Plant macro-remains from Neolithic Jhusi in Ganga Plain: evidence for grain-based agriculture

摘要

The results of the study of archaeobotanical samples from Neolithic site, Jhusi, at the confluence of Yamuna and Ganga rivers in Allahabad, UP, are presented here and discussed in the light of information on prehistoric plants of subsistence in Ganga Plain during 7th millennium BC-2nd century BC. The study indicates that the likely staples were cereals (Oryza sativa, Hordeum vulgare, Triticum aestivum and Triticum sphaerococcum), pulses (Lens culinaris, Pisum arvense, Vigna radiata, Lathyrus sativus and Macrotyloma uniflorum) and two oil-yielding (Linum usitatissimum and Sesamum indicum) crops. In addition, there is evidence for viticulture or horticulture (Vitis vinifera).