The Palaeolithic Age, also known as the Old Stone Age, marks the earliest period of human history. It is characterised by the development of stone tools and spans from approximately 2.6 million years ago to around 10,000 BCE. The term “Palaeolithic” was coined in the 1860s by archaeologist John Lubbock. In India, this era is important for understanding early human life and culture.
Early Human Presence in India
Evidence suggests that humans inhabited India around 500,000 years ago. Archaeological findings include unpolished stone tools, primarily located in South India and the Sohan River valley in Pakistan. These tools were used for various purposes, including hunting and cutting. During this period, humans relied primarily on hunting and gathering for sustenance.
Palaeolithic Tools and Their Uses
Palaeolithic tools were often made from rough stones. The earliest tools, known as pebble tools, were used for basic functions such as chopping and scraping. As time progressed, more sophisticated tools emerged, reflecting advancements in human skills and adaptation to the environment.
Phases of the Palaeolithic Age
The Palaeolithic Age in India is divided into three distinct phases – Lower, Middle, and Upper Palaeolithic.
Lower Palaeolithic Phase
This phase covers the majority of the Ice Age. It is characterised by the use of hand-axes and cleavers. Tools from this period are similar to those found in Western Asia and Africa. Key sites include the Soan Valley in Punjab and the Belan Valley in Uttar Pradesh. These areas contained seasonal camps for early humans, who adapted to changing climatic conditions.
Middle Palaeolithic Phase
The Middle Palaeolithic phase is defined by the production of flake-based tools. Scrapers and borers became prevalent during this period. Significant archaeological sites include the Soan Valley and regions along the Narmada River. The tools indicate a shift in hunting strategies and resource utilisation.
Upper Palaeolithic Phase
The Upper Palaeolithic phase coincided with a warming climate. This period saw the emergence of more advanced flint tools and the appearance of anatomically modern humans. Key sites include Bhimbetka in Madhya Pradesh and various locations in Gujarat. The tools from this phase include blades, burins, and scrapers, reflecting increased complexity in tool-making techniques.
Climate and Environmental Changes
The Palaeolithic Age was marked by important climatic fluctuations. The Pleistocene epoch, known for its ice ages, influenced human migration and settlement patterns. While tropical regions remained free from ice, they experienced substantial rainfall, affecting the availability of resources.
Domestication of Animals
Evidence suggests that domestication of animals began around 25,000 BCE. Remains of goats, sheep, and cattle have been found in various archaeological sites, indicating a shift from purely hunting and gathering to a more settled lifestyle.
Cultural Practices and Lifestyle
During the Palaeolithic Age, humans lived in small groups and relied on communal hunting and gathering. The Puranas mention communities that subsisted on roots and fruits, some of which continue traditional lifestyles in remote areas . This indicates a continuity of cultural practices over millennia.
Archaeological Discoveries
Numerous archaeological sites across India have yielded important vital information about the Palaeolithic culture. Key discoveries include rock shelters and cave paintings, which provide evidence of early human artistic expression and social organisation. Sites like Bhimbetka are renowned for their prehistoric rock art, illustrating the lifestyle and beliefs of early humans.
Significance of Palaeolithic Studies
Studying the Palaeolithic Age is crucial for understanding human evolution and cultural development. It sheds light on the adaptive strategies of early humans in response to environmental changes. The tools and artefacts discovered offer vital information about the technological advancements that laid the foundation for subsequent human societies.
Distribution of Palaeolithic Sites in India
Palaeolithic sites are found throughout India, with notable concentrations in regions such as the Soan Valley, Narmada Valley, and the Chotanagpur Plateau. However, the alluvial plains of the Indus and Ganga rivers show fewer archaeological findings, possibly due to sedimentation and erosion.
Useful Facts for UPSC Prelims
🦴 Oldowan Tools
The earliest stone tools, known as Oldowan tools, date back to about 2.6 million years ago and were primarily used by Homo habilis. These tools were simple in design, often consisting of sharp flakes struck from larger stones. The invention of the Acheulean handaxe around 1.76 million years ago marked advancement in tool-making techniques.
🦴 Pleistocene Epoch
The Pleistocene epoch, often called the Ice Age, lasted from about 2.6 million to 11,700 years ago and was marked by repeated glacial cycles, which shaped the Earth’s landscape and ecosystems.
🎨 Oldest Cave Art
The oldest known cave art, found in the Chauvet Cave in France, is estimated to be around 36,000 years old and features intricate depictions of animals, showcasing early humans’ artistic expression.
🏔️ Soan Valley
The Soan Valley in Pakistan is renowned for its rich archaeological findings, including stone tools dating back to the Lower Palaeolithic period, providing vital information about early human behaviour and adaptation.
