Fa Hien Cave

Fa Hien Cave, located in the Kalutara district of Sri Lanka, is the largest natural stone cave in South Asia and a significant archaeological site. This site was occupied by prehistoric humans from approximately 33,000 years ago, during the Late Pleistocene era, until about 4,750 years ago, during the Neolithic period. The cave has yielded crucial archaeological finds, including microlith stone tools, human skeletal remains, and evidence of early bow and arrow technology dating back 48,000 years, the earliest known use outside Africa. The site provides insights into the subsistence strategies of its ancient inhabitants, who maintained a hunter-gatherer lifestyle and engaged in activities such as fishing and crafting decorative beads. Fa Hien Cave is vital for understanding the cultural and technological developments of prehistoric humans in South Asia.