P-4

Catastrophic Inundation: Indicating Environmental Changes in Northern Bihar During Late Early Historical Period (5th - 6th Century CE)

Archaeological Museum Nalanda, Archaeological Survey of India, India

In this poster presentation, I demonstrate how past climate has played a significant role in shaping human activity in the Northern Bihar Region of India. Archaeological evidence suggests that there was continuous occupation in the region from the Neolithic to the late Gupta Period (5th and 6th century CE). After this time, the Northern Bihar region appears to have been abandoned. Archaeological sequences are often buried by thick fluvial sediments. Several seasons of fieldwork by the author has demonstrated that abandonment of the region was probably a result of catastrophic flooding caused by unprecedented amounts of heavy rain in the Himalaya and Terai region. The archaeological evidence is supported by some contemporary historical texts. For example, two Chinese pilgrims provide two different accounts of the Northern Bihar Region. Faxian, who visited in early 5th century CE described vibrant life of communities. In contrast, Xuanzang who came and stayed in the region in the early 7th century CE reports the area deserted. Buddhist literature also suggests a dramatic change in climate in the Terai region (northern India and southern Nepal) that resulted in abandonment.