top of page
Hieroglyphics

4 steps to know about first humnans

The Paleolithic age in India spans from approximately 2.5 million years ago to 10,000 BCE and is characterized by the use of stone tools and weapons. This period is divided into three phases  the Lower Paleolithic, the Middle Paleolithic, and the Upper Paleolithic. This article aims to provide an in-depth analysis of the people who lived during the Paleolithic age in India, their eating habits, living style, and settlements, based on archaeological sources.

First Life 

The first humans to walk in the Indian subcontinent were members of the Homo erectus species. They are believed to have arrived in the region around 1.5 million years ago, during the Lower Paleolithic period. The discovery of stone tools and other artifacts at sites such as the Attirampakkam site in Tamil Nadu and the Bhimbetka rock shelters in Madhya Pradesh provide evidence of their presence and cultural activities in the region. It is important to note, however, that the exact timeline and details of early human migration and settlement in India are still a subject of ongoing research and investigation by archaeologists and anthropologists.

​

The oldest human specimen found in India is known as the Narmada hominin or Narmada Man. It is a fossilized skullcap and some postcranial bones discovered in the Narmada River valley in central India. The exact age of the specimen is still a matter of debate, but it is believed to be around 300,000 to 400,000 years old, dating back to the Middle Pleistocene period. The discovery of the Narmada hominin has provided valuable insights into the evolution and migration of early humans in the Indian subcontinent.

​

The Narmada hominin was discovered in the 1980s by an Indian geologist named Shanti Pappu. The fossilized skullcap and some postcranial bones were found in the Narmada River valley in the central Indian state of Madhya Pradesh. The discovery was made during a survey of the river valley, and the bones were initially thought to belong to an animal. However, subsequent analysis by paleoanthropologists confirmed that they were in fact human fossils. Since the initial discovery, further excavations and studies have been carried out in the area, revealing additional evidence of early human habitation and cultural activities.

​

The oldest human settlement in India is believed to be the site of Attirampakkam in the state of Tamil Nadu. The site has yielded stone tools and other artifacts that date back to the Lower Paleolithic period, around 1.5 million years ago. The tools found at Attirampakkam indicate that early humans in the region were engaged in the production of large cutting tools, as well as the use of fire. The site has also provided evidence of the controlled use of fire for cooking and other purposes, making it an important location for the study of early human cultural practices in India.

3 Stages of Life during the Paleolithic Age in India.

The Lower Paleolithic period (2.5 million to 200,000 BCE) is associated with the use of crude stone tools such as hand axes, cleavers, and choppers. The people who lived during this period were typically nomadic and lived in natural caverns or rock shelters. They survived by hunting and gathering, primarily eating meat and wild fruits. They were also known to consume roots and tubers. The discovery of animal bones at Paleolithic sites such as Didwana and Bhimbetka indicates that hunting was an important source of food during this period.

Middle Paleolithic Age:

The Middle Paleolithic period (200,000 to 40,000 BCE) saw the emergence of more advanced tools, including blades and scrapers. The people who lived during this period were also nomadic, but they had developed more sophisticated techniques for hunting and gathering. They lived in caves or rock shelters and created hearths for cooking food. The Middle Paleolithic people had a diverse diet, including meat, fish, nuts, and berries. The discovery of shellfish remains at Paleolithic sites such as Patne and Isampur suggests that they had access to marine resources.

Upper Paleolithic Age:

The Upper Paleolithic period (40,000 to 10,000 BCE) saw the emergence of even more advanced tools, including the bow and arrow and the spear thrower. The people who lived during this period were the most advanced of the Paleolithic era in India, and their settlements were more permanent. They built more elaborate shelters, including huts and tents. They also developed the use of fire for cooking and warmth. The Upper Paleolithic people had a diverse diet, including meat, fish, nuts, berries, and grains. They were also known to domesticate animals such as dogs, which were used for hunting.

10 Major Paleolithic Sites

  1. Bhimbetka rock shelters, Madhya Pradesh: The site contains more than 700 rock shelters with evidence of human habitation dating back to the Lower Paleolithic period. The shelters are notable for their collection of rock paintings, depicting various aspects of Paleolithic life, such as hunting, dancing, and social gatherings. The site has been designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is a popular destination for tourists and archaeologists. The excavation at Bhimbetka has yielded a variety of stone tools and artifacts, providing valuable insights into the life of our ancient ancestors.

  2. Hunsgi and Isampur, Karnataka: These sites are known for their Levalloisian artifacts, including hand axes, cleavers, and scrapers. The sites have been dated to the Middle Paleolithic period and are located in a hilly region with abundant raw materials for toolmaking. Excavations at the sites have revealed evidence of long-term occupation by Paleolithic people.

  3. Attirampakkam, Tamil Nadu: The site is known for its Middle Paleolithic tools, including Levallois points and blades. The site has been dated to the Middle Pleistocene period and is one of the oldest Paleolithic sites in India. The excavation at the site has yielded a wealth of artifacts, providing valuable insights into the technological development of Paleolithic people.

  4. Kurnool caves, Andhra Pradesh: The site has yielded evidence of a variety of Paleolithic cultures, including the Acheulian, the Middle Paleolithic, and the Upper Paleolithic. The site is known for its diverse collection of stone tools, including hand axes, cleavers, and scrapers. Excavations at the site have also revealed evidence of Paleolithic people using fire for cooking and warmth.

