ABSTRACT
The development of Quaternary studies in the context of Palaeolithic research in India can be seen in two major phases: first, from 1863 to 1964, and second, from 1964 to the present. During the first phase, many type areas for reconstructing prehistoric culture successions were identified in various river valleys of peninsular India. Inferences regarding palaeoclimates and palaeoenvironments were based on the characteristics of lithological units (such as coarse-grained and fine-grained clastic sediments) and faunal material contained in these deposits. Methodological and interpretative frameworks that were current in Europe were applied to the Indian situation. Much of the early Indian research was conducted by European scholars endeavouring to reinforce European models in India. Between 1940 and 1960, many regional surveys were carried out to bridge geographical gaps concerning Pleistocene chronology and cultural succession, allowing for inter-regional correlations. The 1960s were a decade of major methodological and theoretical changes in the earth sciences and archaeology. The new perspectives necessitated a revision of the existing models and the application of new scientific techniques. Many new areas for investigation were identified, including littoral, aeolian, lacustrine and off-shore environments. Since 1970, Quaternary research in India has steadily increased, producing excellent data to fit into the global climatic framework. Three other chapters in this volume (Singhvi et al., R.Dennell and M.D.Petraglia) deal with aspects such as the initial occupation of South Asia, the problems and prospects therein, and the potential of non-alluvial Lower Palaeolithic contexts for behavioural and site formation studies, dating and environments. This chapter reviews the progress of Indian Lower Palaeolithic research from the perspective of Quaternary geology.
