A lota (, , ) is a type of spouted globular (round), small-sized vessel made of brass, copper or plastic used in the Indian subcontinent since at least the 2nd millennium BC. In Dharmic religions, the copper lota has a sacred usage, such as in a yagna ritual during puja prayers, weddings and other sacred ceremonies. According to the ancient Indian/Hindu-origin traditional medicine system of ayurveda, drinking water stored in the copper lota has health and nutritional benefits. Its regional variations include bodna () in the Bengali language and kindi in the state of Kerala. Archaeology Early examples of lota and kindi first appear in Chalcolithic period cultures of South Asia, notably in Savalda Culture and two well-preserved examples from Jorwe culture pottery dating back to 2nd millennium BC. Design Review and reactions American designers Charles and Ray Eames in their The India Report expressed a great admiration for the lota, saying about its design, "Of all the objects we have seen and admired during our visit to India, the Lota, that simple vessel of everyday use, stands out as perhaps the greatest, the most beautiful." Regional names and other variations In West Bengal and parts of Bangladesh, the term bôdnā () describes spouted (teapot-like) vessels, and the vessels used for puja are called ghôt or ghôti, while lotā is used for bath mugs, . In Odisha, vessels without the spout is also known as lota. They are also known as Jharis and Achaman Jharis (utensils with spouts) in Hindi Belt and Gujarat in northern and western India, used for prayer rituals. It is also known as Mooku sombu and Pal Kindi used as milk feeder for babies in southern parts of India. Usage Idioms and literature In some parts of South Asia, the use of the phrase "bependi ka lota" (a "lota without a base") is colloquially used to refer to a person who may switch their loyalties. This comes from the observation that a spherical lota without a base tends to roll over in unpredictable directions when kept on uneven ground. The neologism "lotacracy" was coined in Pakistan to describe politicians who would switch parties. Health According to the ancient Indian/Hindu-origin traditional medicine system of ayurveda, drinking water stored in the copper lota has health and nutritional benefits. It is used for Jala neti, a traditional Ayurvedic and Yogic practice that is used for cleansing the nose and