INTRO - GEO - FINAL.docx

**[INTRODUCTION]** **Archaeology**, the study of human past through material remains, uncovers the past's mysteries and enriches our understanding of ancient civilizations. Famous archaeologist Sir Mortimer Wheeler defined archaeology as: "Archaeology is the study of human history and prehistory th...

**[INTRODUCTION]** **Archaeology**, the study of human past through material remains, uncovers the past's mysteries and enriches our understanding of ancient civilizations. Famous archaeologist Sir Mortimer Wheeler defined archaeology as: "Archaeology is the study of human history and prehistory through the excavation of sites and the analysis of artifacts and other physical remains." He also emphasized its scientific nature, stating, "Archaeology is not what you find, it's what you find out" (Archaeology from the Earth, 1954). According to Lewis Binford (1962), archaeology aims to reconstruct cultural systems and understand the processes that led to their transformation. Ian Hodder (1986) emphasized the Importance of interpreting symbolic meanings encoded in material remains. **Prehistory** refers to the period of human history before written records, spanning from the earliest known use of stone tools by hominins about 3.3 million years ago to the advent of writing systems around 5,000 years ago, provides a fascinating glimpse into human evolution and early societies. "Prehistory is a crucial phase in the story of humankind" (Renfrew, 2007). Scholars like V. Gordon Childe emphasized prehistory's importance in understanding human evolution, societal development, and technological advancements. Childe noted that prehistoric study "reveals the slow and often erratic progress of human societies\" towards civilization.(Man Makes Himself, 1936). This era is primarily understood through archaeology, including the analysis of artifacts, fossils, and cave paintings, providing crucial insights into early human life and culture. [Relationship between Prehistoric Archaeology and Anthropology ] Prehistoric archaeology and anthropology share a symbiotic relationship, each enriching the other's understanding of human history and culture. Prehistoric archaeology studies material remains to reconstruct ancient societies, while anthropology explores human behavior and societies. Archaeological findings provide the tangible evidence needed to understand the context of human evolution and cultural development. For example, the discovery of stone tools and fossilized remains in East Africa has significantly informed theories about the evolution of early hominins and their migratory patterns (Leakey, 1971). Conversely, anthropological theories help interpret these archaeological findings, offering explanations about social organization, kinship, and the symbolic meanings behind artifacts (Renfrew & Bahn, 2000). According to renowned archaeologist Lewis R. Binford (1962), the collaboration between these disciplines is crucial for unraveling the complexities of prehistoric cultures (Archaeology as Anthropology, pp. 219). Anthropological theories, such as those of Claude Lévi-Strauss, have significantly influenced the interpretation of prehistoric archaeological findings, emphasizing the study of cultural patterns and human behavior (The Elementary Structures of Kinship, 1969). Scholars such as Grahame Clark have emphasized the importance of integrating archaeological data with anthropological theories to build a holistic view of prehistory (Archaeology and Society, 1957). This interdisciplinary approach helps in reconstructing the lifeways of prehistoric peoples and understanding the evolutionary and cultural processes that shaped human history. In conclusion, prehistoric archaeology and anthropology complement each other by combining the study of physical remains with cultural and biological perspectives. This integration is essential for a nuanced understanding of humanity's ancient past and the factors that influenced our development as a species. **Objective:** To study and understand the Pleistocene and Holocene geomorphologic features of Dulung river basin situated between Chilkigarh palace and Uttarasol village in the Jhargram district of West Bengal.