Cultural continuity and its implications on human evolution: A study from eastern Indian

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.