Pre History in India:=
The Palaeolithic or Stone Age began in India at its beginning, while the Iron Age, which came immediately before the Indus Valley Civilization, marked the end of the prehistoric period. The formation of the first civilization occurred during the prehistoric period, which is roughly dated to be between 2000 BC and 3500–2500 BC.
The prehistory of India refers to the period before the emergence of written records and is based on archaeological findings, scientific studies, and anthropological research. While much of India's prehistory is still not fully understood, significant discoveries have shed light on the early human presence in the region.
1. Paleolithic Era: The Paleolithic era in India dates back to around 2.6 million years ago and is characterized by the existence of early human beings who were hunter-gatherers. Stone tools, such as hand axes and cleavers, have been found at several archaeological sites, including the Soan Valley in present-day Pakistan and the Bhimbetka rock shelters in central India.
2. Mesolithic Era: The Mesolithic period, also known as the Middle Stone Age, followed the Paleolithic era and spanned from around 10,000 to 4,500 BCE. During this time, the climate in India became warmer and more humid, leading to changes in flora and fauna. The Mesolithic communities were semi-sedentary and relied on hunting, fishing, and gathering for subsistence.
3. Neolithic Era: The Neolithic period in India began around 7000 BCE and witnessed the transition from hunting and gathering to settled farming communities. The advent of agriculture brought about significant changes in society, including the domestication of animals, cultivation of crops like wheat, barley, and rice, and the development of pottery. Some prominent Neolithic sites include Mehrgarh in present-day Pakistan and Burzahom in the Kashmir region.
4. Indus Valley Civilization: The Indus Valley Civilization, also known as the Harappan Civilization, emerged around 3300 BCE and thrived until 1300 BCE. It was one of the world's earliest urban civilizations, characterized by well-planned cities with advanced infrastructure, such as drainage systems and grid-like street layouts. The Indus Valley Civilization had trade links with other contemporary civilizations and displayed a sophisticated system of writing that is yet to be fully deciphered.
These periods laid the foundation for the subsequent historical developments in the Indian subcontinent, including the Vedic period and the rise of empires. It is important to note that our understanding of prehistoric India is continually evolving as new archaeological discoveries and research provide further insights into the ancient past.
In addition to the periods mentioned earlier, here are a few more notable aspects of the prehistory of India:
Rock Art: India is home to numerous rock art sites that provide insights into the beliefs, lifestyles, and artistic expressions of prehistoric communities. These rock art sites, spread across various regions, depict scenes of animals, human figures, hunting scenes, and geometric patterns. Some well-known rock art sites include Bhimbetka in Madhya Pradesh, Edakkal Caves in Kerala, and Vindhya Hills in Uttar Pradesh.
Acheulian Culture: The Acheulian culture, characterized by the use of distinctive hand axes and cleavers, existed during the Lower Paleolithic period. A significant Acheulian site in India is Attirampakkam in Tamil Nadu, where numerous stone tools have been discovered, indicating early human activity and tool-making techniques.
Paleolithic Rock Shelters: India is renowned for its Paleolithic rock shelters, which are natural rock formations that served as habitation sites for prehistoric communities. These shelters provide evidence of human occupation, including tool manufacturing, hunting, and artistic expressions. Notable rock shelter sites include Bhimbetka, Singanpur, and Adamgarh in central India.
Regional Variations: The prehistoric period in India witnessed regional variations in terms of cultural practices, tool types, and subsistence patterns. Different regions of India have yielded distinct archaeological assemblages and cultural traits, suggesting diverse human populations and adaptations across the subcontinent.
Copper Age: The Copper Age, also known as the Chalcolithic period, followed the Neolithic era. During this time, communities began using copper for tools and ornaments while still relying on stone tools. The Chalcolithic sites in India, such as Ahar-Banas culture in Rajasthan and Malwa culture in Madhya Pradesh, provide evidence of early metallurgical practices and the emergence of complex social structures.
It's important to note that the prehistoric period of India is a vast subject, and ongoing archaeological research continues to uncover new information, revise existing theories, and provide deeper insights into the diverse cultures and societies that existed before the advent of written history.
