Elements Of Prehistory

Prehistory or prehistoric anthropology is an important sub-field of anthropology that deals with the dark period of Man when no written records were available. The subject made its official beginning in the middle of the 19th century, and the study of this branch of science is accomplished with the help of large number of natural, physical and other sciences. For a proper understanding of the subject, it is necessary to go into the principles of the subject as such for which no published works are available at one place. In order to fulfil this task and to simplify the technical nature of the subject as also to have it within the reach of amateurs, professionals, laymen and those interested in competing for different central and state services examinations. The present attempt has been made. The first chapter on introduction deals with the nature and scope of the subject, culture and cultural periods, history of development, methods of study covering survey of surface exploration, excavation, analysis interpretation and report writing, and finally the relationship of the subject with other sciences has been examined, followed by a brief account on the archaeological traditions and terminology. In the second chapter the environment of the prehistoric times mainly covering the Pleistocene epoch and its chief features have been included. In the third chapter the methods of relative and absolute dating and their relevance have been discussed at great length. The fourth chapter on the stone tool technology and typology deals with different methods employed by man during palaeolithic times, followed by a systematic account of different types of tools of different cultural periods almost all well-illustrated.