An Encyclopaedia of Indian Archaeology v1.c9.s6.23

v1.c9.s6.23

(f) S. region [4.6.7-10]. It is a measure no less of the homogeneity of the culture as of its stability that the results brought forth by each of these excavations have, save for certain minor difference in detail, been strikingly similar. Some scholars (Paddayya, 1973) have identified some variants within this region and have suggested that this manifestation should not be treated as a homogeneous entity. The postulate however remains to be established. Meanwhile it may be worth noting that despite local variations there are admittedly observable regularities which can be related to factors controlling the location and distribution of Neolithic sites in the region. Two broad phases can be recognized in the evolution of this culture in this region. In the earlier phase, met with at sites in the SHEVAROY hills and also at NAGARJUNAKONDA and UTNUR, its principal traits consist of a handmade pale-red ware, ground stone tools, microliths (with restricted or no use of blades) and occasionally bone implements. Some of the settlements of this phase are represented by ash mounds [14.3] which have been proved to be an accumulation of burnt cow-dung (Zeuner, 1959; Allchin, 1963), attesting to a pastoral economy. The latter phase is characterized by a dominant burnished dull grey ware, ground stone implements, including axes, adzes wedges, chisels, picks, grinding stones, pounders, hammer-stone, microliths and parallel-sided blades (the latter constituting over 60% of the assemblage), bone points and miscellaneous other crafts like bead-making, including those of steatite. A painted pottery showing simple linear patterns in a brownish purple colour over a red surface was also associated with this assemblage. Towards the close of this phase contact with the Chalcolithic culture of the upper Deccan [4.14.6] resulted in the introduction of the use of copper and other concomitant traits.