The NBPW, which can be considered as the most widespread Iron Age pottery, stands for _________.

The correct answer is Northern Black Polished Ware.

Key Points

• Northern Black Polished Ware (NBPW) is an important category of Iron Age pottery in the Indian subcontinent.
• It is characterized by its glossy, shiny black surface.
• NBPW pottery is often associated with the period from around the 6th century BCE to the 2nd century BCE.
• It was widely used in northern India and has been found in significant archaeological sites like Pataliputra, Hastinapur, and Taxila.

Additional Information

• Iron Age
  • The Iron Age is the period following the Bronze Age, marked by the prevalent use of iron.
  • In India, the Iron Age roughly started around the 12th century BCE.
• Archaeological Sites
  • Pataliputra: An ancient city in the Magadha region, which served as a capital for several Indian dynasties.
  • Hastinapur: An ancient city mentioned in the Mahabharata, located in modern-day Uttar Pradesh.
  • Taxila: An important archaeological site in modern-day Pakistan, associated with ancient Indian history.
• Pottery
  • Pottery is one of the most significant sources of information about ancient cultures.
  • Different styles of pottery help archaeologists date and understand ancient civilizations.
• Glossy Finish
  • The glossy finish of NBPW was achieved through a complex firing process.
  • This finish made the pottery more durable and visually appealing.