South Indian Paleoliths: An Overview | UPSC Mains ANTHROPOLOGY-PAPER-II 2015

South Indian Paleoliths

How to Approach

This question requires a concise yet informative response on South Indian Paleoliths. The approach should begin by defining Paleolithics and their significance in understanding early human presence. The answer must then cover key characteristics of South Indian Paleolithics, including typologies, geographical distribution, chronological sequence, and any unique features. Finally, briefly touch upon the interpretations and debates surrounding these findings. A structured answer with clear headings and subheadings is crucial within the word limit.

Understanding South Indian Paleolithics: An Overview

South Indian Paleolithics are broadly categorized into Lower, Middle, and Upper Paleolithic phases, mirroring the broader global sequence, although with regional variations.

Lower Paleolithic (c. 2.5 million years ago – 100,000 years ago)

Key Characteristics: Primarily characterized by crude, core-based tools like choppers, cleavers, and handaxes. These tools were made using simple percussion techniques.
Major Sites: Sites like Attirampakkam (Tamil Nadu), Hadapsar (Maharashtra - though geographically not purely South, it's relevant), and Kurnool (Andhra Pradesh) have yielded significant Lower Paleolithic artifacts. The Attirampakkam site, in particular, has pushed back the timeline of human occupation in South India.
Raw Materials: Primarily quartz and quartzite were used due to their abundance.

Middle Paleolithic (c. 100,000 – 40,000 years ago)

Key Characteristics: Marked by the emergence of Levalloisian technique - a more sophisticated method of flake production. Includes prepared core tools like blades and points.
Major Sites: Yercaud (Tamil Nadu), Alipur (Tamil Nadu), and various sites in Karnataka show evidence of Middle Paleolithic occupation.
Technological Advancement: The Levalloisian technique demonstrates improved planning and skill in tool production compared to the Lower Paleolithic.

Upper Paleolithic (c. 40,000 – 10,000 years ago)

Key Characteristics: Characterized by smaller, more refined tools made on blades, including backed blades, burins, and scrapers. Evidence suggests the use of bone tools and potentially early forms of art.
Major Sites: While less abundant than Lower and Middle Paleolithic sites, Upper Paleolithic findings exist in Andhra Pradesh and Karnataka.
Significance: This phase is often associated with the arrival of modern *Homo sapiens* in South India.

Unique Features & Interpretations

Compared to North Indian Paleolithics, South Indian industries exhibit a greater reliance on quartzite and a seemingly continuous sequence without a clear break between Lower and Middle Paleolithic phases in some regions. The presence of microlithic tools in some sites also raises questions about cultural interactions. Some researchers suggest that South Indian Paleolithics represent a distinct cultural tradition, while others emphasize the shared evolutionary trajectory with other parts of the world. Ongoing excavations, like those at the Kalavithi rock shelter in Tamil Nadu, continue to refine our understanding.

Phase	Time Period (approx.)	Key Tools	Technique	Major Sites
Lower Paleolithic	2.5 mya – 100,000 ya	Choppers, Cleavers, Handaxes	Simple Percussion	Attirampakkam, Hadapsar, Kurnool
Middle Paleolithic	100,000 – 40,000 ya	Blades, Points	Levalloisian	Yercaud, Alipur
Upper Paleolithic	40,000 – 10,000 ya	Backed Blades, Burins	Bladelet Technology	Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh

Additional Resources

Key Definitions

Paleolithic

The Paleolithic period, meaning “Old Stone Age,” is the earliest phase of the Stone Age, characterized by the use of chipped stone tools.

Levallois Technique

A sophisticated stone tool-making technique involving careful preparation of a core to produce flakes of predetermined shape and size.

Key Statistics

The Attirampakkam site has yielded artifacts dating back to approximately 3.5 million years ago, significantly pushing back the timeline of human occupation in South India. (Based on recent research; knowledge cutoff may affect accuracy)

Source: Recent Archaeological Reports (subject to change based on new findings)

The Kurnool caves have yielded handaxes dating back to approximately 500,000 years ago, representing a significant find in the Lower Paleolithic context of South India.

Source: Archaeological Survey of India Reports

Examples

Attirampakkam Site

This site in Tamil Nadu provides evidence of early human occupation with tools dating back to 3.5 million years ago, challenging previous assumptions about the timeline of human presence in the region.

Yercaud Lithic Assemblage

The Yercaud site demonstrates the prevalence of the Levalloisian technique in the Middle Paleolithic period, showcasing a more advanced level of tool-making skill.

Frequently Asked Questions

▶Why is the study of South Indian Paleolithics important?

It provides insights into the early human presence, technological advancements, and migration patterns in the Indian subcontinent, contributing to a broader understanding of human evolution and history.

▶What are the key differences between North and South Indian Paleolithics?

South Indian sites often show a greater reliance on quartzite, a potentially continuous Lower-Middle Paleolithic transition, and sometimes exhibit microlithic tools, suggesting distinct cultural characteristics.