A new study, published on December 9, 2020 in the Journal of Archaeological Science, has found the presence of animal products, including cattle and buffalo meat, in ceramic vessels dating back about 4,600 years at seven Indus Valley Civilisation sites in present-day Haryana and Uttar Pradesh.
- The study, conducted as a part of the Two Rains project of the University of Cambridge and Banaras Hindu University, analysed the lipid residue in pottery found at the ancient sites.
- According to the study, about 50-60% of domestic animal bones found at Indus Valley sites come from cattle/buffalo.
- The study says that the high proportions of cattle bones may suggest a cultural preference for beef consumption across Indus populations, supplemented by the consumption of mutton/lamb.
(Source: The Hindu)
