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Thread: Central thread for documenting the 2000+ sites of Indus Valley Civilization (IVC)

  1. #1

    March of Man in India from Prehistoric Times

    It would be interesting to know the Early man on Indian subcontinent in the context of his existing environment and his progress on the path of culture. The exciting evidences shedding some light on the existence of the Early Man in the Ancient India starting from the first Ice Age to Fourth Ice Age have been reported by scholars from Chauntra on theSoan River, Khushalgarh, Makhad, Injra, and Gariala on the Haro River i.e the region covered by the foothills of north-western India and traversed by the Soan, Haro, and other rivers, now in Pakistan.

    These remains provide a fertile area of research to study the relationship of these earliest people; whether they lived in isolation from the outside world or other races came there at different periods, or the old and new races lived together and so on and so forth. This will help us in understanding the immigration and migration of people from India and in India since those proto-historic times to Pre-historic times one has to delve deep in the field of archaeological studies.

    The members are requested to contribute their reasoned comments based on the available studies in this field so as to give foundation to our ancient history and pave way for further march of man on the ladder of culture and civilization.
    History is best when created, better when re-constructed and worst when invented.

  2. #2
    We have very scanty data to study on Early Man and his Environment and the condition in this context of India is also far from clearer due to non availability of sufficient data. However, recent researches have brought to light surface finds from various parts of the country which testify to the widespread existence of man who, in the words of R.C. Majumdar, “fashioned rough stone implements mainly of quartzite. These were similar in shape and make to those known to be Paleolithic tools in Europe, but as in the majority of cases their stratigraphic relation was not known, they could not be assigned to a definite geological age.”

    However, the existence of Early Man in the foothills of north-western India, traversed by the Soan, Haro, and other rivers at the end of the First Inter-Glacial Period and the beginning of the Second Ice Age in the South-West Himalayas stands established.

    The Third Ice Age followed between the Early Soan and Late Soan industries. The Late Soan industry is assigned to the third Ice Age. Some pebble tools and Flakes found at some sites on the Sil River, a tributary of Soan, are supposed to, possibly, belong to Fourth Ice Age.

    These earliest finds from the region of Soan belonging to four ice ages are there to testify of Early Man’s existence but no human remains have been found of that age with these tools found at Chauntra on the Soan River, Khushalgarh, Makhad, Injra, and Gariala on the Haro River in the north-West Himalayas.

    The main featurres of these remains provide foundation for further research in the archaeological field. It would be interesting to know the contents of the studies done in the field so far.

    Hence participants are requested to share their views and knowledge about the already done studies on the life of the earliest man on Indian soil.
    History is best when created, better when re-constructed and worst when invented.

  3. #3
    Last edited by DrRajpalSingh; April 26th, 2013 at 05:25 PM.
    History is best when created, better when re-constructed and worst when invented.

  4. The Following User Says Thank You to DrRajpalSingh For This Useful Post:

    vdhillon (October 24th, 2013)

  5. #4
    For an on going preparation of list of Prehisstoric sites world over, kindly log :http://www.ancient-wisdom.co.uk/megalithicdatabase.htm

    The list contains only a few sites from Indian subcontinent but is open for inclusion of new names if brought to notice.

    Nonetheless, this list shows disinterestedness of the scholars of the pre history/ ancient history of India.
    Last edited by DrRajpalSingh; April 27th, 2013 at 01:39 PM.
    History is best when created, better when re-constructed and worst when invented.

  6. #5
    History is best when any-one intrested, better when some-one participeted and worst when every-one neglect-it.
    :rockwhen you found a key to success,some ideot change the lock,*******BREAK THE DOOR.
    हक़ मांगने से नहीं मिलता , छिना जाता हे |
    अहिंसा कमजोरों का हथियार हे |
    पगड़ी संभाल जट्टा |
    मौत नु आंगालियाँ पे नचांदे , ते आपां जाट कुहांदे |

  7. The Following User Says Thank You to ravinderjeet For This Useful Post:

    DrRajpalSingh (April 27th, 2013)

  8. #6
    Quote Originally Posted by ravinderjeet View Post
    History is best when any-one intrested, better when some-one participeted and worst when every-one neglect-it.

    You are right to point out the neglect of historical aspect at the site by the members.

    Really, it is quite amazing !

    On the one had we fervently complain that at the hands of writers belonging to so and so caste or community the role of our ancestors through the ages has been overlooked and on the other hand we have also not done much over the years to highlight it.

    It is time to spare a few moments out of our busy schedules and introspect, how and in what way we could contribute to reconstruct our history.

    Thanks
    Last edited by DrRajpalSingh; April 27th, 2013 at 06:38 PM.
    History is best when created, better when re-constructed and worst when invented.

