The journal documents Stone Age archaeology across the Indian subcontinent, from the Lower Palaeolithic Acheulian to Mesolithic microlithic industries, with particular emphasis on the Vindhyan region, Odisha, the Siwalik Hills, and the Deccan.

Acheulian Studies

Vindhyas, North-Central India (VOL-4-02)

J.N. Pal’s comprehensive review covers five decades of prehistoric research in the Belan and Son valleys. Key findings include:

  • Belan Valley stratigraphy: Ten geological units with three gravel formations yielding Lower Palaeolithic (Gravel I), Middle Palaeolithic (Gravel II), and Upper Palaeolithic (Gravel III) tools
  • Son Valley stratigraphy: Five formations (Sihawal, Khuteli, Patpara, Baghor, Khetaunhi) with Toba volcanic ash (~74,000 yr BP) in the Khuteli formation
  • Excavated Acheulian sites: Sihawal I, Nakjhar Khurd, Bamburi, Patpara, Manigara, and Maihar

Kharagpur Hills, Bihar (VOL-10-01)

Recent explorations in the Kharagpur hills of Jamui and Munger districts documented multiple Acheulian sites (Dubratari, Parsatari, and others) with handaxes, cleavers, Levallois cores, and varied scraper types.

Sagileru River Basin, Andhra Pradesh (VOL-7-01)

The Kondapeta site yielded Acheulian bifaces with similarities to Attirampakkam. Stratified conglomerate beds contain acheulian tools, with the lithic industry divided into Sagileru I-IV cultural stages spanning the Acheulian to Microlithic.

Microlithic Studies

Burla, Odisha (VOL-2-03)

Excavations at Burla on the Mahanadi River revealed microliths and heavy-duty pebble-cobble tools below a tephra deposit, indicating a late Pleistocene chronology. The site is a factory-cum-base camp with thousands of artefacts in mint condition.

Tang River Valley, Odisha (VOL-5-01)

Five microlithic settlements (Siletpada, Jhinkidunguri, Mahagaon, Bhoipada) in Bolangir district yielded 854 lithic components. Chert of 12 colour varieties was the dominant raw material. The study analyses raw material procurement as embedded in subsistence strategies.

Middle Brahmani Valley, Odisha (VOL-9-01)

Examination of raw material variability and tool production strategies at prehistoric sites.

Dulung River Valley, West Bengal (VOL-6-04)

Exploration in this Subarnarekha tributary valley revealed 28 sites with Palaeolithic and microlithic implements on ferricrete uplands and alluvial terraces.

Manjira River Valley, Telangana (VOL-4-01)

Fourteen prehistoric sites (new and previously reported) in the Manjira basin yielded Upper Palaeolithic and Mesolithic assemblages made of locally available chert, chalcedony, and quartz.

Siwalik Frontal Range (VOL-7-04, VOL-9-02)

  • Ghumarwin, Himachal Pradesh: Core and flake assemblages from the Seer Khad river basin in the Siwalik frontal range
  • Kasohal, Himachal Pradesh: A newly discovered Palaeolithic site in the Siwalik range

Devri, Panna, Madhya Pradesh (VOL-7-03)

Discovery of a new microlithic site in the Panna district.

International Studies

Tabarak, Iran (VOL-4-03)

An open-air Early Palaeolithic site on the dry riverbed of the Atrak River in Quchan Plain, Iran. Seven artefacts including a protobiface, chopper-core, side scrapers, and a broken flake made primarily of quartz.