86-91The sedimentary sequence
from the Chongtash Formation, Karakoram area (Upper
Shyok Valley)
has yielded Lower Gondwana palynomorphs
referable to Early Permian age. Though these palynomorphs are not well
preserved but can be identified at generic level. The palynoassemblage shows
dominance of monosaccates viz. Parasaccites,
Plicatipollenites, Divarisaccus, and Caheniasaccites. Few striate
disaccates viz. Striatopodocarpites,
Faunipollenites, Striatites and
non-striate disaccates viz. Scheuring ipollenites
and Ibisporites have also been recorded. Among trlietes presence of Callumispora and <i style="mso-bidi-font-style:
normal">Indotriradites have been observed. Except <i style="mso-bidi-font-style:
normal">Cordaitina all taxa undoubtedly belong to Gondwana. The
palynocomposition especially dominance of Parasaccites
and presence of few striate and non-striate disaccates shows that the
assemblage is equivalent to Talchir/ Upper Karharbari Formation (Late Asselian-Sakmarian)
of India. This palynoassemblage from Chongtash Formation of Karakoram also
shows resemblance with marine Lower Gondwana palynoassemblage of Salt Range (Pakistan). This
finding of early Permian palynomorphs from Chongtash Formation of Karakoram
area also supports the contention that during early Permian Karakoram was a
part of Peri-Gondwanan province and was located on the northern margin of
Indian subcontinent