Tishya Gupta Class- VI C Ryan International School ,CHD HISTORY Tishya Gupta Class- VI C Ryan International School ,CHD

The Earliest Societies

Evolution Of Man Man evolved very gradually from a stooping, apelike creature. This happened over hundreds of thousands of years-a period much longer than the entire period of modern man’s existence on earth. Many physical changes appeared during this period as he can balance on his feet, stand and walk erect. Man’s brain size gradually increased. He learnt to understand and adapt himself to his surroundings. At first, he used stones, which were easily available, to throw at his prey, for crushing nuts etc.

Stone Age Palaeolithic Age The Stone Age covers the longest period of man’s existence on earth, during which stone was the most widely used material for making tools and weapons. Based upon the types of tools used, the stone age can be divided into three periods; these are-the Palaeolithic Age (Old Stone Age) ; the Mesolithic Age (Middle Stone Age ); and the Neolithic Age ( New Stone Age ).

Life Of Palaeolithic Man Sources Palaeolithic remains have been found mainly in the Soan river valley in Pakistan in the upper Narmada region, in the Deccan and at some places in South India. Hunter-Gatherer Palaeolithic Man lived in caves and rock shelters. He did not know how to produce food. He survived by hunting wild animals and birds, fishing, and gathering wild plants. Hence, he is called a hunter- gatherer.

Living In Groups Palaeolithic man realized the advantage of living in groups. It enabled him to hunt large animals and to share food, which was scarce and decayed easily. It also provide security against natural dangers . There were no inequalities within a group, nor were there any family ties.

Types Of Sites At several sites, finished and unfinished palaeolithic artifacts have been found. These were probably factory sites, where artifacts were made on a large scale. At some sites, ash and animal remains have been found along with artifacts. These were habitation-cum-factory sites ,where people worked and lived also .

Discovery of Fire Man first saw fire probably when lightning struck trees . As he did not know how to make fire, he had to take turns with other member of his group to keep it burning. In course of time, while rubbing two pieces of stone or wood together, man accidentally discovered how to light a fire. This was his first major discovery and victory over nature.

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