Cultural continuity and its implications on human evolution: A study from eastern Indian |
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Authors: | R Ray |
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Institution: | (1) Department of Anthropology, Calcutta University, 35, Ballygunge Circular Road, 700 033 Calcutta, India |
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Abstract: | Evidence of human evolution in India is mainly limited to cultural remains. Despite lack of proper absolute chronology a developmental
pattern is established. Present work focuses on a specific region in the state of Orissa, located on eastern plateau region.
So far no human fossil remain has been found from this area but there is enough cultural evidence to postulate evolutionary
sequence. The earliest cultural remain, rich in Acheulian tradition, is found from the lower gravel bed, dated c. 0.3 myr
B.P. on the basis of Toba ash. Then onward cultural evidences are found constantly from subsequent beds. Size diminution and
refinement of technology is the hallmark for progress. Celts and polishing grinding technology is generally considered as
the final phase of Stone Age technology. Findings from the region indicate continuation of the Stone Age tradition for a long
time even into the recent past. The earliest metal finding is brass. This alloy is not only persisting in the region but even
the technology of making brass objects is the same today. The tribal communities, the indigenous people living in the area,
bear a legacy of behavioural strategy for survival. It appears that in the areas, life continued without a break from prehistory
to present day in a processual manner. A similar situation is found in Africa, where as a result of comprehensive work the
process of continuity is properly understood. In India, lack of absolute dates is the major hindrance for this kind of work.
An attempt is made here to understand the behaviour, ecology and other related factors responsible for cultural continuity
in the studied area. |
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Keywords: | Culture continuity prehistoric present day |
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