A research team at the Physical Research Laboratory (PRL) has announced a revolutionary 'Muon-Resonance' dating technique that allows for the sub-decadal dating of organic materials trapped in stone pores. The methodology was applied to submerged hearth remains and ceramic fragments from the Gulf of Khambhat, providing a refined timeline for these ancient maritime settlements.
The new data pushes the origin of these coastal Neolithic communities back to approximately 9,500 years ago, suggesting a much earlier transition to maritime trade and permanent settlement than previously accepted. This breakthrough methodology circumvents the traditional limitations of radiocarbon dating in marine environments affected by carbon reservoir effects.