Precambrian and early Cambrian palaeobiology of India: Quo Vadis

Significance of Precambrian and early Cambrian palaeobiological remains recorded over the last few years on the Indian subcontinent are discussed in the present review. The importance of these remains is assessed in the backdrop of new reports from different parts of the world. Archaean, Proterozoic and early Cambrian successions of India have revealed some of the oldest rock fragments of the world, most primitive eukaryotic remains, bizarre Ediacaran forms and typical early Cambrian fossils. For the sake of brevity and easy comprehension, palaeobiological remains are grouped under Archaean, Proterozoic, Ediacaran and early Cambrian time-frames. New evidence of life forms, documented from the sedimentary basins exposed in peninsular and extra-peninsular region of the country, have challenged the various paradigms, viz . evolutionary, biostratigraphic status of different lithounits and age of the encompassing sedimentary successions. Newly published geochronological and geochemical results are also considered in this review to understand the developments in these fields and their significance in the evolution of hydrosphere, biosphere, and moderating processes over the geological timescale. Recent Indian endeavors in the field of Astrobiology and inputs provided in the areas of astrobiological studies are also discussed.