A Study of Lithic Assemblage from Battherma Nala, Southern Bargarh Upland, Western Odisha, India

Abstract

The present study investigates the prehistoric lithic assemblages from Battherma Nala, a sub-tributary of theGhensali river in the southern Bargarh upland of Western Odisha, India. The stream, extends about 14 km from itsorigin to confluence, has revealed four significant prehistoric sites in two distinct geomorphic contexts i.e., riverbankand rocky outcrop. The surface exploration yielded 1,360 lithic artifacts, predominantly microliths including cores,flakes, blades, and bladelets. The assemblage also includes very few Middle Palaeolithic components, indicatingadvanced flintknapping techniques, structured blank removal process. The artifacts were analyzed for their technotypology and raw material variability. The study area, characterized by diverse physiographic units and complexlithological formations, provides an abundant source of raw materials, mainly chert, quartz, and quartzite. Thisinvestigation enriches our understanding of the settlement patterns, lithic assemblages and raw material exploitationstrategies in the Bargarh upland. The findings contribute to broader archaeological contexts, reflecting the culturaldynamics and early human presence in this region.