From Acheulian to Microlith? Unveiling Prehistoric Cultural Transitions in Balidiha, Dulung River Valley, Eastern India

The Indian subcontinent, a region with a long history of human habitation, witnessed significant cultural transitions from the Acheulian to microlithic phases. However, the nature of this transition remains unclear. While various explanations for these transitions have been proposed, concrete evidence remains scarce. This study focuses on eastern India, a region with limited research on prehistoric cultural transitions. We present a case study from Balidiha, a newly discovered site in the Dulung River valley. This site exhibits well-preserved Acheulian and microlithic artifacts within stratified layers, offering a unique opportunity to investigate cultural transitions. Although absolute dating is lacking, a detailed analysis of the stratigraphy and artifacts of Balidiha reveals that it may provide a pathway for understanding past environmental changes and cultural transitions in eastern India in the long run.