7 Highlights of India's Prehistoric Ages

7 Highlights of India's Prehistoric Ages

Definition & Features

• Derived from Greek: Chalco (Copper) + Lithic (Stone) = Copper-Stone Age.

• Marked by the use of copper alongside stone tools.

• The transitional phase from Neolithic to metal use.

• First use of copper: ~5000 BCE.

• Evolution:
  Copper → Bronze (Copper + Tin/Zinc/Lead) → Gold/Silver → Iron

Geographical Extent

• North India: Neolithic → Chalcolithic → Iron Age.

• South India: Neolithic → directly to Iron Age (Copper largely absent).

II. Chronology of Chalcolithic Cultures

III. Important Chalcolithic Cultures (Post-Harappan)

IV. Harappan (Indus Valley) Civilization

• (2500 BCE – 1750 BCE) Also called the Indus-Saraswati Civilization

Important Sites and Features

Trade

• Imports: Gold (Kolar), Copper (Khetri), Tin (Afghanistan), Lapis (Badakshan)

• Exports: Cotton textiles, terracotta, beads, conch shells, ivory

V. Iron Age Transition

Literary Evidence

• Early Vedic: Ayas = generic metal.

• Later Vedic:

  • Lohit Ayas = Copper

  • Krishna/Shyama Ayas = Iron

• Iron ploughs referenced in Atharva Veda, Shatapatha Brahmana, Suttanipata

Archaeological Evidence

• The use of iron began around 1000 BCE in the Gangetic Valley.

• Extensive by 600 BCE.

• Enabled second urbanization (1st was Harappan).

Important Iron Sites

VI. Iron-Age Cultures (Iron-Using)

Final Thoughts

The Chalcolithic and subsequent ages mark a significant transition in human history, showcasing the evolution from stone tools to the use of metals like copper, bronze, and eventually iron.

Beginning with the Chalcolithic Age—an intermediary phase between the Neolithic and the Iron Age—societies developed regional cultures across the Indian subcontinent, particularly flourishing in North India.

The rise and fall of the Harappan Civilization during this period stands as a hallmark of early urban culture and trade. The eventual advent of iron technology around 1000 BC catalyzed agricultural expansion and urbanization in the Gangetic plains, laying the groundwork for the second urban revolution in India.

This progression from rural settlements to complex cities reflects a deepening of socio-economic and cultural complexity, forming the foundation of historic Indian civilization.