Neolithic to Megalithic Transition in Kashmir Valley: A New Perspective
By Abdul Adil Paray
Summary
This study examines the transition from Neolithic to Megalithic culture in Kashmir Valley, challenging existing frameworks by analyzing material culture and subsistence patterns. Archaeological evidence suggests cultural continuity rather than a sharp shift, with Neolithic elements like polished stone tools, pottery, and subsistence practices persisting into the Megalithic period. The absence of typical Megalithic markers like menhirs, black-and-red ware, and widespread iron use in Northern Kashmir raises questions about the conventional classification of this period. The study proposes redefining the transition as a "Protracted Neolithic Culture" in the region, emphasizing gradual evolution over abrupt change. The Kashmir Valley, formed by geological processes like Himalayan orogeny and lacustrine deposition, provided a suitable environment for Neolithic settlement on Karewas—loess deposits rich in archaeological material. Excavations at sites like Sombur, Pampur, and Gufkral reveal fossilized remains, including elephant tusks and bone tools, alongside Neolithic artifacts. Stratigraphic analysis of Karewas, including the Pampore Member, supports a complex chronology linking the valley’s Neolithic culture to broader North Indian, Central Asian, and Chinese cultural complexes. The study highlights the valley’s unique position in understanding regional cultural transitions, advocating for further research into the interplay of local and external influences during this period.
Conclusion
This study challenges conventional narratives of cultural transition in Kashmir Valley by proposing a 'Protracted Neolithic Culture' model, arguing that Neolithic traditions persisted into periods typically associated with Megalithic developments. The research highlights cultural continuity through persistent Neolithic elements like polished stone tools, specific pottery types, and subsistence patterns, alongside the notable absence of expected Megalithic markers like menhirs and iron implements in Northern Kashmir. These findings suggest a gradual, rather than abrupt, transition and raise questions about the universal applicability of Megalithic cultural frameworks in the region. The study emphasizes the need for re-evaluating archaeological criteria for periodization and underscores Kashmir's unique cultural trajectory within broader South Asian prehistoric contexts.