  9. The Following User Says Thank You to DrRajpalSingh For This Useful Post:

    ravinderjeet (April 27th, 2013)

  10. #7
    Quote Originally Posted by DrRajpalSingh View Post
    We have very scanty data to study on Early Man and his Environment and the condition in this context of India is also far from clearer due to non availability of sufficient data. However, recent researches have brought to light surface finds from various parts of the country which testify to the widespread existence of man who, in the words of R.C. Majumdar, “fashioned rough stone implements mainly of quartzite. These were similar in shape and make to those known to be Paleolithic tools in Europe, but as in the majority of cases their stratigraphic relation was not known, they could not be assigned to a definite geological age.”

    However, the existence of Early Man in the foothills of north-western India, traversed by the Soan, Haro, and other rivers at the end of the First Inter-Glacial Period and the beginning of the Second Ice Age in the South-West Himalayas stands established.

    The Third Ice Age followed between the Early Soan and Late Soan industries. The Late Soan industry is assigned to the third Ice Age. Some pebble tools and Flakes found at some sites on the Sil River, a tributary of Soan, are supposed to, possibly, belong to Fourth Ice Age.

    These earliest finds from the region of Soan belonging to four ice ages are there to testify of Early Man’s existence but no human remains have been found of that age with these tools found at Chauntra on the Soan River, Khushalgarh, Makhad, Injra, and Gariala on the Haro River in the north-West Himalayas.

    The main featurres of these remains provide foundation for further research in the archaeological field. It would be interesting to know the contents of the studies done in the field so far.

    Hence participants are requested to share their views and knowledge about the already done studies on the life of the earliest man on Indian soil.
    Stone Age
    The age when the prehistoric man began to use stones for utilitarian purpose is termed as the Stone Age. The Stone Age is divided into three broad divisions — Paleolithic Age or the Old Stone Age (from unknown till 8000 BC), Mesolithic Age or the Middle Stone Age (8000 BC-4000 BC) and the Neolithic Age or the New Stone Age (4000 BC-2500 BC) on the basis of the specialization of the stone tools, which were made during that time.
    Paleolithic Age
    The human beings living in the Paleolithic Age were essentially food gatherers and depended on nature for food. The art of hunting and stalking wild animals individually and later in groups led to these people making stone weapons and tools. First, crudely carved out stones were used in hunting, but as the size of the groups began to increase and there was need for more food, these people began to make “specialized tools” by flaking stones, which were pointed on one end. These kind of tools were generally used to kill small animals and for tearing flesh from the carcass of the hunted animals. The basic technique of making these crude tools was by taking a stone and flaking its sides with a heavier stone. These tools were characteristic of the Paleolithic Age and were very rough. By this time, human beings had come to make and use fire. [ source :Ancient India I, PDF, Adobe file www.jeywin.com]
    Last edited by DrRajpalSingh; April 27th, 2013 at 07:57 PM.
    History is best when created, better when re-constructed and worst when invented.

  11. #8
    Mesolithic Age
    In the Mesolithic Age, the stone tools began to be made more pointed and sharp. To ensure a life that had abundance of food and clothing, the stone tools began to appear in increasingly specialized way. The simple handheld stone tools were now attached to thick branches from trees with rope made from animal skin and sinew. These tools are known as hand axes, which could be flung at fast-moving animals from a distance. Apart from hand axes, they also produced crude stone-tipped wooden spears, borers, and burins. This period also saw the domestication of animals and graving of wild varieties of crops. Because of farming, small settlements began to take shape. Archaeological excavations have unearthed Mesolithic sites in the Chotta Nagpur area of central India and the areas south of the Krishna River. The famous Bhimbetka caves near Bhopal belong to the Mesolithic Age and are famous for their cave paintings. The exact dale of these paintings is not certain, but some of the paintings are as old as 12,000 years. The prehistoric artist used natural white and red pigments in depicting the various themes, which were close to his heart and sustenance.
    Neolithic Age
    The Neolithic Age (4000 BC-2500 BC) or the New Stone Age was the last phase of the Stone Age and is characterized by very finely flaked, small stone tools, also known as blades and burins. The Neolithic Age also saw the domestication of cattle, horses, and other farm animals. which were used for dairy and meat products. An important invention of this time was the making of the wheel. The Neolithic Age quickly gave way to a number of small “’cultures” that were highly technical. These people used copper and bronze to make a range of utilitarian tools. This phase or period is termed as the Chalcolithic Age’(1800 BC-I000BC). [ source :Ancient India I, PDF, Adobe file www.jeywin.com]. We have produced main points regarding prehistoric India with due acknowledgement to the source quoted above to acquaint the readers about the starting of the march of the man on Indian soil.

    How the man took first steps and then marched on the path of culture is to be studied in depth with after following these footsteps as wherefrom the man arrived in India or he was indigenous how he migrated or immigrated and to which countries he went or from which countries he arrived, stayed here and assimilated--assimilated beyond recognition as he became one of the originals.

