An Encyclopaedia of Indian Archaeology v1.c12.s4.1

v1.c12.s4.1

Palynology encompasses a wide range of studies based on the morphology and distribution of pollen and spores in space and time. These range from the study of pollen and spore fall-out on the face of the earth to the find of adulterants in different grades of honey, to the identification of allergenic substances in dust particulates, to the study of pollen morphology in relation to plant taxonomy and to the reconstruction of vegetational and environmental histories through pollen analysis of sedimentary deposits. In India palynology is known in practically all its diverse ramifications. It has contributed to Indian archaeology by way of the reconstruction of palaeo-environments of man over sections of the Quaternary Age [9.8]. The picture is far from complete but important gains have been made in some regions, notably Kashmir and Rajasthan.