Palaeolithic Sites | History Optional for UPSC (Notes) PDF Download

Riwat, Potwar Plateau

Potwar Plateau, Pakistan:

• The Potwar Plateau in Pakistan is home to some of the oldest Paleolithic tools, dating back to around 2 million years ago (mya). 
• Early core tools have also been discovered in this region, providing valuable insights into early human technology and activities. 

Didwana

Didwana is located in the Nagaur district of western Rajasthan. 

• Along a 50 km stretch from Didwana to Javal, numerous Acheulian sites have been discovered. 
• The city is renowned for its Hindu traditional culture, philosophy, Mathas, and the Mathura das Ji ka Jaav, a well built in the 12th century. 
• Didwana has yielded stone tools from the Lower and Middle Paleolithic periods. 

Lower Paleolithic tools found in Didwana are large and made of hard materials like quartzite. These include: 

• Chopping tools
• Handaxes
• Cleavers

Middle Paleolithic tools are smaller and lighter, consisting mainly of flake tools. 

Mogara Hills

The site is situated near Jodhpur in the state of Rajasthan. 

Historical Significance:

• The site is important for the study of ancient tools from various periods, including the lower, middle, upper, and Mesolithic eras. 
• A large number of Palaeolithic tools, such as flakes and handaxes, have been excavated from this site, indicating its significance in early human tool-making activities. 

Sabarmati Valley

• Archaeological Findings: Lower Palaeolithic tools such as flakes and handaxes have been excavated from the site.

Luni Valley/Budha Pushkar Lake
Ajmer, Rajasthan:

• Lower and Middle Palaeolithic Age
• A large collection of animal and human bones has been discovered. 
• Fossil remains, including pollen, suggest that the climate was once warm and humid. 

Rojdi

Indus Valley Civilization in Rajkot District, Gujarat:

• Houses: Built on stone foundations. No bricks were discovered. 
• Pottery: Hard, red-ware pottery was found. 
• Graffiti and Script: Graffiti featuring signs from the Indus script, including the jar sign. A brief Harappan inscription on pots. 
• Tools: Copper or bronze flat axes were among the items found. 

Kalpi

Location and Historical Significance:

• Situated on the banks of the Yamuna River in the Jalaun district of Uttar Pradesh. 
• One of the oldest sites with evidence of human settlement in the Gangetic plains. 

Archaeological Findings:

• A large number of bone artifacts have been discovered, including items like arrowheads and knives. 
• Painted Grey Ware (PGW) has also been found at the site. 

Later Period:

• The site became a centre for Buddhism and Shaivism during this period. 
• Decorated terracotta figurines from this period have been recovered, indicating the cultural and religious significance of the site. 

Bhimbetka

• Rock Shelters in Raisen District, Madhya Pradesh
• Time Period: Paleolithic and Mesolithic era. 
• UNESCO World Heritage Site

Tools:

• Paleolithic Tools: Made mostly of quartzite and sandstone, large in size. 
• Mesolithic Tools: Typically made of chalcedony, smaller in size. 
• Floors: Paved with flat stone slabs. 
• Bones: No animal bones have been found so far. 

Rock Cave Paintings:

• A natural art gallery featuring rock cave paintings. 
• Paintings from multiple layers (Paleolithic to Mesolithic) depicting scenes such as: 
• Men hunting 
• Dancing 
• Children playing 
• Women working 
• Signs of early family setups 
• Artifacts: Ostrich egg shell beads dating back to the Upper Paleolithic period have been found. 

Adamgarh

Hoshangabad District, Madhya Pradesh:

• Located south of the Narmada River in Hoshangabad district, Madhya Pradesh. 
• Renowned for its ancient natural caves, rock shelters, and prehistoric paintings in red and white hues. 
• Palaeolithic and Mesolithic tools have been discovered here. 
• Microliths, particularly geometric shapes like triangles and trapezes, were commonly found. 
• The site provides some of the earliest evidence for the domestication of both domestic and wild animals. 
• Pottery from the microlithic level has also been unearthed. 

Hathnora

Madhya Pradesh has made a significant contribution to the understanding of early human evolution in South Asia. 

Key Points:

• Location: The fossil was discovered in the Sehore district of Madhya Pradesh, approximately 35 kilometers east of Hoshangabad, along the banks of the Narmada River. 
• Discovery: The site is notable for yielding the only known fossil of a human ancestor from South Asia, highlighting the region's importance in the study of early human history. 
• Implication: The discovery of this fossil indicates the early stages of human evolution in the Indian sub-continent, providing valuable insights into the region's prehistoric past. 

Baghor

About Kharadi (Sidhi District):

• Kharadi is situated in the Son Valley, within the Sidhi district of Madhya Pradesh. 
• Archaeological findings in the area include Palaeolithic and Mesolithic tools, which were used for various activities such as food processing, hunting, and craft work. 

