An Encyclopaedia of Indian Archaeology v1.c14.s2.20

v1.c14.s2.20

6. This arid period was followed by a period of distinctly wet climate. The most convincing evidence for this is provided by a moderately leached brown soil developed over the dune sand. This soil has been observed across the length and breadth of the desert—from Budha Pushkar in the e. to Sam, 45 km w. of Jaisalmer in the w., and from Dhechu s. of Phalodi in the n. to n. Gujarat in the s. Allchin *et al.* have correlated this weathered horizon with the Middle Palaeolithic phase and with the gravels of the Luni, on the basis of the presence of Middle Palaeolithic tools on this surface in the Budha Pushkar basin and in the Luni gravels. However, at many places—Budha Pushkar itself, Dhechu, Sam, and several points between Jaisalmer and Barmer—microlithic industries [4.5] are found on this surface. Sometimes larger and typologically older tools like choppers, scrapers and cores are associated with these industries. This makes the exact stratigraphic correlation and dating of this soil a complex question.