Nevasa as a Paleolithic Site

---

Nevasa as a Paleolithic Site

1. Location:

• Nevasa is located in the Ahmednagar district of Maharashtra, India.
• It lies on the banks of the Pravara River, a tributary of the Godavari River.

1. Archaeological Significance:

• Nevasa is one of the key sites in India that provides evidence of Paleolithic culture.
• The site was excavated by H.D. Sankalia and his team from Deccan College, Pune, in the 1950s.
• The excavations revealed a continuous sequence of human habitation from the Lower Paleolithic to the Early Historic period.

1. Findings at Nevasa:

• Stone Tools: A large number of stone tools belonging to the Paleolithic period were found, including:
  • Hand axes
  • Cleavers
  • Scrapers
  • Chopper-chopping tools
• These tools were made from basalt and quartzite.
• The tools are characteristic of the Acheulian culture (Lower Paleolithic period).

1. Stratigraphy:

• The site shows a clear stratigraphic sequence:
  • Lower Paleolithic: Acheulian tools.
  • Middle Paleolithic: Tools made using the Levallois technique.
  • Upper Paleolithic: Blade tools and microliths.
  • Neolithic and Chalcolithic: Evidence of early farming communities.
  • Early Historic Period: Pottery and other artifacts.

1. Importance in Indian Prehistory:

• Nevasa provides evidence of the transition from the Paleolithic to the Neolithic period.
• It shows how early humans adapted to changing environments and developed new tools and technologies.
• The site is significant for understanding the cultural evolution of early humans in India.

---

Why is Nevasa Important for Competitive Exams?

1. UPSC and State PSCs:

• Questions related to important Paleolithic sites in India are frequently asked in the History section of UPSC Prelims and Mains.
• Nevasa is often mentioned alongside other key Paleolithic sites like Bhimbetka, Hunsgi, Kurnool Caves, and Attirampakkam.

1. Key Points to Remember:

• Nevasa is associated with the Acheulian culture.
• It provides evidence of continuous human habitation from the Lower Paleolithic to the Early Historic period.
• The site was excavated by H.D. Sankalia, a prominent Indian archaeologist.

1. Sample Questions:

• Prelims: Which of the following sites is associated with the Acheulian culture? (a) Nevasa (b) Harappa (c) Lothal (d) Kalibangan.
  • Answer: (a) Nevasa.
• Mains: Discuss the significance of Nevasa as a Paleolithic site in understanding the cultural evolution of early humans in India.

---

Other Important Paleolithic Sites in India

1. Bhimbetka (Madhya Pradesh): Known for rock shelters and cave paintings.
2. Hunsgi (Karnataka): Evidence of Acheulian tools.
3. Attirampakkam (Tamil Nadu): One of the oldest Paleolithic sites in India.
4. Kurnool Caves (Andhra Pradesh): Evidence of Middle Paleolithic tools.

---

How to Prepare Nevasa for Exams

1. Focus on Key Points:

• Location, excavator, tools found, and cultural period.

1. Compare with Other Sites:

• Understand how Nevasa differs from or is similar to other Paleolithic sites in India.

1. Use Maps:

• Mark Nevasa and other Paleolithic sites on a map to visualize their locations.

1. Revise Regularly:

• Include Nevasa in your revision notes for ancient Indian history.

By understanding the significance of Nevasa as a Paleolithic site, you can effectively tackle related questions in competitive exams.