Upland Deccan dominated by basalt formations has given good evidence of Acheulian Culture in Godavari, Pravara, Bhima and Krishna river valleys. Important Acheulian sites such as Gangapur, Nevasa, Chirki-on-Pravara, Bori, Morgaon, Yedurwadi, Menavali, Atit and some other localities have been fairly well studied. These sites have yielded Acheulian artefacts mostly made on compact vesicular basalt, and are broadly placed between late Early and Middle Pleistocene. The situation of Middle Palaeolithic in this region is yet unclear. Except a few sporadic findings at sites like Ranjani (Bhima Basin), Raygad and Ranala (Tapi Basin), not much is known about this phase particularly with basalt as raw material. It has been suggested by various scholars that the basalt was not a suitable raw material, and it weathers and crumbles rapidly on exposure, thus there is a low number of Palaeolithic sites in this region. Recent studies though have shown that such sites can be discovered, but largely in secondary context. Past experiences show that rivers in the Upland Deccan region do not preserve very thick older sediments as in some other parts of India. The channel gravels act as excellent fluvial archives. In this paper, a brief review of previous studies and initial results of preliminary surveys in river valleys such as the Krishna, Sina, Man and Manjra will be presented. These surveys have yielded a good number of Palaeolithic sites with artefacts exclusively made on basalt. Here the geomorphic context and nature of artefacts, followed by the future prospects will be discussed. An attempt will be made to place these sites in relative chronological and spatial context.
