Paleolithic or Old Stone Age
Paleolithic Age: Phases, Characteristics, and Tools
Humans in India have lived since approximately 500,000 B.C., using unpolished stone tools for survival. Artifacts from the Paleolithic Age were found in South India and the Soan Valley in Pakistan. This phase continued until 8000 B.C., and people relied heavily on hunting and gathering for food.
Early Paleolithic Phase: Tools and Climate
- This phase occurred during the Ice Age and is marked by the use of hand-axes and cleavers.
- Hand-axes were discovered in deposits from the second Himalayan glaciation.
- The climate became less humid during this time.
- Hand-axes, Choppers, and Cleavers used in the Early Paleolithic phase.
Middle Paleolithic Phase: Flake Industries and Scrapers
- The Middle Paleolithic phase is defined by flake-based industries.
- Scrapers made of flakes were the primary tools of this period.
- Artifacts from this era have been found along the Narmada River and the Tungabhadra River.
Upper Paleolithic Phase: Blades, Burins, and Rock Shelters
- This phase coincided with the last stage of the Ice Age.
- Blades and burins were commonly used tools during this period.
- Rock shelters and caves were utilized by human beings in this phase.
Mesolithic Age: Transition to the Neolithic Era
The Mesolithic Age, also known as the Late Stone Age, was a transitional period between the Paleolithic and Neolithic Ages. In India, this phase started around 8000 B.C. and lasted until 4000 B.C.
Summary: Key Aspects of the Paleolithic Age
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Title | Paleolithic Age and Its Phases |
| Paleolithic Age | The Old Stone Age Unpolished stone tools for hunting. Lasted until 8000 B.C. |
| Early Paleolithic Phase | Covered the Ice Age, marked by hand-axes and cleavers. |
| Middle Paleolithic Phase | Flake industries, with scrapers made from flakes. |
| Upper Paleolithic Phase | Use of blades, burins, and rock shelters. |
| Mesolithic Age | Transition phase between the Paleolithic and Neolithic Ages. |
