Robert Bruce Foote

Who was Robert Bruce Foote?

Robert Bruce Foote was a British geologist and archaeologist who conducted geological surveys of prehistoric locations in India for the Geological Survey of India.

In 1863, the year after his archaeological survey began, he discovered the first conclusive Paleolithic stone tool in India. He found the tool in southern India. After the discovery he, along with William King, went on to discover more such tools and settlements in Southern and Western India. In 1884 he discovered the 3.5 kilometres long Belum Caves, the second largest cave in the Indian subcontinent. Foote spent 33 years working for the geological survey. He is often considered the "Father of Indian Prehistory".

As a geologist, one of his significant contribution to Indian Geology is his memoir published by Geological Survey of India in 1876, titled "Geological Features of the South Mahratta Country and Adjacent Districts". Even today, his memoir with its graphical language is a treat to 'read and follow' for the amateur geologists who want to study the rock successions of the northern Dharwar craton of South India.