Recently Explored Prehistoric Sites in the Middle Salandi Valley, Keonjhar District, Odisha: A Preliminary Report

By : Rajashree Puhan, Paramatap Pradhan, Nishikanta Dwibedi

Page No: 97-114

Abstract
The present paper is a preliminary report based on the surface exploration conducted in the middle tracts of the Salandi River, a tributary of the Baitarani River in the Keonjhar District of Odisha. This exploration has revealed as many as three prehistoric microlithic sites in both primary and semi-primary contexts. The cultural remains of this region display several characteristic features typically observed in other river valleys of Odisha. The ample availability of raw materials near the riverbank has attracted prehistoric microlith-using communities to settle in this area. Furthermore, the region appears to hold significant potential for understanding human adaptation from the Pleistocene epoch to the Holocene epoch. The river valley is fortunate to possess a stunning landscape of hills, rock shelters, and a chain of hillocks, which is well-suited to nurture the rich culture of this area. Thus, the Salandi River valley has been the cradle of human activities, as evidenced by the discovery of numerous and diverse lithic tool types.

Authors
Rajashree Puhan : PhD Research Scholar, School of History, Gangadhar Meher University, Sambalpur, Odisha. 
Paramatap Pradhan : Assistant Professor of History, School of History, Gangadhar Meher University, Sambalpur, Odisha.
Nishikanta Dwibedi : Faculty in History, Department of History, Ravenshaw University, Cuttack, Odisha.
 

DOI: https://doi.org/10.32381/SEAR.2025.50.5