  5. Didwana, Rajasthan: The site has yielded evidence of Lower Paleolithic tools, including hand axes and cleavers. The site is located in a hilly region with abundant raw materials for toolmaking. Excavations at the site have provided valuable insights into the technological development of Paleolithic people.

  6. Sanganakallu-Kupgal, Andhra Pradesh: The site is known for its Acheulian tools, including hand axes and cleavers. The site has been dated to the Lower Paleolithic period and is located in a region with abundant raw materials for toolmaking. Excavations at the site have provided valuable insights into the technological development of Paleolithic people.

  7. Patne, Maharashtra: The site is known for its Middle Paleolithic tools, including scrapers and hand axes. The site has been dated to the Middle Pleistocene period and is located in a region with abundant raw materials for toolmaking. Excavations at the site have revealed evidence of long-term occupation by Paleolithic people.

  8. Pallavaram, Tamil Nadu: The site is known for its Acheulian tools, including hand axes and cleavers. The site has been dated to the Lower Paleolithic period and is located in a region with abundant raw materials for toolmaking. Excavations at the site have provided valuable insights into the technological development of Paleolithic people.

  9. Guntur, Andhra Pradesh: The site is known for its Acheulian tools, including hand axes and cleavers. The site has been dated to the Lower Paleolithic period and is located in a region with abundant raw materials for toolmaking. Excavations at the site have provided valuable insights into the technological development of Paleolithic people.

  10. Adamgarh, Madhya Pradesh: The site is known for its Acheulian tools, including hand axes and cleavers. The site has been dated to the Lower Paleolithic period and is located in a region with abundant raw materials for tool

  1. Bhimbetka Rock Shelters, Madhya Pradesh: The rock shelters have provided evidence of human habitation in India dating back to the Lower Paleolithic period. They also contain some of the oldest and most significant examples of prehistoric cave art in the world, providing insights into the cultural and artistic practices of early humans.

  2. Attirampakkam, Tamil Nadu: This site has provided evidence of Middle Paleolithic tools, including bifaces and scrapers, as well as evidence of the controlled use of fire by early humans.

  3. Kurnool Caves, Andhra Pradesh: The caves contain evidence of human habitation dating back to the Middle Paleolithic period, including stone tools and animal bones. They also provide insights into the lifestyles and cultural practices of early humans in South India.

  4. Hunsgi and Isampur, Karnataka: These sites have yielded important evidence of early human behavior, including the use of fire and the development of sophisticated tools and hunting strategies.

  5. Didwana, Rajasthan: The site has provided evidence of Acheulian tools, as well as evidence of early human habitation in the region.

  6. Adamgarh Hills, Madhya Pradesh: The site has yielded evidence of Lower Paleolithic tools, including hand axes and cleavers, as well as evidence of early human habitation.

  7. Pallavaram, Tamil Nadu: This site has provided evidence of early human habitation dating back to the Lower Paleolithic period, as well as evidence of sophisticated tool-making techniques.

  8. Siwalik Range, Haryana: The Siwalik Hills have yielded a wealth of fossils and stone tools, providing insights into the evolution of early humans and their cultural practices.

  9. Dangwada, Chhattisgarh: This site has yielded evidence of Lower Paleolithic tools, as well as evidence of early human habitation in the region.

  10. Rajgir, Bihar: The site has provided evidence of Lower Paleolithic tools, as well as evidence of early human habitation and cultural practices.

  11. Chirki-On-Pravara, Maharashtra: This site has provided evidence of early human habitation and tool-making techniques dating back to the Lower Paleolithic period.

  12. Jwalapuram, Andhra Pradesh: The site has yielded important evidence of early human habitation and tool-making techniques, as well as evidence of the controlled use of fire.

  13. Kadebakele, Karnataka: This site has provided evidence of early human habitation and tool-making techniques, as well as evidence of cultural practices such as burial.

  14. Motupalli, Andhra Pradesh: The site has yielded evidence of early human habitation and tool-making techniques, as well as evidence of cultural practices such as the production of beads and ornaments.

  15. Chirand, Bihar: The site has provided evidence of early human habitation and tool-making techniques dating back to the Lower Paleolithic period.

  16. Padri, Gujarat: The site has yielded evidence of early human habitation and tool-making techniques, as well as evidence of cultural practices such as the production of beads and ornaments.

  17. Kupgal, Telangana: This site has provided evidence of early human habitation and tool-making techniques, as well as evidence of cultural practices such as the production of stone beads.

  18. Belan Valley, Uttar Pradesh: The site has yielded evidence of Lower Paleolithic tools, as well as evidence of early human habitation and cultural practices.

  19. Brahmagiri, Karnataka: The site has provided evidence of early human habitation and tool-making techniques, as well as evidence of cultural practices such as burial and the production of pottery.

17958600329318303.webp

19 Archeological Sites of Palaeolithic Age in India 

IMG_7311.jpg

In conclusion, the Paleolithic age in India was a time of significant cultural and technological development, with several cultures emerging during the period. The Paleolithic era is typically divided into three phases, each with unique features and technologies. There are several important Paleolithic sites in India, including the Bhimbetka rock shelters, Hunsgi and Isampur, Attirampakkam, Kurnool caves, Didwana, Sanganakallu-Kupgal, and Patne sites, that provide valuable insights into the lives of our ancient ancestors and the evolution of human society.

  • Instagram
  • X
bottom of page