Ceramics and Its Functionality – Unique Features of the Ceramic Assemblage from the Excavated Gottiprolu Site

Talisetty Sreelakshmi

The ceramic assemblage from the mound – ‘Kota dibba’ at Gottiprolu in Andhra Pradesh has yielded a variety of pottery which are exclusive in style and shapes. The site Gottiprolu yielded varieties attesting its association with the early historic trade contacts. Many specimens are found in situ position revealing the probable utility and functionality. The conical and globular forms suggest the retention of the semi fluid or liquid substances. Rouletted ware and Russet Coated Painted Ware is the characteristic type of early historic period in South India for maintaining external trade contacts with the outside world. The occurrence of goblet from the excavation for the first time in abundance, provides the corroborative evidence for its usage by a section of people. Though the usage of beverages referred in the literature and sporadic depictions occur in the sculptural panels and terracotta; only in Gottiprolu the evidence of goblets in its shape and form are occurring. The presence of conical jars measured to be significant and imitated variety of Roman Amphorae jars to store liquids. Present paper offers the archaeological study involving literary, epigraphical and iconographic evidence to compile the utility of the pottery in this early historic site.