An Acheulian occupation site at Hunsgi, Peninsular India: A summary of the results of two seasons of excavation (1975–6)

Abstract

Abstract Several Acheulian sites have been discovered recently in the vicinity of Hunsgi, North Karnataka, and one of them (Hunsgi Locality V) appears to be an occupation site in primary context. Such finds are still rare in the Indian sub‐continent. A preliminary report is given, based on the excavation so far carried out. The stratigraphy and lithology of the Acheulian floor are described. The occupation area, of some 60 square metres, was bounded on two sides by natural accumulations of granite boulders and on a third side by a discontinuous line of boulders which is likely to have been artificially arranged. Palaeoenvironmental evidence is at present under study. The industry is described and a selection of the artefacts figured. The industry seems to resemble the earlier Acheulian of Peninsular India, rather than the evolved Acheulian, as these are known at present, though no clear dating evidence is yet available from the Hunsgi site.