TheMalwa culture was aChalcolithicarchaeological culture which existed in theMalwa region of Central India and parts ofMaharashtra in theDeccan Peninsula. It is mainly dated toc. 1600 – c. 1300 BCE,[1] but calibratedradiocarbon dates have suggested that the beginning of this culture may be as early asc. 2000-1750 BCE.[2]
This culture is characterized by the increasing dominance of the agricultural way of life, but also incorporated pastoralist and hunting groups. The people cultivated wheat, barley, legumes, and later rice, and domesticated cattle, sheep, goats, and pigs. At most of the settlements, there is no evidence of urban planning, rather a "haphazard" distribution of houses, but some of the largest sites have evidence of planned settlement, large houses, andpublic architecture. Most dwellings were round huts made fromwattle-and-daub. There are also small round huts used for storing grain, and large rectangular structures which may have been used for religious performances.[3][4]
Their pottery was red or orange, and painted with geometric, floral, animal, and human designs in black. Copper and stone were used to make tools. Beads ofsemi-precious stones have been found. Objects made from seashells indicate trade with coastal communities inGujarat, such asBharuch. Evidence of religion includes bull idols, worship of trees, snakes, and goddesses, and altars for fire sacrifices.[5][6]
Sites of the Malwa Culture includeDaimabad,Inamgaon,Kayatha,Nagda,Vidisha,Eran,Mandsaur, andNavdatoli (nearMaheshwar).[7][8]
It is preceded by theKayatha,Ahar-Banas, and Savalda cultures, and succeeded by theJorwe culture and theBlack and red ware culture.
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