A.H. Dani (1960) has classified the Neolithic cultures of Assam into six distinct zones:

  1. Cachar Hills Zone
  2. Sadiya Frontiers
  3. Naga Hills Zone
  4. Khasi Hills Zone
  5. Garo Hills Zone
  6. Brahmaputra Valley Zone

Discovery of Neolithic Tools in the Brahmaputra Valley

  • The materials available for study are limited and scattered.
  • A.H. Dani classified tool types into seven categories:
    1. Facetted tools
    2. Shouldered tools
    3. Splayed axe
    4. Rounded butt axe with broad cutting edge
    5. Wedges
    6. Grooved hammer stones

Southeast Asian Influence

  • Dani suggested that Southeast Asian elements reached Assam in different waves and at different times through Myanmar (formerly Burma).
  • A definite chronology could be established based on black polished ware associated with specialized tools of the later complexes of Burma.

Important Prehistoric Sites in Assam

  1. Daojali Hading
    • Located in Dima Hasao District.
    • Extensive excavations have uncovered polished stone tools, ceramics, and kitchen implements such as grinders, pestles, and mortars.
  2. Sarutaru
    • Situated in Kamrup district, about 25 km southeast of Guwahati.
    • The Neolithic site is on the top of a small hillock, approximately 125 m high from the base.
  3. Marakdola
    • A low mound located 1 km from the Neolithic site of Sarutaru.

These sites and discoveries provide crucial insights into the Neolithic culture and its interaction with neighboring regions, highlighting Assam’s importance in prehistoric archaeology.

Published by Pragyanxetu

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