Pre-historic India
  1. The history of human settlements in India goes back to pre-historic times.
  2. The archaeological remains are found in different parts of India to reconstruct the history of this period.
  3. In india, the pre-historic period is divided into the Palaeolithic (Old Stone Age), Mesolithic ( MIddle Stone Age), Neolithic (New Stone Age) and the Metal Age.
Palaeolithic or Old Stone Age
  1. The Old Stone Age sites are widely found in various parts of the Indian subcontinents. These sites are generally located near water sources.
  2. Man invented fire by rubbing two pieces of flint. Man used leaves, barks of tress and skins of animals to cover his body.
  3. A few Old Stone Age paintings have also been found on rocks at Bhimbetka and Other Places.
Mesolithic or Middle Stone Age
  1. The next stage of human life is called Mesolithic Stone Age, which falls roughly from 1000 B.C. to 6000 B.C.
  2. The hunting-gathering pattern of life continued during this period.
  3. The use of bow and arrow also began during this period. Also, there began a tendency to settle for longer periods in an area. Therefore, domestication of animals, horticulture and primitive cultivation started.
Neolithic Age or New Stone Age
  1. During this period, the wheel was invented, It was a turning point in the life of man.
  2. The chief characteristic feature of the Neolithic culture are the practice of agriculture, domestication of animals, polishing of stone tools and the burial of the dead.
  3. Large urns were used as coffins for the burial of the dead.
  4. The people of Neolithic Age used clothes made of cotton and wool.
Metal Age
  1. The Neolithic period is followed by Chalcolithic (Copper Stone) Period when copper and bronze came to be used.
  2. The Chalcolithic age is followed by Iron Age.
  3. In the Iron Age, Ploughs and daggers were made of iron. It led to yhe overall development of mankind.