Mother Goddess Worship:

• In Kharadi, a rock featuring a concentric triangle on a circular platform has been discovered. This rock is revered by tribal communities as a symbol of the Mother Goddess. 

Mesolithic Phase:

• During the Mesolithic phase, tools made of chert and chalcedony were prevalent, along with geometric microliths. 
• The area is also marked by the presence of large shelters, identifiable by a series of post-holes. 

Chopani Mando

Location and Cultural Sequence:

• Located in the Belan Valley, Prayagraj district, Uttar Pradesh. 
• The site shows a continuous cultural sequence from the Upper Palaeolithic to the Neolithic period. 

Paleolithic Period:

• Tools made from chert. 
• Animal bones found include wild cattle, sheep, and goats, indicating the early stages of animal domestication. 

Mesolithic Period:

• Discovery of geometric and non-geometric microliths such as blades, points, and scrapers, mostly made of chert. 
• Presence of handmade pottery, hammer stones, and ring stones. 
• Animal bones similar to those found in the Paleolithic period. 
• Burnt clay pieces with reed impressions suggest the existence of wattle-and-daub huts. 
• Evidence of wild rice consumption. 

Neolithic Period:

• Development of polished stone tools and pottery. 
• Introduction of domestic animals such as cattle, sheep, and goats. 

Lekhahia, Bori, Paisra

• Location : Situated in the Munger district of Bihar. 
• Time Period : Dates back to the Paleolithic and Mesolithic periods. 
• Stone Tools : The site contains evidence of stone working, including both finished and semi-finished tools. 
• Shelters : Evidence of huts and temporary shelters has been found at the site. 
• Fireplaces : Numerous fireplaces have been discovered, indicating the presence of fire. 
• Tool Making Process : It is believed that the raw material for making tools, specifically stone, was heated before being flaked. 
• Duration of Habitation : The thin layer of Mesolithic habitation suggests that people did not stay at this site for an extended period. 
• Organic Remains : No organic remains have been reported from the site. 
• Post Holes : Eight post holes, likely used to support thatched huts, have been discovered. 

Dari Dungri

Bhatra, Sambalpur District, Odisha:

• Located in the Mahanadi basin, this site has yielded a significant number of Lower and Middle Palaeolithic tools. 
• It was a large habitation and working site where early humans lived and made tools. 
• The tools found include flakes, handaxes, cleavers, and blades. 
• The Levallois technique, a sophisticated method of tool making, was used here. 

Hunsgi

Location and Context:

• The site is located in the Gulbarga district of Karnataka, along the banks of the river Hungsi, which is a tributary of the Krishna river.
• It is an archaeological site dating back to the Lower Palaeolithic period.

Tools and Materials Found:

• The site contained various stone tools and weapons made from chelimestone, sandstone, quartzite, dolerite, and chert.
• Tools discovered include blades with sharp edges and a variety of multipurpose instruments.

Habitation and Factory Evidence:

• There is evidence of habitation-cum-factory sites where tools were made from local raw materials and possibly sent to other locations.
• Some traces of early hominid habitation structures have been found, including indications of thatched roof-like structures.

Social Structure:

• Palaeolithic hunter-gatherers at this site are believed to have lived in a 'band society', indicating a small, mobile group structure typical of hunter-gatherer communities.

Nevasa

• Location: Situated in the Ahmednagar district of Maharashtra, along the Pravara river basin. 
• Excavation History: Excavated by H.D. Sankalia in 1950. 
• Time Period: Paleolithic and Chalcolithic site with multilevel settlements from the Middle Paleolithic to the Middle Ages. 
• Industry: The site is known for the Middle Paleolithic industry, sometimes called the Nevasan industry. 
• Tools: Wide variety of tools, including scrapers made from agate, jasper, and chalcedony. 
• Chalcolithic Phase: Characterized by painted black and red pottery, copper tools, and houses with bamboo and mud walls, rammed floors, thatched roofs, and post holes. 
• Lifestyle: Semi-nomadic lifestyle with evidence of factory sites. 
• Chirki near Nevas:. site that was both a living and factory site during the Middle Paleolithic age. 

Chalisgaon/Patne

Palaeolithic Sites in the Tapi Valley, Jalgaon District, Maharashtra:

• The Tapi Valley in the Jalgaon district of Maharashtra has revealed a rich stratigraphic sequence indicating human activity during the Middle and Upper Palaeolithic periods. 
• Excavations have uncovered a variety of tools from these periods, including flake tools, burins, and blades. 
• Additionally, Mesolithic tools such as geometric microliths have been found, indicating a progression in tool-making technology. 
• A notable find from the site is a piece of beadwork made from ostrich egg shells, showcasing the ornamental practices of Palaeolithic people. 

