The term "Prehistoric Period" refers to the period before writing and development. It is divided into five periods: the Palaeolithic, Mesolithic, Neolithic, Chalcolithic, and Iron Age. The use of symbols, marks, and images appears very early in human history, but the first known writing systems appeared around 5000 years ago, and it took thousands of years for writing systems to become widely adopted. Writing systems were not used in some human cultures until the nineteenth century, and in a few cases, they are still not used today. This article will explain to you the Prehistoric Period which will be helpful in Ancient History preparation for the UPSC Civil service exam.

Pre Historic Period

• The term "prehistory" can refer to the vast period of time since the beginning of the Universe or the Earth, but it is more commonly used to refer to the time since life first appeared on Earth, or, more specifically, the time since human-like beings first appeared.
• History (from the Greek word historia, which means "inquiry," or knowledge gained through investigation) is the study of the past.
• History refers to past events as well as the discovery, collection, organisation, presentation, and interpretation of information about these events.
• It is divided into three sections: prehistory, protohistory, and history.
• Prehistory refers to events that occurred prior to the invention of writing. The three stone ages represent prehistory.
• Proto-history is the period between prehistory and history in which a culture or organisation did not yet exist but is mentioned in the written records of a modern literate civilisation.
• For example, the scripts of the Harappan civilization have yet to be deciphered, but because they are mentioned in Mesopotamian writing, they are considered proto-history.
• History is the study of the past after the invention of writing, as well as the study of literate societies based on written records and archaeological findings.
• Ancient history can be divided into different periods based on the tools that people used at the time.
  • Palaeolithic Period (Old Stone Age): 500,000 BCE – 10,000 BCE
  • Mesolithic Period (Late Stone Age): 10,000 BCE – 6000 BCE
  • Neolithic Period (New Stone Age): 6000 BCE – 1000 BCE
  • Chalcolithic Period (Stone Copper Age): 3000 BCE – 500 BCE
  • Iron Age: 1500 BCE – 200 BCE

Pre Historic Period - Sources

• The following sources aid in the reconstruction of history:
• Sources other than literature
• Literary sources, including religious and secular literature

Non-Literature Sources

Coinage

• Ancient Indian currency was issued as coins rather than paper.
• The earliest coins discovered in India contained only a few symbols, punch-marked silver and copper coins, but later coins mentioned the names of kings, gods, dates, and so on.
• The locations where they were discovered indicate the area in which they circulated.
• This enabled the reconstruction of the history of several ruling dynasties, particularly during the Indo-Greek rule, which came to India from Northern Afghanistan and ruled India in the second and first centuries BCE.
• Coins shed light on the economic history of various dynasties as well as input on various parameters involved such as the script, art, and religion of the time.
• It also aids in comprehending the advancements made in metallurgy and science and technology.

Archaeology/Material remains

• Archaeology is the science that deals with the systematic excavation of old mounds in successive layers in order to form an idea of the material life of the people.
• Material remains recovered during excavation and exploration are subjected to a variety of examinations.
• Their ages are determined by radiocarbon dating. Excavated sites from the Harappan period, for example, help us learn about the lives of the people who lived during that time period.
• Similarly, the Megaliths (graves in south India) shed light on the lives of people who lived in the Deccan and South India prior to 300 BCE.
• The examination of plant residues, particularly pollen analysis, reveals the history of climate and vegetation.

Inscriptions

• Engraved writings on hard surfaces such as stone and metals such as copper, which usually record some achievements, ideas, royal orders, and decisions, aid in understanding different religions and administrative policies of the time.
• Inscriptions detailing state policy issued by Emperor Ashoka, for example, and inscriptions recording land grants by Satavahanas, Kings of the Deccan.

Foreign accounts

• Foreign accounts can supplement indigenous literature.
• The Greek, Chinese, and Roman visitors to India, whether as travellers or religious converts, left behind a rich account of our history.
• Greek Ambassador Megasthenes wrote "Indica," which contained important information about Mauryan society and administration.
• "The Periplus of the Erythrean Sea" and "Ptolemy's Geography," both written in Greek, contain useful information about the ports and commodities traded between India and the Roman empire.
• Fa-Hein Faxien (337 CE - 422 CE), a Buddhist traveller, left an evocative account of the Gupta era.
• Hsuan-Tsang, a Buddhist pilgrim, visited India and described India during King Harshavardhana's reign, as well as the glory of the Nalanda University.

Literary Sources

Religious Literature

• Religious literature sheds light on the ancient Indian period's social, economic, and cultural conditions. Among the sources are:
• The Four Vedas are Hindu scriptures. The Vedas are thought to have been written between 1500 and 500 BCE.
• The Rigveda primarily contains prayers, whereas the later Vedic texts (Samaveda, Yajurveda, and Atharvaveda) include rituals, magic, and mythological stories in addition to prayers.
• The Upanishads - The philosophical discussions on "Atma" and "Paramatma" are found in the Upanishads (Vedanta).
• Shrautasutras (which include sacrifices and royal coronation) and Grihya Sutras are examples of ritual literature found in sutras.
• Buddhist religious texts - The early Buddhist texts, known as Tripitaka (three baskets) - Sutta Pitaka, Vinaya Pitaka, and Abhidhamma Pitaka - were written in Pali language.
• These texts shed invaluable light on the era's social and economic conditions. They also make references to political events from the Buddha's time. Learn more about Buddhism.
• Religious texts of Jaina - The Jaina texts, known as "angas," were written in the Prakrit language and contain Jaina philosophical concepts.
• They contain numerous texts that aid in the reconstruction of Mahavira's political history in eastern Uttar Pradesh and Bihar.
• The Jaina texts make numerous references to trade and traders.

