An Encyclopaedia of Indian Archaeology v1.c9.s6.t1: 4.6.2 Siwalik region
An Encyclopaedia of Indian Archaeology v1.c9.s6.t1
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4.6.2 Siwalik region
v1.c9.s6.t1.1
Valleys of *dun* and re-entrant types situated in the Siwaliks in the sub-Himalayan zone contain a number of Neolithic sites. In Jammu polished celts and ringstones have been found at Gaudapatan on the Chenab near Akhnur, Kurrow on the Ravi, Dyalachak on the Tarnah and Kuta on the Ben. In Himachal Pradesh similar artefacts occur at Ror on the Banganga, Dehra and Nadaun on the Beas in the Kangra valley and Basawal and Baddi in the Pinjaur-Nalagarh *dun*. Of these Ror, on the left bank of the river, is by far the richest Neolithic site in the n.-w. Siwalik zone. None of these sites has been excavated, but Neolithic artefacts are seen occurring in concentrated clusters on broad alluvial terraces which have a thick silt cover. Most of the places are agricultural lands which have become flat, being subjected to ploughing since ages. After every ploughing season fresh tools are dug up at most of the sites, thus indicating that they are embedded in the top silt layer. On the surface celts and ringstones are often found together with the Sohan tools of all facies [4.2]. No definite evidence of pottery or any other antiquity has so far been found in association with the celts at any of the sites.
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The following tool types are represented: 1, Axe, with a triangular shape and elliptical to lenticular cross-section, the butt both pointed and rounded, the average total length being 10 to 13 cm, with the working edge 5 to 6 cm, the edge usually polished, straight, median and slightly convex. The following subtypes are noticed: (a) broad flat axe with slightly convex sides, short body and broad butt; (b) medium to small thin axe with the edge slightly at an angle to the long axis; (c) axe with a flaring edge and concave sides; (d) sturdy and heavy axe with a pointed butt; and (e) slender, longish medium-size axe. 2. Chisel, with parallel sides, width of the butt being almost equal to that of the edge, and a plano-convex cross-section, the polished edge sometimes bevelled. 3. Pick, with a long slender body, straight sloping sides, a semicircular exquisitely polished and sharpened edge and symmetrically rounded narrow butt. 4. Squat, massive and heavy axe hammer, the maximum weight being 1700 g, having a heavily battered butt and edge, circular cross-section at the butt becoming elliptical towards the broader end. 5. Ringstone, the largest specimen, reconstructed from the halves, appearing to have a diameter of 9 cm, with a 3 cm wide bore sloping down to an hour-glass perforation of 1·5 cm, the maximum and minimum weight of the complete specimens being 500 and 200 g. As the narrow perforations do not suggest their use as weights for digging sticks, they were probably used either as bolas or net-sinkers.
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De Terra, H.. & Paterson, T.T , 1939, *Studies on the Ice Age in India & Associated Human Remains*, Washington. Mohapatra, G C , 1966, in *Bull Deccan Coll Res. Inst.*, 25, pp. 221-37. 1974, in Ghosh, A.K , ed., *Perspectives in Palaeoanthropology*, Calcutta, pp. 199-212; 1976, *Significance of Neohthu Discoveries at Ror, Himachal Pradesh*, Monograph of Dept of Languages and Cultural Affairs, Himachal Pradesh, Simla (in press). Sahni, M.R , & Mohapatra, 1964, in *Current Science*, 33, 6, pp. 178-80. Saroj, H.M. 1975, "Lithic Industries of Jammu", D. Phil dissertation, Punjab University For sites see respective entries in vol II.—G.C. MOHAPATRA