VARANASI, April 10 -- Study of prehistoric tools is of immense importance in understanding human cognitive and cultural evolution, said BHU vice-chancellor Prof Ajit Kumar Chaturvedi on Thursday while speaking at the three-day national workshop on 'Stories in stone: A workshop on Prehistoric Lithics' organised by the Department of Ancient Indian History, Culture, and Archaeology (AIHCA) at BHU as part of its centenary celebrations (2025-2026). This workshop represents a significant academic initiative aimed at the study of prehistoric stone tools and the reconstruction of human behaviour. The VC, speaking as chief guest, highlighted the importance of an interdisciplinary approach to archaeology in his address. He stated that the study of prehistoric tools is of immense significance in comprehending the cognitive and cultural evolution of human beings. Shedding light on the objectives of the workshop, the HoD, AIHCA, Prof Mahesh Prasad Ahirwar, noted that invited experts would provide both theoretical and practical training to the participants. He added that this workshop would offer participants a deep understanding of the study of prehistoric stone tools, thereby providing a new direction to the study of human evolution. "Stones too have their respective story. Archaeologists explore these stories," said Prof Ahirwar. The programme was presided over by Prof Sushma Ghildyal, dean of the faculty of arts, BHU. Emphasizing the relevance of archaeological research in a contemporary context, she encouraged the youth to adopt a scientific outlook. Dr Pradeep Kumar Behera, a retired professor from Sambalpur University, Odisha, attended as a distinguished guest and shared his views on the importance of novel methodologies, as well as field and experimental studies, within the field of prehistoric archaeology. The programme's special guest Prof Vijay Nath Mishra from the Department of Neurology, IMS, BHU, shed light on the emerging field of Neuroarchaeology and elucidated the connection between brain science and the creation of prehistoric tools. The convener of the workshop is Dr Jose Tom Raphael. The programme was anchored by Prapti Saha, and the vote of thanks was delivered by Dr Virag Sontakke....