Palaeodiet, palaeoecology and palaeoenvironment during 1200 BCE–300 CE in the Ganga Plain: A palaeoethnobotanical and palynological approach

Abstract

This paper presents the results of plant macro–remain analysis from Iron Age–Historic settlement sites in Ganga Plain. The plant remains affirm the presence of distinct agricultural economy based on cereals (Oryza sativa, Hordeum vulgare, Triticum aestivum, Triticum sphaerococcum), pulses (Lathyrus sativus, Vigna sp., Macrotyloma uniflorum), oil–fibre yielding (Sesamum indicum, Gossypium sp.) and minor millets (Panicum sp., Setaria sp.). Relative dates based on ceramics from individual site provide secure chronology for the sites between 1200 BCE to 300 CE. Also analyzed pollen and non–pollen palynomorphs from Biland–Khera (200 BCE–300 CE) cultural sediment to investigate palaeovegetation and palaeoenvironment around the settlement.