An Encyclopaedia of Indian Archaeology v1.c14.s8.t2.35

v1.c14.s8.t2.35

The distribution in India of prehistoric [14.1.1] cultures clearly shows the preference for semi-arid tracts like s.-e. parts of w. India and the Deccan plateau. These areas did not witness drastic climatic changes and were relatively more stable tectonically than the coastal or sub-Himalayan tracts. The monsoonal, i.e. seasonal, characteristic of climate of this subcontinent had been maintained throughout the Pleistocene period since the initiation of this type of climate in the Tertiary period. During the prehistoric period the occurrence of suitable raw material could have been one of the factors for inhabiting favourable spots which could also satisfy the requirements of animal and vegetable food. Be that as it may, on the whole environment does not seem to have had any dominant hold on the prehistoric settlers in India, for their sites are found in almost all parts of India having contrasting physiographic and climatic settings.