Ancient Elephant Fossils Reveal Early Human Butchery in Kashmir

Fossils from Palaeoloxodon turkmenicus show evidence of marrow extraction by early humans 300,000 to 400,000 years ago.

Elephant fossils found near Pampore in the Kashmir Valley display signs of butchery, marking the earliest such evidence in the Indian subcontinent.
Researchers identified the species as Palaeoloxodon turkmenicus, a giant elephant species previously known only from fragmented remains in Turkmenistan.
Alongside the fossils, 87 basalt stone tools were discovered, suggesting early humans used these to extract nutrient-rich marrow from the bones.
The discovery provides new insights into early human behavior in India, highlighting their interaction with large animals.
The well-preserved skull helps clarify the evolutionary history of Palaeoloxodon, revealing it as a distinct species with a broad distribution in Central and South Asia.