Quaternary Geoarchaeology of India

The Quaternary Period in South Asia has a very prolonged and diverse history. Within this region, India represents various technological and cultural phases of hominin occupation adapting to different ecological zones throughout the Quaternary Period. The earliest records of this occupation can be traced back to 1.5 Ma ago and possibly to c. 2 Ma ago. Archaeological evidence has been reported from all known phases in India, showing a continuous record of occupation from the Early Pleistocene onwards and reflecting adaptation by multiple hominin species over time. This book aims to highlight recent advances in the Quaternary geoarchaeology by showcasing diverse methods such as archaeology, geology, palaeoclimatology, sedimentology, GIS, remote sensing and taphonomy. It presents a collection of papers that address various geoarchaeological aspects from different regions in India, within the time frame of the Early Pleistocene to Anthropocene. This volume provides an opportunity for new data to be disseminated, particularly by young researchers and, within the framework of worldwide research issues, it promotes new geoarchaeological perspectives from India.
Palaeolithic assemblages associated with Youngest Toba Tuff deposits from the upper Gundlakamma River basin, Andhra Pradesh, India Available to Purchase
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Published:March 31, 2023
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CiteCitation
Devara Anil, Ajithprasad Pottentavida, Vrushab Mahesh, 2023. "Palaeolithic assemblages associated with Youngest Toba Tuff deposits from the upper Gundlakamma River basin, Andhra Pradesh, India", Quaternary Geoarchaeology of India, N. Tiwari, V. Singh, S. B. Mehra
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Abstract
Archaeological and geological remains associated with the Youngest Toba Tuff (YTT) deposits in India are seen as significant proxies for reconstructing (1) initial modern human colonization of India and (2) possible climatic impacts of the Toba super-eruption of 74 ka on the Indian climate and hominin behaviour. In order to gain further insights into the environmental impacts and behavioural adaptations of human populations in India before and after the Toba eruption, we investigated archaeological horizons associated with the Toba ash beds along the Gundlakamma basin in Prakasam District, Andhra Pradesh, India. Here, lithic artefacts were identified below and above the YTT deposits. The YTT deposits in the Gundlakamma River basin have a maximum thickness of 50 cm, comparatively thinner than those at the better investigated valleys of the adjacent Jurreru and Sagileru in Andhra Pradesh and the Son, Madhya Pradesh, India. Our surveys indicate that the Palaeolithic assemblages associated with YTT deposits from the Gundlakamma River basin can provide significant insights into the issues and debates surrounding the Toba archaeology.
- Andhra Pradesh India
- archaeological sites
- archaeology
- artifacts
- Asia
- Cenozoic
- eruptions
- Far East
- human activity
- igneous rocks
- India
- Indian Peninsula
- Indonesia
- Paleolithic
- Prakasam India
- pyroclastics
- Quaternary
- Stone Age
- Sumatra
- Toba Lake
- tuff
- volcanic rocks
- Youngest Toba Tuff
- Gundlakamma River basin