Stone Age and Chalcolithic Periods in India

Flashcards covering the Paleolithic, Mesolithic, Neolithic, and Chalcolithic periods in India, focusing on dates, locations, technological advancements, and key archaeological discoveries.

What are the date ranges for the Paleolithic Age in India?

The Paleolithic Age is from $5$ lakh - $10$k BC, with the Lower / Early Paleolithic from $5$ lakh - $50$k BC, Middle Paleolithic from $50$k - $40$k BC, and Upper Paleolithic from $40$k - $10$k BC.

Which Lower Paleolithic site in Maharashtra is mentioned for providing the first evidence of Ostrich?

Patne.

What technology and primary activities characterized the Middle Paleolithic period?

Middle Paleolithic was defined by FLAKE technology and Hunting & Gathering food.

What major evolutionary and material changes occurred during the Upper Paleolithic period?

The period saw the Appearance of Homosapiens, the last Phase of Pleistocene, and the use of Flint stone.

Where was the skull of Homo Erectus discovered?

Hathnora (Madhya Pradesh near Narmada).

Who discovered the Bhimbetka rock caves and in what year?

V. S. Wakankar in $1957$.

Who was the first person to identify rock paintings in India?

Archibald Campbell.

What are the characteristics and dates for the Mesolithic Period?

Occurring between $12$k - $10$k BC, it is known as the Late stone age or Microlithic Period, characterized by a warm climate, increased flora and fauna, and the use of fire and small stone tools.

Which site provides the earliest evidence for the domestication of animals?

Bagor - Rajasthan.

What were the social and economic advancements of the Neolithic period?

Humans became food producers and began to own property between $7$k - $1$k BC.

What does the name 'Burzahom' mean, and what were the significant archaeological findings there?

It means 'burial'; human inhabitants lived in lake side pits, and domestic dog were buried with his masters. It is located $16$km West from Srinagar.

What does 'Gufkral' mean and where is it located?

It means 'Cave of potter' and is located $41$km South-west of Srinagar.

Which sites are associated with the cultivation of rice and millet in the Neolithic period?

Koldihwa (Uttar Pradesh - Allahabad) is associated with Rice Cultivation, and Karnataka sites such as Sangankallu and Brahmagiri are associated with Millet cultivation.

What rare stone was found at the site of Doajali Heading in Assam?

Jedeite Stone.

What is the name of the first human Proto city discovered in Turkiye?

Catal Huyuk.

What was the first metal discovered by humans during the Chacolithics period?

Copper.

What were the specific community and burial practices of the Chacolithics period?

They lived in a 'Rular Comminitty' and practiced URN Burial.

What two specific things were unknown to humans during the Chacolithics period ($3.5$k - $1$k BC)?

They didn't know about horses or burned bricks.

Which civilization is associated with Western Maharashtra during the Chacolithics period?

The Jorwe civilization, including sites like Jorwe, Nevasa, Daimabad, Chandoli, Inamgaon, Nasik, and Navdatoli.

What were the distinct colors of pottery found in the Chacolithics and Neolithic periods?

Neolithic pottery was Black & Red in colour, while Chacolithics featured Black & Red colored and Ohre Colored pottery.