Neolithic plants economy at Chirand, Bihar

Abstract

Remains of food plants from the bottom layers of Neolithic horizon at Chirand near Patna, Bihar, comprise lentil, barley, rice, Pisum arvense, etc. These constitute the first record of Neolithic plant economy from North India. The Neolithic plant remains known from Burzahom in the Kashmir Valley are of weeds associated with cultivation. From a series of C14 dates at this site, it appears that the bottom layers are younger (405 B.C. - 1570 B.C.) than the overlying layers (1675-1750 B.C.). If no discrepancies arc involved, the bottom layers from which the plant remains have been discovered may be dated around 3000-4000 B.C.