Question

Upper palaeolithic culture in India is dominated by:

• A. Burins
• B. Backed blades
• C. Awls
• D. Points

Hint:

Remember the progression of Palaeolithic technology: Lower Palaeolithic is about core tools (choppers, hand-axes), Middle Palaeolithic is about flake tools (Mousterian), and Upper Palaeolithic is about blade tools. In India, the backed blade is a key diagnostic type for the Upper Palaeolithic.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is B

Step 1: Understanding the Concept:
The Upper Palaeolithic period is characterized by a significant advancement in stone tool technology, primarily the development of blade production. The question asks for the dominant or most characteristic tool type for this period in the Indian subcontinent.
Step 2: Detailed Explanation:
The Upper Palaeolithic in India is marked by industries based on the mass production of long, parallel-sided flakes called blades. These blades were then modified into various specific tools.
- Burins: These are chisel-like tools for engraving, and they are a very important component of Upper Palaeolithic toolkits worldwide, including India. They are part of the "blade and burin" complex that defines the period.
- Backed blades: These are blades with one edge intentionally blunted (retouched), likely for easier handling or hafting. This tool type is particularly numerous and characteristic of the Indian Upper Palaeolithic. Many assemblages show a high proportion of various forms of backed blades, indicating their central role in the toolkit.
- Awls and Points: These are also present in the assemblages, used for piercing and as projectile tips, respectively. However, they are generally not considered the single most dominant or defining feature compared to the proliferation of backed blade technology.
Step 3: Final Answer:
While the entire Upper Palaeolithic toolkit is often referred to as a "blade and burin industry," the backed blade is arguably the most numerous and consistently dominant finished tool type across various Indian sites from this period. Its prevalence marks a key technological feature of the era in this region.