Question

What was Faience?

Hint:

Faience objects were brightly glazed and often blue or green, showing the advanced craftsmanship of the Harappans.

Answer 1

Faience was an important manufactured material in the Indus Valley Civilization. It was created by heating a mixture of powdered quartz, alkali, lime, and color pigments. When fired, the surface developed a bright blue or green glaze, making it look similar to precious stones like turquoise or lapis lazuli. Archaeologists have found faience beads, figurines, tiles, and bangles at sites like Harappa and Mohenjo-daro. Its widespread use shows the advanced technological skills of the Harappans in high-temperature manufacturing, glazing techniques, and decorative craftsmanship. Faience items were also traded widely, reflecting the economic and cultural significance of this material.