Prehistory and Protohistory of Eastern India

by Milan K. Chauley

The idea of this book was first suggested by Sri J.P. Joshi (Ex. D.G. ASI) and Dr. Agam Prasad of Agam Kala Prakashan way back in 2000. Later while taking classes on Pre and Proto History of Orissa in Utkal university and Utkal University of Culture both in Bhubaneswar, it was seen that the materials on the subject was scarce and scattered. Then the only book available was published long back in the 60's only dealt with the Lower & Middle Palaeolithic and Mesolithic cultures of Orissa and at that time Upper Palaeolithic culture was unknown in Orissa. Neolithic, Chalcolithic and Iron Age (Megalithic) were not discussed.

The Materials on later researchers in this field are scattered in various journals, edited volumes and are lying unpublished in the libraries of various Universities in the form of M.phil dissertations and PhD thesis. So, to do away with these shortcomings, materials on pre and proto historic researcher in Orissa were collected, then, adding upon the work Dr. G.C. Mohapatra with the latest finds on the basis of extensive explorations and excavations carried out in different parts of the state by various scholars and institutions, the emerging scenario on the basis of the new finds and the grey areas in this field have been discussed in this book.

About the Author:

Milan K. Chauley born in 1974 at Biharsharif, Dist. Nalanda, Bihar. Completed his schooling from Kendriya Vidhalaya. Did his graduation from Utkal University with Honors in History in 1994 with 1st class, secured 3rd position in the university or which he was awarded National Scholarship. Completed his Masters in Ancient Indian History, Culture and Archaeology from Deccan College (Deemed to be University), Pune, in 1996 with 1st class, securing 3rd position on the merit list, completed P.G. Diploma in Archaeology in 1998 from the Institute of Archaeology, A.S.I., New Delhi with 1st class. While doing his Masters and Diploma he has extensively traveled and visited various sites and monuments throughout the Country and has attended excavation at Balathal, Dholavira and Rakhighari. In 2002 he has also completed a training course on Curative Conservation of Paper and Palm-leaf manuscripts at INTACH, Bhubaneswar. He cleared the N.E.T. in 1999 in archaeology.

Presently he is doing his Ph.D. in Utkal University, in the Deptt. of Ancient Indian History, Culture and Archaeology for which he has been granted ICHRS Junior Research Fellowship. And he is also doing Diploma in Tourism from IGNOU. He has written about half a dozen articles, o which a few are published and others are in press. His other Literary works are (1) Pre & Proto History of Orissa (Dissertation at Diploma level), (2) Rock art of Kamrup. For the last two years he has been taking guest lectures in the Deptt. of AIHC & A, Utkal University for M.A. students (2000-2001, 2001-2002).