An Encyclopaedia of Indian Archaeology v1.c14.s8.t2.19

v1.c14.s8.t2.19

Considerable work has been done in w. Maharashtra which forms an integral part of the Deccan plateau of peninsular India comprising the W. Ghats and valleys of the GODAVARI, Bhima and Krishna. The present courses of the rivers generally show rejuvenated characters. Quaternary formations in w. Maharashtra consist of variously consolidated, at places fossiliferous, alluvial silts and gravels, interbedded locally with colluvial silts, gravels and sands. These fluvial deposits are at places as thick as 40 m, e.g. in the Mula valley in Dt Ahmadnagar, and are mostly of the late Pleistocene age. The sequence of sediments is one of aggradation repeatedly alternating with erosion. This mechanism of processes is perhaps due to mild tectonic movements and climatic changes. The tectonic changes were mostly of epirogenic type and the climatic changes include fluctuations in the rainfall pattern. The rainfall probably departed from the present mean annual figures by 35 to 40%. The region has yielded Lower, Middle and Upper Palaeolithic tools [4.2-4]. It is only from this region we have some definitive ¹⁴C dates for Middle and Upper Palaeolithic tools. Both these cultures prolifically developed during 39000 to 15000 years B.P.