Caves as interim-refugia: Chemical signatures of human habitation under extreme environments of Ladakh, NW India

摘要: Abstract Caves – particularly in the Eastern part of Ladakh offered interim-refugia to transhumant herders and travelers during different times (and climates) past. The past communities living extreme environmental conditions followed a transhumance lifestyle combined it with subsistence agriculture for living. In order better understand how ancient people utilised caves located eastern sector along Leh-Manali route, we systematically surveyed number which contain archaeological traces Transhumant occupation. ceilings most have coatings very hard, sticky, shiny, resinous Black Charred Material (BCM). Multiple analysis using X-Ray Diffraction (XRD), Field Emission Scanning Electron Microscopy-Energy Dispersive Spectroscopy (FESEM-EDX), FourierTransform -Infrared (FT-IR), Raman Spectroscopy, Gas Chromatography-Mass (GC–MS), Lassaigne’s test, elemental stable isotope carbon sulfur Element- Analyser coupled Isotopic Ratio- Mass (IR-MS) were applied characterize cave roof coatings. results indicate presence quartz > plagioclase > dolomite (sandstone) type host rock vicinity, whereas, BCM shows graphitic moiety. completely diffractograms suggest that there is no genetic relationship, where substrate natural lithogenic origin, while anthropologically produced. Similarly, polyaromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) peaks D G band confirm character anthropogenic origin. higher concentration PAHs soot particles, are carcinogenic nature may severely affect human health. high average wind speed containing relatively large quantities silica increased PAHs, be responsible non-occupational pneumoconiosis prevalent region. Based on these observations, hypothesize used by herder summer grazing their livestock long silk route journeys.