India, Sept. 14 -- The state of Karnataka derives its name from 'Karunadu' - this name reflects the state's geographical position on the Deccan Plateau, which is a large, elevated area of land. The prehistoric period of Karnataka spans from early Stone Age cultures to the Iron Age, characterised by the evolution of tool technology, the arrival of agriculture, and the development of megalithic burial sites. Key stages include the Palaeolithic period (Middle Paleolithic - 300,000-30,000 years ago) and Upper Paleolithic (50,000- 10,000 years ago) marked by stone tools like hand axes. This period shows a shift to bone tools, parallel - sided blades, points, and barbs - with important sites like Salvadagi, Maralabavi, and others in the Malapra...