Question

Which of the following prehistoric sites show Mousterian industry ?

• A. Belan
• B. Kurnool
• C. Bhimbetka
• D. Chittora

Hint:

Kurnool caves are associated with Middle Paleolithic Mousterian-like stone tool industries in India.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is B

Concept: The Mousterian industry is a Middle Paleolithic stone tool tradition generally associated with:
• Flake tools,
• Prepared core techniques,
• Neanderthal-associated cultures in Europe and parts of Asia. In the Indian prehistoric context, some Middle Paleolithic assemblages are compared with Mousterian characteristics.

Step 1: Understanding Mousterian industry. The Mousterian tradition is characterized by:
• Flake-based technology,
• Levallois technique,
• Scrapers and points,
• Middle Paleolithic culture. These industries indicate: \[ \text{Advanced stone tool manufacturing techniques} \]

Step 2: Analyzing Kurnool caves. The Kurnool region in Andhra Pradesh is famous for:
• Middle Paleolithic remains,
• Cave deposits,
• Mousterian-like stone tool assemblages. Therefore: \[ \boxed{\text{Kurnool}} \] is associated with Mousterian industry. Thus: \[ \text{Option (B) is correct.} \]

Step 3: Analyzing remaining options. Option (A): \[ \text{Belan} \] Belan Valley is important for Paleolithic and Neolithic cultures, but not specifically for Mousterian industry. Hence, incorrect. Option (C): \[ \text{Bhimbetka} \] Bhimbetka is primarily famous for:
• Rock shelters,
• Rock paintings,
• Stone Age occupation. Not specifically Mousterian. Option (D): \[ \text{Chittora} \] This site is not particularly associated with Mousterian industry. Thus, incorrect.

Step 4: Final conclusion. Hence, the prehistoric site showing Mousterian industry is: \[ \boxed{\text{(B) Kurnool}} \]