[Pramāṇa](https://indike.org/pramana/) › [Studies](https://indike.org/pramana/ins) › [Reference works](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.reference) › [An Encyclopaedia of Indian Archaeology](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.reference.ghosh-1989) › v1.c9.s17.85 # An Encyclopaedia of Indian Archaeology v1.c9.s17.85 An Encyclopaedia of Indian Archaeology v1.c9.s17.85 - **Language:** English ### [v1.c9.s17.85](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.reference.ghosh-1989.v1.c9.s17.85) The rocky hills of the region—wide bands of the Dharwar formation surrounded by the peninsular gneissic complex, the Deccan trap in the uppermost part, the sedimentary rocks of the Kaladgi and Bhima series in the n. margin—abundantly yield, by exfoliation, stone sheets, boulders and rubble that could be used conveniently as building material. The laterite of the coastal strip could be easily excavated. Except the short e.-w. rivers in Dts s. and n. Kanara, there are seven major w.-e. rivers with fertile valleys covering the entire region almost evenly. The Dharwar rocks and the coastal laterite are rich in gold, manganese and iron of high grade that could well have sustained primitive prospecting and smelting. A number of ancient gold-mining and iron-smelting sites and a few copper workings are noticed in these areas. The environmental conditions were thus favourable to the needs of the megalith-builders. - [Previous: v1.c9.s17.84](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.reference.ghosh-1989.v1.c9.s17.84) - [Next: v1.c9.s17.86](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.reference.ghosh-1989.v1.c9.s17.86) - [Up: v1.c9.s17](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.reference.ghosh-1989.v1.c9.s17) --- Source: [https://indike.org/pramana/ins.reference.ghosh-1989.v1.c9.s17.85](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.reference.ghosh-1989.v1.c9.s17.85) · Pramāṇa