An Encyclopaedia of Indian Archaeology v1.c14.s8.t2.24

v1.c14.s8.t2.24

Stratigraphic studies at the very rich Palaeolithic sites at ATTIRAMBAKKAM, POONDI, VADAMADURAI and NEYVELI in the Tamil Nadu coastal areas were initiated by de Terra and Paterson, 1939, when the terrace system of the Kortalayar river was examined. The correlation of the POONDI terrace sequence with that of the NARMADA as well as of Gujarat has been attempted establishing the aggradation and erosional phases due to fluvial processes augmented by the sea-level changes in the area during the Penultimate Glaciation. Later excavation at the Palaeolithic sites of this area has proved the existence of four terrace surfaces at elevations of 73, 45, 30 and 15 m above the present sealevel, all of them containing tools. These marine terraces may possibly be dated to the Mid-Pleistocene to Late Pleistocene periods. The Mid-Pleistocene date is based upon the faulting of the Cuddalore formation of the Late Tertiary period.