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Write a note in 150 words:-
'Soanian cultural' tradition

This question was previously asked in
UPSC CSE 2025 (Prelims) CSAT Official Paper (25-May-2025)

The Soanian cultural tradition refers to a distinctive Paleolithic tool-making industry primarily found in the Soan Valley of Punjab, Pakistan, and extending into parts of northern India. It's characterized by the use of crude, pebble-based tools, often made from quartzite. The dominant tool types include choppers, chopping tools, and flakes, indicating a focus on percussive activities like breaking bones or processing plant materials.

Archaeologists typically divide the Soanian into Early, Middle, and Late phases, showcasing a gradual refinement in technique, though never reaching the bifacial sophistication seen in the contemporary Acheulean tradition. The Soanian is often seen as a separate tradition from the Acheulean, co-existing in some regions but maintaining its unique technological approach. Its presence helps us understand the diverse adaptive strategies and technological paths taken by early hominins in South Asia, possibly representing a distinct cultural adaptation to specific environmental niches or available raw materials.

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