Many scholars have contributed to the development of Prehistory in India through the discovery of prehistoric sites. Some of the studies are discussed below. Colonel Meadows Taylor of the early nineteenth century was one of the earliest to show interest in archaeology of India. His interest, however, remained more concentrated on the south Indian Megaliths. Alexander Cunningham in 1861 and Robert Bruce Foote in 1863 began their explorations and recording of prehistoric antiquities in the subsequent period. Alexander Cunningham concentrated on the historic period, but Robert Bruce Foote was more inclusive in his interest which was extended to even the earliest Stone Age period. Robert Bruce Foote (Fig. 3) discovered the first Palaeolithic stone tool, a handaxe at the site called Pallavaram near Chennai in India. Hence Robert Bruce Foote has been called as the “Father of Indian Prehistory”. Later A. C. Carlleyle discovered microliths in the rock shelters of Mirzapur along with Mesolithic cave paintings during 1863 – 1865.
A brief account of the Stone Age cultures in India is given below.
- Palaeolithic culture
- Mesolithic culture
- Neolithic culture
- Chalcolithic
- Copper and Bronze age (IVC)
- Iron Age