Scientists from the University of Pennsylvania, the University of Seoul, and the University of Chicago have examined charred objects that were found at the Kadebakele site in southern India. High-quality imaging technology revealed that some of the items found were remnants of dough or batter from the early Iron Age.
The Kadebakele site in southern India, which was excavated over several years with the support of the Archaeological Survey of India, dates from about 2300 B.C. to 1600 A.D. And the items found are from the early Iron Age (about 800 B.C.).
The charred lumps found during excavations are usually not identifiable. But thanks to high-quality imaging, experts have identified that the remains of dough or batter in front of them. The experts identified different types of dough. The first type was made of millet. It is noted that millet cakes are still being made in this region. Dough made from legumes (beans, lentils) was also identified. This proves the importance of legumes in the diet of early Iron Age people.
Previously, there was no information about what products were used by people at that time, what exactly they cooked with them. This study was the first step in the study of cooking in ancient South India.
The results of the study were published in the Journal of Archaeological Science.