Ceramic trade and transformation in mediaeval Madayi, India

This study presents petrographic and chemical analyses of ceramic assemblages from the site of Madayi, India, revealing trade connections across the Indian Ocean during the Medieval period. The assemblage includes imported ceramics from East, Southeast, and West Asia, and locally produced earthenwares, each identifiable by distinct mineralogical and technological signatures. Based on the analysis of the material, two distinct chronological phases of global trade emerge. Initially, from the 8th to early 11th century CE, Madayi served as a significant node facilitating exchanges with China and Mesopotamia. A subsequent interruption, possibly linked to regional political instability following the decline of the Rashtrakuta Empire, temporarily reduced trade activities. A revival occurred from the 13th century CE onward, marked by a notable shift towards Southeast Asian stonewares and coinciding with the expansion of Southeast Asian maritime networks.