Stone Age in India — Palaeolithic, Mesolithic, Neolithic, Chalcolithic
This chapter explains the Stone Age cultures in India, their timeline, characteristics, tools and important sites. The Stone Age is divided into four major phases—Palaeolithic, Mesolithic, Neolithic and Chalcolithic.
Early human fossils first appear in Africa about 2.6 million years ago. In India, the earliest evidence of human presence comes from stone artefacts discovered at Bori (Maharashtra), dating to around 1.4 million years ago.
Thus, India was inhabited later than Africa but became an important region of prehistoric cultural development.
- Palaeolithic or Old Stone Age
- Mesolithic or Middle Stone Age
- Neolithic or New Stone Age
- Chalcolithic or Copper-Stone Age
The Palaeolithic culture in India corresponds to the Pleistocene (Ice Age). Early humans used rough stone tools and lived as hunter-gatherers. Homo sapiens appear toward the end of this phase. Early populations are believed to belong to the Negrito racial group.
Three Phases of the Palaeolithic Age
Lower Palaeolithic
Earliest tools such as hand-axes, cleavers, and choppers. Major sites: Soan valley, Attirampakkam, Didwana.
Middle Palaeolithic
Flake tools, scrapers, and points. Important sites: Belan valley, Narmada valley.
Upper Palaeolithic
Blade tools, burins, and early forms of cave art. Sites include Bhimbetka and Kurnool caves.
The Mesolithic Age marks the transition between Palaeolithic hunter-gatherers and Neolithic farmers. The hallmark of this age is the appearance of microliths—small, sharp stone tools used for hunting and fishing.
Key Features of Mesolithic Age
- Small microlithic tools widely used.
- Boats and canoes allowed movement across water bodies.
- Beginnings of permanent and semi-permanent settlements.
- Domestication of plants and animals began.
Important Mesolithic Sites
- Bhimbetka (Madhya Pradesh): Rock shelters with paintings of humans, animals, hunting.
- Bagor (Rajasthan): Early evidence of animal domestication.
- Burzahom (Kashmir): Pit dwellings and burial practices.
The Neolithic or New Stone Age marks the beginning of agriculture, domestication of animals and settled village life. Polished stone tools appear along with early pottery, weaving and religious practices.
Important Features of Neolithic Age
- Agriculture: Cultivation of wheat, barley, millet, rice.
- Settled communities: Permanent villages emerged.
- Social complexity: Need for cooperation led to early institutions and rituals.
- Art & culture: Pottery, ornaments, early religious practices.
- Technology: Pottery, weaving, and early metallurgy began.
The Chalcolithic period marks the use of copper tools alongside stone tools. Agriculture expanded further and village settlements became widespread.
Major Chalcolithic Cultures in India
- Ahar / Banas Culture (Rajasthan): Agriculture-based settlements.
- Kayatha Culture (Madhya Pradesh): Early copper use.
- Malwa Culture (Western India): Advanced pottery and village planning.
- Jorwe Culture (Deccan Plateau): Important in Maharashtra; specialised farming.
Features of Chalcolithic Culture
- Use of copper and bronze tools.
- Painted pottery with geometric patterns.
- Agriculture (wheat, barley, rice) + animal husbandry.
- Small village settlements near rivers.
- Belief systems linked to nature worship and ancestor worship.
Important Sites
Chalcolithic sites are found in Rajasthan, Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, Bihar and West Bengal.
Earliest Evidence
Bori (Maharashtra) — 1.4 million years ago
Stone Age Divisions
Palaeolithic, Mesolithic, Neolithic, Chalcolithic
Mesolithic Tools
Microliths (small, sharp stone tools)
Neolithic Features
Agriculture, pottery, settled villages
Chalcolithic
Copper + stone tools; painted pottery
Important Sites
Bhimbetka, Bagor, Burzahom, Jorwe
Which is the earliest Stone Age site in India?
Bori in Maharashtra, dated to around 1.4 million years ago.
What are microliths?
Small, sharp stone tools used in the Mesolithic Age.
Which is the most important Mesolithic site?
Bhimbetka rock shelters in Madhya Pradesh.
What characterises the Neolithic Age?
Agriculture, domestication, polished stone tools, pottery.
What marks the beginning of the Chalcolithic Age?
Use of copper tools along with stone tools.
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