Prehistory Museum, Poondi, Thiruvallur (Poondi)

India / Tamil Nadu / Tiruvallur / Poondi
 museum, archaeological site
The Kortallayur River basin occupies an unique position in the history of Indian Archeology. The first Paleolithic tool in India was discovered in this region at Pallavaram near Chennai in the year 1863 by Robert Bruce Foote. There are 107 Paleolithic sites in Poondi area comprising both rock shelters and open air sites. Systematic paleolithic studies in this region indicate these sites suggest extensive movement of early hominids across the landscape about 100,000 years ago. Sixteen such shelters are located in Allikulli Hill range near Poondi.

The Prehistory Museum at Poondi is unique as it features the prehistoric heritage of this area. Reportedly it is the only museum in India which is situated at the prehistoric site. Many artefacts such as hand axes, cleavers, scrappers, discoids, borers and core material found in and around Poondi are exhibited in this museum. Apart from the paleolithic tools, microlith implements, neolithic, celts, megalithic potteries, sarcophagi, three legged urn, iron implements and fossil remains of wood, snail and leaves are the other important exhibits.

For life-sized models of early hominids and a rock portion with prehistoric paintings were also erected in the open space in front of the museum in year 1993.
Nearby cities:
Coordinates:   13°12'27"N   79°52'39"E

Comments

  • Thanks very much for the photos and the nice information. Whoever has put, hats off to you! - Raju
  • Thanks for the information showing the world about our old heritage..
  • hi ASI officer good job . this info given in this very usefull to our history students
  • Fascinating. The next time I am in India, I plan to visit this place.
This article was last modified 16 years ago