[Solved] Ochre-Coloured Pottery (OCP) at Hastinapur | UPSC

The Ochre-coloured Pottery (O.C.P.) was christened at:

[U.P.P.C.S. (Mains) 2006]

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Correct Option: A

Ochre-coloured Pottery (OCP) was officially christened at Hastinapur by archaeologist B.B. Lal, where it was first identified as a distinct archaeological culture.

A. Hastinapur

B. Ahichhatra

C. Noh

D. Red Fort

Analysis & Evidence

Concept

Archaeological cultures in India are often named after the specific style of pottery found at a type-site, which helps in dating and tracking human settlement patterns.

Authentic Source Evidence

Archaeologist B.B. Lal first identified and named the 'Ochre-coloured Pottery' (OCP) during his excavations at Hastinapur in the early 1950s.

Analytical Breakdown

Logic 1: The pottery is characterized by its orange-to-red color (ochre), which often rubs off due to poor firing or water-logging.

Logic 2: OCP is generally dated between 2000 and 1500 BCE and is frequently found associated with 'Copper Hoard' artifacts in the Indo-Gangetic divide.

Historical Logic Quest

"What is the typical timeframe of the OCP culture?"

It flourished during the late 2nd millennium BCE (c. 2000-1500 BCE), overlapping with the transition from the Harappan to the Vedic period.

The Topper's Edge

"While OCP was 'christened' at Hastinapur, it represents a widespread rural culture that preceded the more urban Painted Grey Ware (PGW) culture."

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