Palghat, Attirampakkam

Site Details:

• Location: Situated in the Kortallayar river basin, Tamil Nadu, northwest of Chennai. 
• Discovery: The site was discovered in 1863 by British geologist Robert Bruce. 
• Cultural Sequence: Reveals a sequence of lower, middle, and upper Paleolithic cultures. 
• Age of Tools: India’s oldest stone age tools, approximately 1.5 million years old, have been found at this site. 
• Significance: One of the oldest prehistoric sites in South Asia and an open-air Paleolithic site. 

Artefacts Found:

• Handaxes: Mostly made of quartzite stones, which were not locally available and brought from outside. These tools were used for butchery and chopping wood. 
• Tool Characteristics: The uniformity in shape and symmetry of these tools indicates the capacity for organized and collective working. 

Other Discoveries:

• Animal Footprints:. set of animal footprints was found at the site. 
• Animal Fossil Teeth: Fossil teeth of a horse, water buffalo, and nilgai were discovered, suggesting an open and wet landscape during early Paleolithic times. 

Pallavaram, Sanghao Caves

• The site is located in the Peshawar district on the Pothohar Plateau in Pakistan. 
• Evidence of human occupation during the Middle and Upper Palaeolithic periods has been found here. 
• The archaeological findings include stone tools, animal bones, and hearths (evidence of fire). 
• All the tools discovered at the site are made of quartz. 
• Many of the tools were created from flakes that were struck from prepared cores. 
• A large number of burins (a type of cutting tool) were also found at the site. 

Lingsugur
Stone Age is a period when man used stone tools for his daily needs. It is divided into three periods: Paleolithic, Mesolithic, and Neolithic. 

(i) Paleolithic Age

• The term 'Paleolithic' is derived from the Greek words 'palaios' meaning 'old' and 'lithos' meaning 'stone'. 
• This age is characterized by the use of hand-made stone tools such as axes, hammers, and chisels. 
• The Paleolithic Age is further divided into: 
• Lower Paleolithic: The earliest phase of the Paleolithic Age, during which the first stone tools were made. 
• Middle Paleolithic: This phase is marked by the development of more advanced stone tools and the use of fire. 
• Upper Paleolithic: The later phase of the Paleolithic Age, characterized by the production of finely crafted stone tools and the emergence of early forms of art. 

(ii) Mesolithic Age

• The term 'Mesolithic' is derived from the Greek words 'mesos' meaning 'middle' and 'lithos' meaning 'stone'. 
• This age is marked by the transition from the use of large stone tools to smaller, more specialized tools. 
• The Mesolithic Age is characterized by the development of microliths, which are small flint blades used for making tools and weapons. 

(iii) Neolithic Age

• The term 'Neolithic' is derived from the Greek words 'neos' meaning 'new' and 'lithos' meaning 'stone'. 
• This age is characterized by the development of agriculture and the domestication of animals. 
• The Neolithic Age is marked by the use of polished stone tools, pottery, and the establishment of permanent settlements. 

(iv) Harappan Age

• The Harappan Age, also known as the Indus Valley Civilization, is characterized by the emergence of urban centers along the Indus River and its tributaries. 
• This age is marked by advanced urban planning, the use of standardized weights and measures, and the development of trade networks. 

Gudiyam Cave

Location and Discovery:

• The site is located in the Tiruvallur district of Tamil Nadu, approximately 60 kilometers from Chennai. 
• Archaeological excavations at this site have revealed a range of tools from the Lower, Middle, and Upper Palaeolithic periods. 

Occupation Period:

• The presence of a few tools and the absence of other remains suggest that the site was occupied for only short periods of time. 

Chittoor, Betamcharla, Teri Sites, Odai, Kurnool

Upper Paleolithic Sites in Andhra Pradesh:

• Located along the banks of the Tungabhadra River in Andhra Pradesh, these sites consist of a collection of caves that served as rock shelters during the Upper Paleolithic period. 
• Prominent caves in this area include the Billa Surgam Caves and Muchchatla Gavi. 
• Archaeological findings include bone tools associated with Upper Paleolithic contexts. 
• Excavations have revealed large faunal remains, including those of rhinoceros, horse, tiger, and leopard. These findings indicate that the climate during the Upper Paleolithic was moist and the region was densely forested. 

Renigunta

Chittoor District of Andhra Pradesh: Upper Paleolithic Sites:

• Chittoor district in Andhra Pradesh is home to Upper Paleolithic sites. 
• Upper Paleolithic refers to a period in prehistory characterized by the development of sophisticated stone tools and the presence of early human communities. 
• These sites provide valuable insights into the life and culture of early humans in this region. 

