NEOLITHIC ERA

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Context

• Discovery of a Neolithic era tool in Dharmapurai district of Tamilnadu holds significance to the ancient history of India and the world.
• The found celt was made of Doloraid stone and most likely was used as an axe or to plough

Details

• Tool discovered has a length of 22 cm.
• It has a width is in range of 3.2 to 4.2 cm.

Celt

• A celt is a polished stone tool of Neolithic era with cutting edge.
• It was considered to be used as weapon; or an axe to cut trees, woods; or an plough; or used to make changes in other objects by way of cutting, shearing, striking, rubbing, and grinding etc.

Neolithic era

• Also referred as the new Stone Age, considered to be started at the end of the Pleistocene Age, approximately 10,000 years ago.
• It marks the beginning of settled life and agriculture as this era witnessed the domestication of animals and plants like rice, wheat, barley Ragi in a large number.
• At some places circular of rectangular houses made of mud and reed are also found

Places of Importance

• In India, evidences of such settlement are found in North South and east part. Some of them are:
  • Burzahom - In the north in the valley of Kashmir.
  • Chirand, Near Patna which is on the northern side of the Ganga.
  • Vindhyas in Mirzapur and Prayagraj district.
  • South of Godavari river
  • Takkalakota in Karnataka.
  • Paiyampalli in Tamil Nadu.
  • Piklihal and Utnur are important neolithic sites in Andhra Pradesh.
  • In Nort east - Hills of Assam, Garo hills of Meghalaya.
  • In East - Odisha hill areas.

Economy

• Largely based on agriculture and animals as inferred from the evidences found in north-western part of the Indo-Pakistan region - in the Quetta valley and in the Valleys of Loralai and Zob rivers.
• Evidences also suggest the presence of hunting and fishing economy at some places.
• Cattle- herding was also taken as a way of life for instance in Piklihal.
• Weaving, cultivation was prominent in some areas of Western Asia.

Tools and Pots Used

• Tools and implements of polished stone were used for instance stone axes.
• Such tools are found in various part of the country.
• Other tool which were fond are
  • Stone blades mainly found in south of river Godavari
  • Microlith blades are also found.
• Handmade pottery to store foodgrain in Milk are found like
• Coarse grey pottery discovered in Burzahom.

Must Read Article:

https://www.iasgyan.in/daily-current-affairs/bhimbetka

PRACTICE QUESTION Consider the following statements about Neolithic era: 1. The start of settled life is a prominent feature of this period. 2. The related sites are found in only eastern and southern part on India. Which of the statements given above is/are correct? A. 1 only B. 2 Only C. Both 1 and 2 D. Neither 1 nor 2 Answer: (A)

https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/tamil-nadu/celt-used-for-ploughing-found-in-poothinatham/article66957734.ece