Prehistoric-period / Prehistoric period / Mesolithic Period
Introduction:
- Mesolithic, also known as Middle Stone Age, between Paleolithic and Neolithic
- Characterized by greater innovation and diversity than Paleolithic
- In India, from 9,000 B.C. to 4,000 B.C.
- Defined as the earliest Holocene culture before agriculture
Tool Types and Technology:
- Microliths are predominant tool types, characterized by geometric and non-geometric shapes
- Used for composite tools for plant gathering and harvesting, slicing, grating, and plant-fiber processing
- Macroliths were bigger and heavy-duty tools, a continuation of Upper Paleolithic types
- Bone and antler tools were also used
Indian Mesolithic Culture:
- Lasted for about 10,000 years in India and West Asia
- Mesolithic people made technological innovations, including the bow and arrow for hunting and grinding tools for plant foods
- Created art in the form of paintings and engravings, reflecting their aesthetic taste and capability for innovation
Indian Mesolithic Sites:
- Earliest discovery of microliths and Mesolithic tools in the rock-shelters of Mirzapur district, Uttar Pradesh
- Major excavated sites include Tilwara, Bagor, Ganeshwar in Rajasthan; Langhnaj, Akhaj, Valasana, Hirpura, Amrapur, Devnimori, Dhekvadlo, Tarsang in Gujarat; Patne, Pachad, Hatkhamba in Maharashtra; Morkhana, Lekhahia, Baghai Khor, Sarai Nahar Rai, Mahadaha, Damdama, Chopani Mando, Baidha Putpurihwa in Uttar Pradesh; Pachmarhi, Adamgarh, Putli Karar, Bhimbetka, Baghor II, Baghor III, Ghagharia in Madhya Pradesh; Paisra in Bihar; Kuchai in Odisha; Birbhanpur in West Bengal; Muchatla Chintamanu Gavi, Gauri Gundam in Andhra Pradesh; Sanganakallu in Karnataka; Tenmalai in Kerala
- These sites provided information on technology, material remains, burial practices, anatomical remains, customs associated with burial, art, and charcoal for dating of the sites.
