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Prehistory and Palaeoenvironments in Northern Tamil Nadu Excavations at Attirampakkam
Northern Tamil Nadu, South India is rich in prehistoric sites, in particular of the Lower and Middle Palaeolithic. These sites have been investigated ever since 1863, with sporadic studies being conducted in the 1930's and 1960's. A reexamination of this region, in particular, the areas falling within the basin of the river Kortallaiyar was initiated by Shanti Pappu in 19991. In 1999, a project was taken up to document the nature and context of prehistoric sites in the region, to reconstruct Quaternary geomorphic processes, obtain dates for the sites and model past environmental changes over the Middle to Late Pleistocene. As part of this project, excavations were begun at the site of Attirampakkam, Tiruvallur district, and studies are being conducted at other sites in the region. This region, marks the southernmost distribution of Palaeolithic sites in the subcontinent. Our research strategies involving inputs from experts in India and abroad involve studies of lithic technology, past environments, geomorphology, micropalaeontology, palaeobotany and chronological investigations. In addition to this, GIS and satellite remote sensing are being used to model prehistoric landuse patterns. The image above shows one of our trenches at Attirampakkam, (13013'50'' N and 79053'20''E, 37.5 m AMSL). Locally known as 'Manamedu' or 'Mound of clay', this site is one of the richest Palaeolithic sites in India. It is located in the basin of the River Kortallayar, around 60 km from the city of Chennai, Tamil Nadu, South India. Over the years, students and scholars and visitors have randomly collected tools as 'souvenirs' from this site. We work with local villagers to help conserve this site and to prevent random collection. Rather than construct fences around sites, we believe that the best way to protect India's prehistoric heritage is to involve the local community. We request visitors to please refrain from doing so, as this is leading to the destruction of the site.
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Excavations are under the Direction of Dr. Shanti Pappu; Sharma
Centre for Heritage Education We thank all our colleagues who are involved in various aspects of this project. Analysis of the lithic assemblages are under the direction of Dr. Shanti Pappu and Dr. Kumar Akhilesh at the Sharma Centre for Heritage Education. Students involved in laboratory work include Mr. Saleem Sheikh. |
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