Mesolithic Age marks transitional period between the Upper Palaeolithic and the Neolithic ages. It began around 8000 B.C. and lasted until approximately 4000 B.C. in India. This era was characterised by climatic changes that led to warmer and drier conditions, facilitating the movement of human populations into new areas.
Characteristics of the Mesolithic Age
The Mesolithic Age is distinguished by the emergence of microliths, small stone tools that were often used as components of composite tools like arrows and spears. These tools were typically made from materials such as chert, jasper, and agate. The period also saw a shift in human lifestyle, with a greater emphasis on hunting and gathering.
Hunter-Gatherer Lifestyle
During the Mesolithic Age, early humans primarily relied on hunting large game, gathering fruits, and foraging for vegetables. They often lived in caves or temporary shelters, adapting their lifestyle to the changing environment. The hunter-gatherer lifestyle was crucial for survival in this transitional period.
Development of Microliths
Microliths were a hallmark of the Mesolithic Age. These small, sharp tools ranged from 1 to 5 cm in length. They were made using advanced flaking techniques, which allowed for precise shaping and retouching. Microliths were attached to wooden shafts to create effective hunting implements.
Art and Cultural Expressions
Artistic expression flourished during the Mesolithic Age. Rock shelters in regions like Madhya Pradesh and Central India feature ancient paintings that depict hunting scenes, animal trapping, and community gatherings. These artworks provide valuable vital information about the social and cultural lives of Mesolithic people.
Early Domestication Practices
The Mesolithic Age also marked the beginnings of animal husbandry and horticulture. Evidence suggests that early humans began domesticating animals and cultivating plants. This shift towards food production laid the groundwork for future agricultural societies.
Personal Adornments and Burial Practices
Personal adornment was common during this period. People crafted jewellery from shells, bones, and stones, reflecting their cultural identity. Burial practices also evolved, with evidence of deliberate burials found in sites such as Mahadaha and Sarai Nahar Rai, indicating a growing sense of community and ritual.
Significant Mesolithic Sites in India
Numerous Mesolithic sites have been discovered across India, providing a wealth of archaeological evidence. Notable sites include:
- Bagor, Rajasthan – A well-excavated site known for its advanced microlithic industry and evidence of early agriculture.
- Adamgarh, Madhya Pradesh – Significant for its rock paintings and artefacts, illustrating the lifestyle of Mesolithic communities.
- Langhnaj, Gujarat – An important site where remains of various animals and human skeletons have been unearthed, dating back to the Mesolithic era.
Climate and Environmental Changes
The Mesolithic Age was marked by important climatic changes. The end of the Ice Age resulted in warmer temperatures and altered ecosystems. These environmental shifts allowed human populations to migrate and adapt to new habitats, leading to a diversification of flora and fauna.
Transition to the Neolithic Age
The Late Stone Age served as important bridge to the Neolithic Age. As communities settled and began practising agriculture, the reliance on hunting and gathering diminished. This transition marked the beginning of more complex social structures and the establishment of permanent settlements.
Archaeological Discoveries and Research
Archaeological research in India has revealed a rich tapestry of Mesolithic culture. Excavations have uncovered tools, art, and evidence of early agricultural practices. The findings from sites like Bhimbetka and Chhota Nagpur Plateau have been instrumental in understanding the evolution of early human societies.
Important Topics for UPSC Prelims
🤔 First Musical Instruments were developed in Upper Paleolithic
The Upper Palaeolithic period saw the development of the first known musical instruments, such as flutes made from bird bones and mammoth ivory, indicating that music played a role in the social and cultural life of early humans.
🧊 Ice Age saw Woolly Mammoth and Saber-toothed cats
During the Ice Age, large mammals like the woolly mammoth and saber-toothed cats thrived, and some of these species went extinct due to climate change and human hunting, leading to important shifts in ecosystems.
🏺 Neolithic Revolution begin in 10,000 BC
The Neolithic Revolution, which began around 10,000 BCE, is considered one of the most important turning points in human history, as it led to the establishment of permanent settlements and the rise of civilization.
🔍 Microliths were generally flint tools
Microliths, small flint tools that were often used as barbs for arrows or as parts of larger tools, became prevalent during the Mesolithic period.
🏺 Bagor
The site of Bagor in Rajasthan has yielded evidence of early domestication of animals, particularly cattle, indicating the beginnings of agricultural practices in the region around 4,000 years ago.
🗿 Adamgarh
The Adamgarh hills are known for their prehistoric rock paintings that depict animals and human figures, providing valuable vital information about the culture and lifestyle of early hunter-gatherers.
