An Encyclopaedia of Indian Archaeology v1.c20.s1.t3.14

v1.c20.s1.t3.14

(f) Kurnool caves: There are several caves in the limestone formations of Dt Kurnool [cf. BILLA SURGAM] which have been known to palaeontologists and archaeologists since the second quarter of the last century. Unlike open-air sites, the Kurnool caves have disclosed a rich faunal assemblage which is significant for the reconstruction of Upper Pleistocene ecology and climate in the area. Some of the caves have yielded faunal material in association with lithic and bone artefacts ascribed to a phase of the Indian Upper Palaeolithic [4.4]. The dating of the cultural material on palaeontological grounds is not as difficult as in some of the river valleys like the NARMADA and of the Deccan where some fossils are found in association with both Lower and Middle Palaeolithic [4.2, 3] materials.