Context : Discrepancy in coastal migration theory of early humans
Relevance: GS 3(Science)
- Coastal migration theory suggests that early human populations predominantly migrated along coastlines, using maritime routes to spread across the world, exploiting rich coastal resources.
- Although genetic studies support the coastal dispersion of early humans, archaeological evidence from Saurashtra, India, shows otherwise.
- Middle Palaeolithic sites: All Palaeolithic sites in India, including those in Saurashtra, are inland, contradicting the coastal migration theory.
- Tools and artefacts: Study in Saurashtra reveals tools made from chert, jasper, and other stones dating back to 56,000–48,000 years ago, indicating inland movement.
- Relative dating method: Use of relative dating suggests artefacts are from the Middle Palaeolithic age, without evidence of Late Palaeolithic coastal tools.
- Landmass connections: Researchers noted that during the Middle Palaeolithic, Saurashtra was connected to other regions, making it a landmass away from the coast.
- Lack of marine evidence: No evidence of marine resources like fish or shellfish use in these early human settlements suggests no coastal habitation.
- Challenges in proving coastal migration: Debate remains due to the absence of securely dated coastal sites and submergence of potential sites due to rising sea levels.
- Broader understanding: The study prompts a reevaluation of human dispersal patterns, emphasizing inland routes over coastal ones for migration across India.
