Prehistory refers to the period of human history before written records existed, from the emergence of the first humans to the development of writing systems. It is a time of vast cultural, social, and technological changes, shaped by the interactions of early humans with their environments and each other. Through archaeology, anthropology, and other disciplines, prehistory seeks to reconstruct our ancient ancestors' lives, experiences, and achievements, providing a foundation for understanding the complexities of human societies and cultures. ""Prehistory of Odisha (With Special Reference to Palasponga, Keonjhar)"" is a groundbreaking study that uncovers the hidden chapters of Odisha's prehistoric past. Through an in-depth examination of the Palasponga region in the Keonjhar district, this book reveals a fascinating narrative of human habitation, technological evolution, and cultural development spanning thousands of years. With a focus on discovering many prehistoric sites and analysing the remains of lithic artefacts found, the author masterfully reconstructs the lives of Odisha's ancient inhabitants, from the earliest stone toolmakers to the sophisticated Neolithic farmers. This book is a significant contribution to prehistoric research of Eastern India, offering fresh insights and perspectives on the early human history of Odisha and its place within the broader Indian subcontinent.

Mr. Manu Naik is a research scholar at Maharaja Sriram Chandra Bhanja Deo University, Takatpur, Baripada, with a strong academic background in Anthropology. He graduated with distinction as the university topper in Anthropology from Seemanta Mahavidyalaya, Jharpokharia, under North Orissa University (currently Maharaja Sriram Chandra Bhanja Deo University), Baripada, Odisha in 2020. He further excelled by securing the University Gold Medal for his M.A. in Anthropology (first class first with distinction) from Utkal University, Bhubaneswar in 2022, where he also received the Prof. Usha Deka Memorial Fund Scholarship for securing the highest marks in 1"" and 2 Semester Examinations in 2020-2021 taken together of M.A/M.Sc. in Anthropology. Beyond academics, he has worked as a Research Associate and Field Investigator in various institutions, including the State Level Administrative Unit for Special Development Council under SC & ST Development, Minorities and Backward Classes Welfare Department, Govt. of Odisha, and ICMR-RMRC, Bhubaneswar. He qualified for UGC-NET eligibility for Assistant Professor in 2023. With a strong academic foundation and research experience, he is a promising contributor to the field of Anthropology. He is now working as a Guest Faculty in the Department of Anthropology and Tribal Studies, Maharaja Sriram Chandra Bhanja Deo University. Takatpur, Baripada.

The study of prehistory is a journey into the origins of human civilization, tracing the earliest footprints of humanity and its gradual evolution. Odisha, with its vast archaeological wealth, has remained an essential region for understanding the prehistoric past of the Indian subcontinent. The present work, Prehistory of Odisha (With Special Reference to Palasponga, Keonjhar), is a comprehensive attempt to document and analyze the prehistoric cultures that once flourished in this part of the country. The focus of this research is Palasponga (Keonjhar), an area that has yielded significant lithic evidence, providing crucial insights into the life, technology, and adaptation strategies of early human communities. This book is the culmination of years of field surveys and analytical research, undertaken to reconstruct the prehistoric landscape of Odisha. The study of prehistory, especially in a region like Keonjhar, is a multidisciplinary endeavor that combines archaeology, geology, anthropology, and environmental sciences. By examining lithic tools, settlement patterns, and associated cultural materials, this research attempts to present a coherent narrative of human existence during the Stone Age in Odisha. The region of Keonjhar, particularly Palasponga, is of special interest due to its geographical setting, abundant natural resources, and the presence of numerous prehistoric sites. These factors made it an attractive location for early human settlers, who adapted to their environment and developed technologies for survival. The discovery of Paleolithic, Mesolithic, and Neolithic tools in the region suggests a continuous occupation by different cultural groups, each contributing to the advancement of human civilization. The presence of rock shelters, quarry sites, and habitation areas indicates that the region was not merely a transient space but a significant cultural and technological hub during prehistory.

One of the primary objectives of this book is to provide a detailed analysis of the lithic industry of Palasponga, studying the raw materials, tool-making techniques, and typological variations in artifacts. The study also explores the ecological conditions that influence human settlement, including climate change, resource availability, and topographical features. By correlating archaeological data with environmental studies, this work attempts to reconstruct the living conditions and adaptive strategies of early humans in Keonjhar. The book is structured systematically to guide the reader through various aspects of Odisha's prehistory. The initial chapters introduce the fundamental concepts of prehistory, outlining the importance of archaeological research in reconstructing early human history. Subsequent chapters probe into the geological and environmental context of Keonjhar, followed by an in-depth examination of the prehistoric cultures that succeeded in the region. Special emphasis is given to Palasponga, where significant discoveries have contributed to our understanding of Odisha's ancient past. A key aspect of this research is its reliance on fieldwork, which forms the foundation of prehistoric studies. Extensive surveys were conducted to document primary and secondary archaeological contexts. The lithic artefacts recovered from various sites were analyzed in terms of technology, typology, and functional aspects, providing a clearer picture of prehistoric life. The study of prehistoric tools is crucial because it offers direct evidence of human ingenuity. technological progression, and cultural continuity over time.

The exploration of prehistory is a fascinating endeavour, offering a glimpse into the earliest stages of human civilization. Odisha, with its diverse landscape and rich archaeological heritage, has long been recognized as a significant region for prehistoric studies. Prehistory of Odisha (With Special Reference to Palasponga, Keonjhar) is an important contribution to this field, meticulously documenting the prehistoric cultures of Keonjhar and their significance in the broader narrative of human history. The author of this book has undertaken a rigorous and comprehensive study, drawing from extensive fieldwork, artifact analysis, and environmental studies. The research presented here highlights the importance of Palasponga as a key prehistoric site, shedding light on the technological, cultural, and ecological aspects of early human life. Through a detailed examination of lithic industries, settlement patterns, and environmental interactions, this work provides valuable insights into the adaptive strategies of prehistoric communities. One of the key strengths of this book lies in its interdisciplinary approach, combining archaeology with anthropology, geology, and environmental science. By integrating multiple lines of evidence, the author has reconstructed a vivid picture of prehistoric life in Odisha, offering readers a deeper understanding of the challenges and innovations of early human societies. The book also puts the findings of Palasponga within the larger framework of Indian prehistory, contributing to ongoing discussions on early human migrations, cultural diffusion, and technological advancements.

Prehistoric research in Odisha has often been overshadowed by studies in other regions of India. This book addresses that gap by presenting a detailed and well-researched account of Odisha's prehistoric past, emphasizing the significance of Keonjhar in the archaeological landscape of the country. The meticulous documentation of lithic artifacts, rock shelters, and habitation sites provides a solid foundation for future research, ensuring that Odisha's prehistoric heritage receives the recognition it deserves. Beyond its academic contributions, this book serves as an important resource for students, scholars, and enthusiasts interested in the deep history of human civilization. The clarity and depth of analysis make it accessible to both specialists and general readers, offering a compelling narrative of Odisha's prehistoric journey. The findings presented in this work not only enhance our understanding of the past but also underscore the need for continued preservation and exploration of archaeological sites. I commend the author for this remarkable achievement and for bringing to light the prehistoric legacy of Palasponga, Keonjhar. This book is a significant addition to the field of prehistoric studies and will undoubtedly inspire further research in Odisha's rich archaeological landscape. It is with great enthusiasm that I recommend this work to all those interested in the origins and evolution of human societies.

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