Robert Bruce Foote (nonfiction)
Robert Bruce Foote (22 September 1834 – 29 December 1912) was a British geologist and archaeologist who conducted geological surveys of prehistoric locations in India for the Geological Survey of India.
In 1863, the year after his archaeological survey began, he discovered the first conclusive Paleolithic stone tool (a hand axe) in India. He found the tool in southern India (Pallavaram, near Madras). After the discovery he, along with William King, went on to discover more such tools and settlements in Southern and Western India. In 1884 he discovered the 3.5 kilometres (2.2 mi) long Belum Caves, the second largest cave in the Indian subcontinent.
Foote spent 33 years (starting at age 24) working for the geological survey. He is often considered the "Father of Indian Prehistory".
He died and was cremated at Calcutta, his ashes were deposited at Holy Trinity Church, Yercaud, Tamil Nadu, India. There is a memorial to him there.
Even today, his memoir with its graphical language is a treat to 'read and follow' for the amateur geologists who want to study the rock successions of the northern Dharwar craton of South India.
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External links:
- Robert Bruce Foote @ Wikipedia