Indian Gondwana palynochronology: relationships and chronocalibration

Abstract

The concept of Gondwana Sequence on the Indian Peninsula is discussed from the view point of time, geographical extent and environment. It has been ascertained that Talchir deposition began in the late Asselian (Early Permian) and not during the Permo-Carboniferous. The Karharbari succession is a distinct formation. The Barakar Formation should continue to be placed in the Lower Permian of the bipartite division of the Permian System. The Banspitali Nala section, in the south of Damodar River, Raniganj Coalfield, West Bengal, India, may be a suitable nonmarine reference section for the Permian-Triassic boundary. To determine the age-ranges of the palynozones through the Gondwana Sequence, there is a need for cross-correlation with sections in the Himalayan region and in other areas of Gondwanaland.