Finding historical linkages between India and Myanmar through archaeological and physicochemical analysis of ceramics c. 1st century BCE to 13th century CE

Abstract

Linkages of trade and culture between India and Myanmar, dating from the 1st millennium BCE, have been emphasized by several archaeologists. One of the significant set of artefacts that played a pivotal role in these processes of network is pottery. In this paper, the authors present the first ever comprehensive study of the physicochemical properties of potteries from important archaeological sites of India and Myanmar, chrono-culturally dated between 1st century BCE and 13th century CE. Results showed an interesting correlation among samples, underlining regular interactions between India and Myanmar. This possibly resulted not only in the transport of pottery but also in the sharing of its manufacturing techniques. A strong correlation in the composition of different elements, their interplay and the resultant structural details of the pottery obtained from the two regions play a key role in solving this ever-debated puzzle.