Context:
The discovery was made in Mangar Bani, situated between Manesar and Faridabad, Haryana Hidden within the Aravalli hills, the site contains evidence of early human civilization dating back 500,000 years
Archaeological Findings
- The site is possibly the oldest workshop in North India, associated with the Acheulean culture — an early stage of human tool-making
- The Lower Palaeolithic artefacts discovered at the site offer insights into the tools and lifestyle of our ancient ancestors
- Former ASI Joint Director-General S B Ota, who confirmed the discovery, described the site as more than just a prehistoric settlement but a complete workshop where early humans not only crafted tools but also lived and thrived
Cultural and Historical Context
- The Acheulean culture is known for distinctive hand axes and cleavers, marking a crucial period in human evolution
- The findings shed light on how early humans interacted with their environment and developed complex tool-making techniques during the Lower Palaeolithic period
Impact on Prehistoric Studies
- Mangar Bani adds an important piece to the puzzle of human evolution, offering a glimpse into the lifestyles and technologies of early hominins
- This discovery could influence future archaeological surveys and deepen our understanding of ancient human activity in the Indian subcontinent