The Lower to Middle Paleolithic Transition in South Asia and Its Implications for Hominin Cognition and Dispersals

Abstract

Abstract The widespread appearance of prepared core–based industries during theMiddle Pleistocene has been argued to represent a significant step in cognitive evolution. Yet recent research has indi- cated that prepared core technology develops in the Acheulean industries of Africa and Eurasia. Here, the evidence for a similar, in situ development of prepared core technology is described within a number of sites from the Indian subcontinent. The implications for our understanding of the role of hominin cognitive evolution and dispersals during the Acheulean to Middle Paleolithic transition are discussed.