Black and Red Ware. This pottery was often burnished and sometimes decorated with incised or painted designs.
Copper and Bone Tools: Alongside stone tools, the Pandu people utilized copper for making ornaments, fishhooks, and other small objects. Bone tools were also common.
Agriculture: The Pandu culture provides evidence of early agriculture in Bengal. Rice cultivation was prevalent, suggesting a settled lifestyle.
Settlements: Most Pandu settlements were small-scale, indicating a rural and dispersed population. However, larger sites like Pandu Rajar Dhibi, Mahisdal, and Mangalkot suggest the existence of some centralized communities.
Other Chalcolithic Sites in Bengal
Apart from the Pandu Rajar Dhibi, several other sites have shed light on the Chalcolithic period in Bengal:
Mahisdal: Located in Birbhum district, this site yielded evidence of a pre-iron phase with microliths, copper objects, and Black and Red Ware. Notably, a pit filled with carbonized rice grains was discovered, providing crucial evidence of early rice cultivation.
Bharatpur: Situated in Burdwan district, this site revealed a similar cultural assemblage as Mahisdal, further confirming the widespread presence of the Pandu culture.
Mangalkot: This site, also in Burdwan district, showcased the characteristic Black and Red Ware and copper artifacts of the Chalcolithic period.
Subsistence and Lifestyle
The Chalcolithic people of Bengal were primarily agriculturists, cultivating rice and other crops. However, they also practiced hunting and fishing to supplement their diet. The presence of bone tools and animal remains at various sites supports this conclusion.
Their settlements, typically located near rivers, suggest a reliance on water resources for both agriculture and daily life. The use of copper, although limited, indicates early experimentation with metallurgy and technological advancement.
The Transition to the Iron Age
Towards the end of the Chalcolithic period, iron began to appear in Bengal. This marked a significant shift in technology and led to the development of new tools and weapons. The Iron Age brought about further social and economic changes, paving the way for the historical period in Bengal.
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