Neolithic Excavations in Tamil Nadu

Abstract

The Neolithic Age marks a crucial shift in human history, with advancements in agriculture, animal domestication, and tool-making. Tamil Nadu's rich archaeological sites, such as Athirampakkam, Payyampalli, and Kodumanal, offer valuable insights into this transformative period. This study examines recent excavations of Neolithic stone tools and settlements, focusing on tool typology, material composition, and technological evolution. A multidisciplinary approach, incorporating archaeology, geology, and paleoenvironmental studies, helps understand the socio-economic and cultural practices of Neolithic communities in Tamil Nadu. The paper also explores regional variations in tool design and usage, reflecting adaptation strategies to Tamil Nadu’s diverse ecological zones. The findings suggest that these communities developed complex agricultural and pastoral systems, which were integral to their survival and growth. The research also sheds light on the role of these tools in daily life, including food production, construction, and ritual practices. By reconstructing the prehistory of South India, this research contributes to the broader understanding of human evolution in the Indian subcontinent. The study calls for enhanced collaboration in preserving and interpreting these significant archaeological findings for future generations.