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About the Book:
Neolithic ashmounds of the Deccan represent burnt cow-dung accumulations and
occupy a unique place in the archaeological record of the world. Their initial
discoveries stretch back to the opening years of the 19th century. Setting aside
various fanciful opinions expressed about their age and origin, Raymond Allchin
of Cambridge University published a full monograph titled Neolithic Cattle-Keepers
of South India: A Study of the Deccan Ashmounds (1963). Combining archaeological
evidence from his explorations and excavation at Utnur with ethnographic data
of various kinds from the area, he showed that the ashmounds were seasonal cattle
camps of the Neolithic pastoralists. Further, he convincingly argued that the
accumulated cow-dung deposits at these camps were intentionally burnt as part
of cattle fertility rites.The present monograph is the second major publication
on the topic of ashmounds. It is based on Paddayya’s fresh field studies
of all major ashmounds in southern Deccan and seven seasons of large-scale excavations
at Budihal in North Karnataka. While confirming Allchin’s views about
the Neolithic age of ashmounds and association of cow-dung burnings with cattle
fertility rites, Paddayya goes one step further and asserts that these sites
represent year-round pastoral settlements with a provision for cattle penning,
cow-dung disposal and human settlement. In addition, Budihal preserved evidence
of human and animal bone burials, an animal butchering floor connected with
community feasting and an extensive workshop of chert blade industry which supplied
finished products to other sites in the region. Budihal was a regional centre
where the Neolithic groups from nearby sites gathered on periodic occasions
similar to present-day jatras and cattle-fairs and entered into socio-economic
transactions of various kinds leading to maintenance of regional cultural identity.
Paddayya also insists that many adaptive as well as mind-expressive aspects
of the folk cultures of the Deccan have their roots in the Southern Neolithic
culture. He concludes by emphasizing that topics like the one dealing with ashmounds
serve to underscore the need for bringing the archaeology of Peninsular India
centre stage in future archaeological investigations in the country.
About the Author:
K. Paddayya is Emeritus Professor and former Director of Deccan
College (Deemed University) in Pune. He is Honorary Fellow of the Society of
Antiquaries of London and received Padma Shri from the Government of India in
2012.
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