Earthenware pots such as this example are known in southern Indian states of Kerala and Tamil Nadu as 'chatti' and are made by coiling and beating techniques. They are used to cook curries, especially fish curry over open fires. A wide range of pots are made for everyday household use with regional variations of design and decoration. The production of clay vessels in India is an ancient tradition that dates back to 6,000 BCE. Evidence of pottery has been found in the early settlements of Mehrgarh from the Indus Valley Civilisation. Many of the forms, techniques and designs of this period are still in use today.
