An Encyclopaedia of Indian Archaeology v1.c9.s6.t3.4

v1.c9.s6.t3.4

A chain of Neolithic sites has been found in the Singhbhum peneplains extending from Chakradharpur along the Sanjai valley. Artefacts are found on the surface or exposed in denuded sections and by digging in low mound-like deposits of dark clay. The main sites are CHAKRADHARPUR, CHAINPUR, BARDA, UKRI, BARUDIH, DUGNI and GOVINDPUR. Besides, two sites in Manbhum—BONGARA and BHANGAT—may be mentioned. Up in the Ranchi peneplaned plateau a scatter of sites has been found in the vicinity of Ranchi, BESIA, MANDAR and KHUNTI. The tools occur on the surface of blackish, occasionally reddish, soil. In the Santal Parganas upland, rich tool localities have been found in the region around Dumka, with MOHANPAHARI as the main site. Stray finds have been reported from Dts Hazaribagh and Purulia. The spatial distribution of the sites and the temporary nature of their occupation in similar geographical contexts suggest that the people moved from place to place clearing forests and practising shifting cultivation.