Study of Microlithic Assemblage from Mongragod Jhor, Middle Ong Valley, Western Odisha, India
Bibliographic Data
| ID | 21605748 |
|---|---|
| Authors | Kshirasindhu Barik (0000-0001-5549-2768, Sambalpur University, corresponding author), Tosabanta Padhan (0000-0003-4326-8966, Nalanda University) |
| Year | 2026 |
| Publication date | 2026-07-03 |
| Open Access | Yes |
| Type | ARTICLE |
| Venue | The Oriental Anthropologist A Bi-annual International Journal of the Science of Man (JOURNAL) |
| Journal identifiers | ISSN: 0972-558X • E-ISSN: 0976-3430 |
| Publisher | SAGE Publications (PUBLISHER • US) |
| DOI | 10.1177/0972558x261457588 |
| OpenAlex | W7167207048 |
| Language | EN |
| References cited | 34 |
The study of microlithic assemblages holds global significance for understanding the subsistence strategies, technological innovations, and cultural representations of prehistoric societies. Microliths, typically small, retouched stone tools often used as composite implements, represent a crucial development in late Pleistocene and early Holocene technologies across Africa, Europe, Australia, and South Asia. Their widespread emergence is frequently associated with shifts in subsistence patterns, ecological pressures, and the increase of human cognitive and social behavior. Within this broad global context, the microlithic assemblage from Mongragod Jhor in the Middle Ong Valley of Odisha, India, provides important regional understanding into technological continuity and local adaptations in eastern India. The present study is based on the microlithic assemblage from Mongragod Jhor, a tributary of the Ong River in Odisha, Eastern India. Field investigations brought to light six microlithic sites found on the south-eastern flanks of the Jhanj-Malaikhaman hills range. The study is conducted through a multi-disciplinary approach, integrating archaeological survey, spatial distribution, stratigraphic analysis, and techno-typological analysis of lithic assemblage for understanding the regional prehistoric settlement pattern. The microlithic assemblage primarily consists of core, flake, blade, bladelet, scrapers, and backed tools. The lithic assemblage is dominated by non-geometric microliths made primarily from fine-grained raw materials. Highlighting the importance of raw material, we have tried to locate and understand the raw material sources and procurement strategy in the study area. Thus, the study highlights both the global relevance of microlithic research and the local importance of Mongragod Jhor, in the Middle Ong Valley of Odisha
Assemblage (archaeology) · Faunal assemblage · Middle Stone Age · Pleistocene · Prehistory · Rock shelter · Stone tool · Subsistence agriculture · Archaeology and ancient environmental studies · Archaeology and Rock Art Studies · Pleistocene-Era Hominins and Archaeology
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| Highly cited | No |
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