Chapter-2
Introduction: Two million years ago, our subcontinent hosted a thriving population. These early inhabitants, now known as hunter-gatherers, played a crucial role in shaping the course of human history through their nomadic lifestyle.
Nomadic Pursuits: Hunter-gatherers, a term coined for their distinct food acquisition methods, engaged in hunting wild animals, fishing, and gathering a diverse array of resources such as fruits, roots, nuts, seeds, leaves, stalks, and eggs. Their nomadic lifestyle stemmed from various factors.
Resource Depletion: Staying in one place for an extended period was not viable as it would deplete available plant and animal resources, necessitating constant movement to new areas in search of sustenance.
Animal Migration and Seasonal Variations: Animals, crucial for their survival, migrated in search of prey or better grazing grounds. Hunter-gatherers, relying on these animals, had to follow their movements. Additionally, the seasonal bearing of fruits and the availability of different plant species prompted movement.
Water Scarcity: Water, vital for survival, posed challenges during dry seasons. While some rivers and lakes provided perennial water sources, others were seasonal. During winter and summer dry spells, the hunter-gatherers had to venture in search of water.
Archeological Insights: Our understanding of these early people comes from the meticulous work of archaeologists. Stone, wood, and bone tools have been unearthed, offering glimpses into their daily lives, from hunting tools to implements used for shelter and fire.
Habitat Selection and Artistic Expressions: Favoring areas with quality stone, caves became shelters for these early people. Remarkably, some caves adorned with paintings depicted wildlife with precision, providing a unique insight into their artistic expressions.
Settlement Sites and Environmental Adaptation: Map 2 reveals sites marked with red triangles where evidence of hunter-gatherers was discovered. These sites often aligned with water sources. The ability to adapt to environmental changes, evident in their strategic settlement choices, showcases their resilience.
Transition to Agriculture: Around 12,000 years ago, climatic shifts triggered the development of grasslands, influencing the abundance of grass-eating animals. This environmental change prompted a shift from hunting-gathering to herding and farming.
Domestication and Categorization: The process of domestication, initiated approximately 12,000 years ago, marked a transformative period. Archeologists categorize this era into Palaeolithic, Mesolithic, and Neolithic, delineating the evolving tools and lifestyles.
Impact of Climate Change: Around 12,000 years ago, a global climate shift led to warmer conditions, fostering grassland development. This, in turn, increased the population of key animals, influencing human dietary practices and encouraging the consideration of herding.
Agricultural Revolution: The natural growth of grain-bearing grasses, including wheat, barley, and rice, spurred the shift towards agriculture. Humans, attuned to the seasons and the ripening cycles of plants, gradually embraced farming.
Domestication Process: Domestication, a meticulous process, involved selecting plants and animals for desirable traits. This deliberate selection resulted in distinct domesticated species, reflecting human influence on the evolution of flora and fauna.
Shift to Settled Life: The advent of agriculture necessitated a settled lifestyle. Communities, now anchored to their cultivated lands, had to devise methods for storing grain. Clay pots, woven baskets, and pits in the ground emerged as storage solutions.
Cultural Transformations: The shift from nomadic life to settled communities brought about cultural changes. Houses with polished tools, earthen pots for cooking and storage, and the weaving of cloth signaled advancements in daily life.
Archeological Marvel: Mehrgarh: Mehrgarh, strategically located near the Bolan Pass, stands as a testament to early agricultural practices. The site, one of the earliest villages known, unveils remnants of square houses, animal bones, and burial sites.
Conclusion: The journey from nomadic hunter-gatherer societies to settled agricultural communities is a saga etched in the archaeological record. Each artifact and site unravels a chapter of human adaptability, resilience, and the continuous quest for sustenance and progress across the eons.