Pre-history and Proto History:
Que. Delineate and account for the regional characteristics of the Neolithic period in India. [UPSC CSE-2016]
Introduction:
The Neolithic period in India, spanning from around 7000 BCE to 1200 BCE, witnessed significant regional variations in cultural, technological, and economic practices. These regional characteristics were shaped by factors such as geographical diversity, environmental conditions, availability of resources, and interactions with neighboring cultures. Delineating and accounting for these regional characteristics provides insights into the diverse socio-economic and cultural landscapes of ancient India during the Neolithic period.
Description of regional features of Neolithic period in India:
(1) North-Western Region: The North-Western region, comprising present-day Punjab, Haryana, and parts of Rajasthan, witnessed the emergence of early Neolithic settlements such as Mehrgarh. Characterized by fertile plains and river valleys, this region saw the domestication of wheat, barley, and pulses, along with the rearing of domesticated animals like cattle, sheep, and goats. Pottery and stone tools found at Mehrgarh reflect a sedentary lifestyle and advanced craftsmanship. The presence of irrigation systems suggests a reliance on agricultural practices.
(2) Ganga-Yamuna Doab: The Ganga-Yamuna Doab, encompassing parts of Uttar Pradesh and Bihar, featured a mix of agricultural and pastoral economies. Neolithic settlements like Chirand and Koldihwa reveal evidence of rice cultivation, complemented by the domestication of animals like cattle and pigs. Pottery styles and burial practices in this region exhibit distinct cultural traits, indicating social and religious practices unique to the area.
(3) Eastern India: Eastern India, including West Bengal, Odisha, and parts of Jharkhand, witnessed the emergence of Neolithic communities engaged in both agriculture and hunting-gathering activities. Sites like Golbai Sasan in Odisha provide evidence of rice cultivation, while the presence of microliths and megalithic burials suggests a diverse subsistence pattern. Coastal regions were likely hubs of maritime trade, facilitating cultural exchanges with Southeast Asia.
(4) Southern India: Southern India, comprising present-day Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, and Andhra Pradesh, exhibited diverse Neolithic cultures influenced by geographical features such as the Western Ghats, Deccan Plateau, and coastal plains. The Ashmounds of Tamil Nadu and megalithic burials of Karnataka reflect unique burial practices. Agriculture, including the cultivation of millets, pulses, and rice, was prevalent, along with pastoralism and fishing in coastal areas.
(5) Central India: Central India, covering Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, and parts of Maharashtra, displayed a blend of agricultural and pastoral economies. Sites like Adamgarh and Nagda showcase evidence of rice cultivation, complemented by hunting and gathering activities. The region’s rich mineral resources facilitated the development of metallurgical practices, evidenced by copper artifacts found at sites like Kayatha.
(6) Western India: Western India, including Gujarat and parts of Rajasthan and Maharashtra, featured a mosaic of Neolithic cultures characterized by agricultural settlements, pastoral nomadism, and maritime trade. Dholavira in Gujarat, a Harappan-era site, exhibits sophisticated urban planning and water management systems, indicating advanced agricultural practices. Coastal regions like Lothal were centers of maritime trade, connecting the Indian subcontinent with the Arabian Peninsula and beyond.
(7) Himalayan Region: The Himalayan region, spanning present-day Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, and Jammu and Kashmir, presented unique challenges and opportunities for Neolithic communities. Terraced farming, animal husbandry, and transhumance were common practices, adapted to the rugged terrain and climatic variability. The region’s rich biodiversity provided a diverse array of resources, supporting subsistence strategies tailored to local ecological conditions.
Conclusion:
The Neolithic period in India was characterized by diverse regional characteristics shaped by geographical, environmental, and cultural factors. From the fertile plains of the Indus Valley to the rugged terrains of the Himalayas, each region exhibited distinct subsistence patterns, technological innovations, and cultural practices. Understanding these regional variations provides valuable insights into the complexities of ancient Indian societies and their interactions with the natural environment.
