History of Technology in India, Vol. I: From Antiquity to c. 1200 A.D. v1.c10.s1.t5.7

v1.c10.s1.t5.7

But, the flakes which were obtained for making tools were also acquired by various methods, such as the Clactonian, the Levallois and the Mousterian etc., which we shall discuss later. But, separation of flakes into a few broad groups and their sub- groups is not easy and beyond debate. Due to this reason, the present author adopted a descriptive criterion for classification of flakes denoting various flaking techniques of the Palaeolithic period of India (Jayaswal, 1978, pp. 15-17). The classification was based on the nature of the dorsal surface and the striking platform. These categories were fifteen (Fig.7). Though descriptive terminologies were used for these categories, a few well defined terms as Levallois flake, Levallois point and blade etc., were retained. A brief description of the proposed classification and important features of the Palaeolithic technology which had emerged from our study has been mentioned below.