AtlasERA
2000 BCE
South Asia · Chalcolithic Culture

Ochre Coloured Pottery (OCP) Culture

c. 2000–1500 BCE

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Overview

Linked to late Harappan phase and early Vedic transitions.

Ochre Coloured Pottery Culture

Chalcolithic culture of the upper Ganga-Yamuna Doab characterized by distinctive ochre-washed pottery and copper hoards. Transitional between Late Harappan decline and early Painted Grey Ware / Vedic cultures.

Territory Phases

  1. OCP Culture2000 BCE – 1500 BCE

    Core OCP heartland in the Ganga-Yamuna interfluve (western UP). Densest concentration of ochre-washed pottery and copper hoards along river terraces. Transitional between Late Harappan decline and Painted Grey Ware / early Vedic cultures.

  2. OCP Culture2000 BCE – 1500 BCE

    Western OCP extension into NE Rajasthan and Haryana. Zone of Late Harappan contact — sites show mixed OCP and late Harappan traits. Sparser distribution than the Doab core.

Sources

  1. Hand-drawn polygon
  2. Lal, B.B. (1951) Further copper hoards from the Gangetic basin
  3. Gaur, R.C. (1983) Excavations at Atranjikhera
  4. Dikshit, K.N. (1982) The OCP ware: its distribution and significance