An Encyclopaedia of Indian Archaeology v1.c9.s2.13

v1.c9.s2.13

The Indian Palaeolithic industries are by and large Acheulian in character. The feeble element of the Abbevillian, if at all present, is discernible only by a detailed technological scrutiny although this does not find much stratigraphic support. It is also difficult to further subdivide the Acheulian industries stratigraphically (Joshi, 1964). In open sites like river-banks the possibility of a considerable admixture brought about by natural agencies like the river is bound to exist. The only undisturbed localities are the caves or rock-shelters. In recent years excavations have been carried out within the rock-shelters at ADAMGARH and BHIMBETKA in the Narmada valley. Although the question of the subdivisions of Abbevillian-Acheulian cultures still remains unsolved, the excavations have in a way been helpful in tracing the cultural evolution from the Lower to the Middle Palaeolithic.