Non-Religious Literature

• Dharmashastras/Law books - These detail the responsibilities of the various varnas, as well as the kings and their officials.
• They establish the rules for holding, selling, and inheriting property. They also impose penalties on those who commit theft, murder, and other crimes.
• Kautilya's Arthashastra reflects the state of society and economy during the Maurya period.
• The works of the great poet Kalidasa include kavyas and dramas, the most important of which is Abhijnanasakuntalam.
• They are not only creative compositions, but they also provide insight into the social and cultural life of northern and central India during the Gupta era.
• Rajatarangini - This is a well-known book written by Kalhana that depicts the social and political life of Kashmir in the 12th century CE.
• Charitas/Biographies - Charitas are biographies written by court poets in praise of their rulers, such as Banabhatta's Harshacharita in praise of King Harshavardhana.
• Sangam literature - This is the earliest south Indian literature, produced by poets who gathered together (Sangam), and it contains important information about the social, economic, and political life of the people who live in deltaic Tamil Nadu.
• Literary gems such as 'Silappadikaram' and 'Manimekalai' can be found in Tamil literature.

Prehistoric Periods in India

Conclusion

The "Prehistoric Period" is the time before writing and development. The Palaeolithic, Mesolithic, Neolithic, Chalcolithic, and Iron Age are the five periods. The Prehistoric Age, or when human life existed without any record of human activity, lasted roughly 2.5 million years, from 2.5 million to 1,200 B.C. It is divided into three archaeological periods: the Stone Age, the Bronze Age, and the Iron Age.

FAQs

MCQs

1. Which of the following periods is known as the Old Stone Age?

A) Paleolithic
B) Mesolithic
C) Neolithic
D) Chalcolithic

2. Which Pre-historic site in India is known for its ancient rock paintings?

A) Harappa
B) Bhimbetka
C) Dholavira
D) Mohenjo-daro

3. The domestication of animals and cultivation of crops began during which Pre-historic period?

A) Paleolithic
B) Mesolithic
C) Neolithic
D) Chalcolithic

4. What type of tools were predominantly used during the Mesolithic period?

A) Large stone tools
B) Microliths
C) Polished tools
D) Metal tools

5. Which of the following is considered the earliest evidence of human habitation in India?

A) Harappa
B) Bhimbetka
C) Mehrgarh
D) Kalibangan

GS Mains Questions and Answers

Q1: Discuss the importance of the Bhimbetka rock shelters in understanding the Pre-historic period in India.

Answer: The Bhimbetka rock shelters, located in Madhya Pradesh, are one of the most important Pre-historic sites in India. They provide crucial evidence of early human life, dating back to the Paleolithic era. The site contains numerous rock paintings that depict scenes of hunting, dancing, and other communal activities, offering insights into the social and cultural life of early humans. Bhimbetka is significant because it shows continuity in human habitation over thousands of years, from the Paleolithic through to the Mesolithic and Neolithic periods. The site has been recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site for its archaeological and historical importance. The findings at Bhimbetka have contributed greatly to our understanding of early human settlement, tool usage, and artistic expression in the Indian subcontinent.

Q2: Explain the significance of the Neolithic Revolution in human history.

Answer: The Neolithic Revolution, which began around 10,000 BCE, was a transformative event in human history. It marked the transition from a nomadic lifestyle based on hunting and gathering to settled agricultural communities. This revolution led to the domestication of plants and animals, the development of farming techniques, and the establishment of permanent settlements. The ability to produce surplus food allowed populations to grow and communities to become more complex, leading to the development of trade, specialized labor, and social hierarchies. The Neolithic Revolution laid the foundation for the rise of civilizations, as it enabled humans to create more stable, organized societies with the capacity for technological innovation and cultural development.

Q3: Analyze the evolution of tools during the Pre-historic period and their impact on human development.

Answer: The evolution of tools during the Pre-historic period had a profound impact on human development. In the Paleolithic period, early humans used crude stone tools for hunting and gathering, which allowed them to survive in a variety of environments. As human knowledge and skills evolved, the Mesolithic period introduced microliths, small, sharp tools that were more efficient for hunting and crafting. The Neolithic period saw the development of polished tools, such as sickles and grinding stones, which were used in farming and food production. This progression in tool-making reflects the shift from a nomadic to a settled lifestyle, as humans began to control their environment through agriculture. The improvement in tools also led to advances in construction, trade, and societal organization, setting the stage for the development of early civilizations.

Previous Year Questions on Pre-Historic Period

1. UPSC CSE Prelims 2017:

Question: Which of the following Pre-historic sites in India is famous for its rock paintings?

A) Bhimbetka
B) Harappa
C) Mohenjo-daro
D) Kalibangan

Answer: A

Explanation: Bhimbetka rock shelters in Madhya Pradesh are famous for their ancient rock paintings, which provide evidence of early human life in the Pre-historic period.

2. UPSC CSE Mains 2020 (GS Paper 1):

Question: Discuss the significance of the Neolithic Revolution in transforming early human societies.

Answer: The Neolithic Revolution was a transformative event in human history, marking the transition from a nomadic lifestyle to settled agricultural communities. It led to the domestication of plants and animals, the development of farming techniques, and the establishment of permanent settlements. This revolution allowed humans to produce surplus food, leading to population growth and the development of complex societies. The Neolithic Revolution also contributed to the rise of trade, social hierarchies, and technological innovations, laying the foundation for the development of civilizations. The ability to control food production and establish stable communities was a key factor in the advancement of human societies during this period.