Results
Title

A Study of Lithic Assemblage from Battherma Nala, Southern Bargarh Upland, Western Odisha, India.

Authors

Barik, Kshirasindhu

Abstract

The present study investigates the prehistoric lithic assemblages from Battherma Nala, a sub-tributary of the Ghensali river in the southern Bargarh upland of Western Odisha, India. The stream, extends about 14 km from its origin to confluence, has revealed four significant prehistoric sites in two distinct geomorphic contexts i.e., riverbank and rocky outcrop. The surface exploration yielded 1,360 lithic artifacts, predominantly microliths including cores, flakes, blades, and bladelets. The assemblage also includes very few Middle Palaeolithic components, indicating advanced flintknapping techniques, structured blank removal process. The artifacts were analyzed for their technotypology and raw material variability. The study area, characterized by diverse physiographic units and complex lithological formations, provides an abundant source of raw materials, mainly chert, quartz, and quartzite. This investigation enriches our understanding of the settlement patterns, lithic assemblages and raw material exploitation strategies in the Bargarh upland. The findings contribute to broader archaeological contexts, reflecting the cultural dynamics and early human presence in this region.

Subjects

OUTCROPS (Geology); MIDDLE Paleolithic Period; LAND settlement patterns; RAW materials; UPLANDS

Publication

Iranian Journal of Archaeological Studies, 2024, Vol 14, Issue 1, p35

ISSN

2251-743X

Publication type

Academic Journal

DOI

10.22111/IJAS.2024.48858.1302