Prehistoric investigations in the Ranj stream: Dist-Bargarh, Odisha

The Archaeological investigation in the middle Mahanadi valley have revealed a long cultural sequence right from lower Palaeolithic period to the historical period. The excavation conducted during last few decades have brought to light a number palaeolithic, Mesolithic, Neolithic and sites. However microlithic industries constitutes the well represented in Mahanadi valley. Not only Mahanadi valley is rich in microlithic industries, but also it's tributaries such as Jira, Danta, Tel and Ranj also rich in prehistoric settlement. This paper is based on the surface exploration made by author in the year 2013-14in the Ranj stream, a tributary of jira river system in the Bargarh upland. A total of 15 sites have been discovered. Out of which only seven site of upper part of Ranj stream have been taken into typo-technologoical analysis. The tools collected from site gave a gradual development of stone tool technology. Occurrences of these cultural remains show that the Ranj stream was a favourable area for prehistoric settlement.