History Periods and Stone Age Overview

Overview

This lecture introduces the study of history, dividing it into major periods (Ancient, Medieval, Modern) and focusing on the timeline, chronology, and the Stone Age in detail, including key archaeological concepts and classifications.

Structure and Periodization of History

• History is divided into Ancient (earliest times–7th century AD), Medieval (8th–18th century AD), and Modern (18th century AD–present).
• Ancient history includes prehistory, protohistory, and history (written records).
• The timeline is marked using BC (Before Christ), AD (Anno Domini), BCE (Before Common Era), and CE (Common Era).
• In BC, years count down towards zero; in AD/CE, years count up from zero.

Stone Age Overview

• The Stone Age is divided into: Paleolithic (Old Stone Age), Mesolithic (Middle Stone Age), and Neolithic (New Stone Age).
• Stone Age is primarily defined by the types of tools used.

Paleolithic Age

• Time period: ~500,000 BC to 10,000 BC (lower, middle, and upper phases).
• Divided into Lower, Middle, and Upper Paleolithic based on tool types and evolutionary progress.
• Early humans were hunter-gatherers using large stone tools; lived in caves and rock shelters.
• Flake technology (sharper, more specialized tools) developed in Middle Paleolithic.
• Evidence of Homo sapiens (modern humans) appears in Upper Paleolithic.
• Bhimbetka caves (Madhya Pradesh) have Paleolithic rock art.

Mesolithic Age

• Time period: ~12,000 BC to 10,000/7,000 BC (dates may vary).
• Characterized by microliths (small stone tools).
• End of Ice Age; beginning of warmer climates and settled life.
• Evidence of domestication of animals (e.g., Bagor, Rajasthan, and Adamgarh, MP).

Neolithic Age

• Time period: ~7,000 BC to 1,000 BC.
• Humans start producing food (agriculture), become food producers.
• Pottery appears (cord-impressed designs); polished stone tools (celts) used.
• Earliest rice cultivation at Koldihwa, UP; wheat/barley/cotton at Mehrgarh (now Pakistan).
• Permanent houses (mud-brick, pit dwellings); dogs domesticated (e.g., Burzahom, Kashmir).

Chalcolithic (Copper Age)

• Time period: ~3,500/3,000 BC to 1,000 BC (overlaps with latter Neolithic).
• First metal used was copper; humans developed rural communities and cultures (e.g., Ahar, Malwa, Jorwe).
• Painted pottery (black and red ware, ochre-colored ware) common.
• Trade with contemporary civilizations (Harappa).

Key Terms & Definitions

• Prehistory — Period before written records; known from archaeology.
• Protohistory — Period with some written evidence, but not fully deciphered.
• Paleolithic — Old Stone Age; characterized by hunting-gathering and large stone tools.
• Mesolithic — Middle Stone Age; characterized by microliths and animal domestication.
• Neolithic — New Stone Age; marked by agriculture and permanent settlements.
• Chalcolithic — Copper Age; use of copper and advanced pottery.
• BC/BCE — Years before Christ/Common Era; count backward.
• AD/CE — Anno Domini/Common Era; years after Christ; count forward.
• Flake Technology — Stone tool-making by chipping off sharp flakes.
• Celts — Polished stone tools used in Neolithic.
• Microliths — Small stone tools of the Mesolithic.
• Bhimbetka — Site in MP known for Stone Age rock paintings.

Action Items / Next Steps

• Review time periods and definitions for each historical age.
• Memorize important archaeological sites and their associated periods.
• Prepare for quiz or homework based on the classification and features of the Stone Age.
• Read about the Indus Valley Civilization for the next lecture.