An Encyclopaedia of Indian Archaeology v1.c20.s1.t3.53

v1.c20.s1.t3.53

The nilgai (*Boselaphus tragocamelus*) is represented by the more hypsodont teeth than the teeth of the deer family. The labio-lingual width of the teeth does not widen towards the base of the crown, as is common with the teeth of the deer family. The teeth are characterized by simple enamel pattern and the accessory column forms a simple pillar that is detached from the lobes of the tooth. Some of the horn cores found at Langhnaj are small and straight. Some metacarpal and metarsal bones are also small in overall dimensions but not as slender as of *Cervus duvauceli*. At present the nilgai is found throughout India, especially in scrub-land and on grassy plains but not in dense forests.