Lithic technology and social transformations in the South Indian Neolithic: The evidence from Sanganakallu-Kupgal

► We statistically analyse Neolithic stone artefacts from South India. ► A pattern of technological expediency characterises a forager cultural trajectory. ► Production of pressure bladelets characterises initial agricultural occupation. ► Production of edge ground dolerite axes characterises the classic Neolithic. ► Specialisation and production of axes for trade characterises the late Neolithic.