An Encyclopaedia of Indian Archaeology v1.c9.s5.23

v1.c9.s5.23

Most of the microlithic industries known to us belong to a very developed technological stage, and therefore we do not have adequate evidence for the full reconstruction of the story of the technological evolution of these industries. In the rock-shelters and open-air sites at MORHANA PAHAR the excavators have reported a four-phase evolutionary sequence: (1) nor-geometric microlithic industry; (2) geometric microlithic industry; (3) geometric microlithic industry with pottery; and (4) diminutive microlithic industry with pottery. We need, however, a detailed publication of the stratigraphic and cultural data to assess the nature of this evolution. In a rock-shelter of BHIMBETKA the stone industry of the lowest layer is characterized by a cruder blade technique and a lower proportion of geometric forms than in the upper layers. The microlithic industry of BIRBHANPUR, lacking triangles and trapezes and having broad crescents made on flakes or broad blades, is certainly more archaic technologically than the microlithic industries of w. and c. India, but unfortunately in the absence of ¹⁴C dates we do not know its correct chronological position. The *teri* industry, with its flake points, less symmetric geometric tool forms and discoids and choppers, also tends to represent an older stage: On the other hand the BAGOR industry, with an almost total lack of flake tools, a high degree of geometric precision of its microliths and extreme miniaturization of microlithic tools, appears to represent a late phase in the evolution of microlithic technology and typology.