ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

This work was supported by research grants from the Department of Science and Technology (New Delhi) to GVRP (Grant No. SR/S4/ES-24/2002). Comparative study with Mesozoic mammalian collections under the care of D. Sigogneau-Russell was carried out by GVRP at MNHN, Paris. GVRP is greatly indebted to D. Sigogneau-Russell for many stimulating discussions and innumerable helpful suggestions. The authors are thankful to P.M. Butler, D. Sigogneau-Russell, and A.O. Averianov for their critical comments on the earlier version of this paper. The paper has also benefited from critical reviews by two anonymous reviewers. GVRP is also thankful to Mme C. Weber-Chancogne (MNHN) for taking the SEM photomicrographs. This work is an integral part of DST FIST program of the Department of Geology, University of Jammu.