Mesolithic Age in India
The Mesolithic Age was a transitional period between the Paleolithic and Neolithic eras. It lasted roughly from 15,000 to 8,000 years ago, though the exact timeframe varied by region. This period was characterized by significant environmental changes as the last Ice Age ended and the climate warmed.
Climate change
The transition from the Palaeolithic period to Mesolithic period is marked by transition from Pleistocene period to Holocene and favourable changes in the climate. The climate became warmer and humid and there was expansion of flora and fauna contributed by increased rainfall. This led to availability of new resources to humans. As glaciers retreated, forests expanded, and sea levels rose, dramatically altering landscapes and ecosystems.
Adaptation in Humans
Humans adapted to these new environments, developing new tools and hunting techniques.
Microlithic technology
The Mesolithic tools smaller in size and better in finishing (more geometric) than the Palaeolithic age and are called Microliths. These microliths are tiny tools of one to five centimetres length, made by blunting one or more sides with steep retouch. Some of the microliths were used as components of composite tools such as spearheads, arrowheads, knives, sickles, harpoons and daggers. They were fitted into grooves in bone, wood and reed shafts and joined together by natural adhesives like gum and resin. The Bored stones, which had already appeared during the upper Palaeolithic, became common during this, and the Neolithic and Chalcolithic periods. These are believed to have been used as weights in digging sticks and as net sinkers. Similarly, shallow querns and grinding stones also occur at several sites. These new technological elements led to enhanced efficiency in hunting, collection and processing of wild plant foods.
Bow and arrow
This technology became widespread, revolutionizing hunting practices. Use of bow and arrows for hunting has been documented by Mesolithic man in rock art of that period.
Canoes and fishing gear
These innovations allowed for better exploitation of aquatic resources.
Dog domestication
Dogs were likely the first domesticated animals, assisting in hunting. The first animals to be domesticated were dog, cattle, sheep and goat and the first plants to be cultivated were wheat and barley, particularly in Asia.
Diverse food sources
People exploited a wider range of food resources, including fish, shellfish, birds, and plants, in addition to large game. Slowly domesticating crops and animals made their way into human life. By 6000 BC, food production became prominent part of Mesolithic life. Agriculture had not fully developed by was only a prototype of domestication of crops and animals.
Settlements
More permanent or semi-permanent settlements began to appear, often near water sources.
Social changes
There’s evidence of more complex social structures and possibly the beginnings of social inequality.
Art and ritual
Rock art and burial practices suggest developing spiritual or symbolic thinking. The sedentary settlements lead to beginning of the tradition of various ways of intentional disposal of the dead.
