Middle Palaeolithic India: Understanding Flake Tool Production
The Middle Palaeolithic period in India is characterized by specific stone tool manufacturing techniques.
Primary Technique Identified
Archaeological evidence indicates that the Levallois technique was the predominant method used for producing flake tools during India's Middle Palaeolithic culture.
Levallois Technique Explained
- This is a sophisticated pre-planning method where a core stone is shaped (prepared) specifically to produce flakes of a predetermined size and shape.
- The core is prepared by striking off small pieces, creating a distinctive convex surface.
- A final, decisive strike then detaches a flake that conforms to the shape of the prepared core surface.
Why Levallois Technique?
The Levallois technique allowed for greater control and efficiency in producing standardized flake tools compared to simpler methods. Its widespread adoption signifies advancements in cognitive abilities and planning during this era.
Other Techniques Considered
- Percussion method: This is a very general term for striking one stone against another; Levallois is a specific type of percussion technique.
- Blade-tool technology: While blades are tools, this describes the product, not the specific manufacturing method focused on flake production.
- Pressure flaking: This technique involves using pointed tools to remove small chips and is typically used for refining edges or creating intricate tools, often as a finishing step, not the primary method for bulk flake production.
Conclusion
The controlled and predictable flake production offered by the Levallois technique made it the primary method during the Middle Palaeolithic in India.
Important Questions from Prehistoric period
At which among the following Harappan sites are fire altars found?
Which one of the following Harappan sites was a specialised centre for making shell objects?
Consider the following statements:
1. Terracotta models of the plough have been found at sites in Cholistan and at Banawali (Haryana).
2. There is evidence of a ploughed field at Kalibangan associated with the mature phase of the Harappan civilization.
3. The ploughed field at Kalibangan had two sets of furrows crossing at right angles to each other suggesting two different crops were grown together in it.
Which of the statements given above are correct?
The cylindrical stone seals were used in which civilization?
Harappan crafts display an amazing degree of standardization. According to Kenoyer, what was the possible reason for such an achievement?