Malprabha- Ghatprabha Valley

The Kaladgi Basin contains artefacts from all three periods of the Palaeolithic age. 

• Important sites in the basin include Anagwadi, Kavalli, and Lakhmapur. 

• Tools made of stone, such as quartzite and chert, have been excavated from these sites. 

Hiren Valley

In the Saurashtra region of Gujarat:

• Numerous stone tools have been discovered. 
• These tools are linked to the Lower Palaeolithic period, which is estimated to be between 190,000 to 69,000 BC. 

Pahalgam

In Anantnag district, Jammu and Kashmir:

• A hand-axe and flakes were found. 
• Kashmir does not have many Palaeolithic tools because it was very cold during the glacial period. 
• The region is an important tourist destination. 

Luni valley

Introduction to the Site:

• The site is located near a river in the western state of Rajasthan, India. 
• Excavations at this site have uncovered important archaeological evidence from the Lower and Middle Palaeolithic periods. 

Findings from the Lower Palaeolithic Period:

• During the excavations, tools dating back to the Lower Palaeolithic era were discovered. 
• These tools are significant as they provide insight into the early human activities and craftsmanship during this period. 

Significance of the Site:

• The presence of both Lower and Middle Palaeolithic sites indicates the long-standing human occupation and the continuity of tool-making traditions in this region. 
• Such findings contribute to our understanding of the prehistoric human lineage and their adaptation to different environments over time. 

Baridih, Anangpur

Introduction of Badarpur Hills

• Location: Badarpur Hills is situated south of Delhi. 
• Archaeological Significance: The site has yielded thousands of early and late Acheulean tools, including handaxes and cleavers. 
• Tool Material: The tools found at the site were made of quartzite or granite. 
• Geological Features: Traces of palaeo-channels of the Yamuna River have been discovered in the area. 
• Site Function: The evidence suggests that Badarpur Hills was a large Palaeolithic habitation and factory site. 

Buddha Pushkar, Ajmer (Hakra Basin):
Ajmer

• The region around Buddha Pushkar Lake, which is now known as Ajmer, has been found to contain Lower, Middle, and Upper Paleolithic materials through excavations. 
• The tools discovered from these periods include flake tools, points, and scrapers. 
• Ajmer is recognized as a significant Middle Paleolithic site due to its proximity to water and stone resources. 
• In addition to its archaeological importance, Ajmer is also a pilgrimage center dedicated to the shrine of Sufi saint Khwaja Moinuddin Chishti. 
• Historically, Ajmer served as the capital of the Chauhan dynasty during the medieval period. 

Sandhav (Kachchh): (excavated in 2019)

Recent Archaeological Findings in Kachchh, Gujarat:

• Archaeologists have discovered one of India’s oldest stone-age sites in the Naira Valley, Kachchh region of Gujarat, dating back 114,000 years. 
• This finding sheds new light on the complex story of human migration out of Africa, suggesting that migration began around 120,000 years ago and reached India via sea route by 114,000 years ago. 
• The site also revealed evidence of early "hafting practices," which involves making tools with multiple components, indicating advanced tool-making techniques. 
• Scholars believe that during the Palaeolithic age, Kachchh had a more moist and habitable climate, attracting a larger population to the region. 

Haora and Khowai river valley:
Tripura

• In Tripura, several upper Paleolithic tools such as burins and blades, made from fossil wood, have been excavated. 

Koloshi Cave, Sindhudurg: (Excavation in 2020)

About the Site:

• The site is located on the Konkan coast in the Sindhudurg district of Maharashtra. 
• During recent excavations, 1,500 Stone Age tools dating back to the Upper Paleolithic period were discovered. 

Types of Tools Found:

• The tools found include: 
• Ring stones
• Spades
• Blades
• Core stones
• Hammer stones

Implications of the Findings:

• The variety of tools suggests that the people of that time consumed wild grains in addition to hunting animals for food. 

Pinjore, Mandovi Valley, Palakkad, Sundergarh, Sambalpur, Bankura

Sohan Valley

• The Soan River, also known as the Swan, Sawan, or Sohan River, is located in the Pothohar or North Punjab region of Pakistan. 
• This river is significant because it was the type site for the Sohan Culture, a prehistoric technological culture from the Lower Palaeolithic Age. 

Soanian Culture:

• The Soanian culture is characterized by artifacts made from quartzite pebbles, cobbles, and occasionally boulders, all sourced from fluvial deposits in the Siwalik Hills. 
• Soanian assemblages typically include a variety of tools such as choppers, discoids, scrapers, cores, and flake tools. 

Recent Research:

• Recent studies have been exploring the connections between the Soanian technological culture and the Harappan culture, indicating a complex interplay between these prehistoric cultures.