    Members are requested to join discussion and contribute their objective views.
    Last edited by DrRajpalSingh; April 27th, 2013 at 08:14 PM.
    History is best when created, better when re-constructed and worst when invented.

  12. #9
    For proper appreciation of the March of man in India, one has to understand his interaction with the outside world. As regards north-western part of India is concerned, the history of relationship with central Asia goes back to hoary past. It is also surmised that modern India and Pakistan States formed a unit of the Central Asia in those days. Some interesting sidelights on the issue are available on : Beyond the Silk Road arts of Central Asia.htm

    It is hoped that if one attentively goes through the contents of article, one would get prepared to comprehend the important phenomenon of migration/emigration in this region of the world in ancient days.

    Wish all a Happy reading !
    History is best when created, better when re-constructed and worst when invented.

  13. #10
    India is one of those countries in the world which became centres of man's civilisation in the most ancient times. It is one of the seven countries in the world, where food plants originated, were picked up by man and cultured and spread. However, remanants of skulls and bones of ancient man, which lead anthropologists in the track of early man, have been found in China, Java, Europe, Africa, etc. And those who would want India also to share in that 'honour' would point to the Sivalik Hills, and researches there to give us a share of that semi-man, semi-animal, to complete our claim to be an ancient cradle of human origin and civilisation. Indian historians of India are very particular on this point of our ancientness and the age of our civilisation.
    History is best when created, better when re-constructed and worst when invented.

  14. #11
    Quote Originally Posted by DrRajpalSingh View Post
    India is one of those countries in the world which became centres of man's civilisation in the most ancient times. It is one of the seven countries in the world, where food plants originated, were picked up by man and cultured and spread. However, remanants of skulls and bones of ancient man, which lead anthropologists in the track of early man, have been found in China, Java, Europe, Africa, etc. And those who would want India also to share in that 'honour' would point to the Sivalik Hills, and researches there to give us a share of that semi-man, semi-animal, to complete our claim to be an ancient cradle of human origin and civilisation. Indian historians of India are very particular on this point of our ancientness and the age of our civilisation.
    Writing on the Contemporary lInes of Studies in Indian History, S.A.Dange says: "Indian writers and historians had almost developed a craze to prove that not only were we ancient but everything that now exists in the world, as part of civilisation, was once with us and we knew it all--in Science, philosophy, politics etc. If Kant was great in Philosophy, our sankara was one greater; if Shakespeare was great in literature, our Kalidasa was one greater; if you had Rousseau's social contact in politics, we too had one like it. We had aeroplanes, railways, explosives and what not. And we had all these, when the English or Europeans were wearing bearskins!"

    He continues to add: "That last idea was the real driving force of our historians. we dug up our ancient walls and moats, our bhoorjapatras and papyri to build defence against the foreign enemy [the British], who was trying to annihilate us. History was used by the English rulers of India to demoralise the rising freedom movement, to build a psychosis in the leadership of the people that compared to world history, its age, its achievement, India and its people that compared to nowhere; and whatever of its history was known let to one conclusion that this country and its people were historically destined to be always conquered and ruled by foreign invaders.Geography, climate and culture inevitably doomed us to this fate. Serious and responsible historians of the Cambridge History and other works [Fraser, Introduction to Ancient History], propagated this thesis."

    The emerging intellectual class among the Indians gave a befitting reply to refute the above thesis.

    How did they react, please read the same in the words of S A Dange in his book India: From Primitive communism to Slavery, A Marxist Study of Ancient History in outline, People's Publishing House,Fifth ed. 1972, pp.2-3.
    History is best when created, better when re-constructed and worst when invented.

  15. #12
    Our historians of those days tried to boost the morale of the people of the country and went all out to prove

    that India's History really almost begins the world history of present Man, that the Aryan, who today peoples this land,

    spread out from the Arctic Region several thousand years ago, and in India he produced the best of everything that

    man could or will ever do again. He refused to be annihilated by the 'false' propaganda of the enemy!
    History is best when created, better when re-constructed and worst when invented.

  16. #13
    On the impact of such British and Indian action and reaction on the issue of ancient history of India, we once again quote S.A. Dange, who succinctly sums up the theme:

    In those days, such history writing ''had its use, no doubt, in the struggle against the British power. But just as it gave the Indian Nationalist a certain morale, it also gave him a false sense of values regarding the past and made him venerate everything that was of past, but had ceased to be of use in the present, or had become a positive hindrance."

    We will take a survey of the growth of our historical literature, to speak of the innumerable sacrifices of many of our intellectuals [of course including a few Europeans also] to build a consistent narrative of our historical past, who have done a great deal to lay down a sound foundation to the outline of the history of India.

    Here it would be suffice to say that now the time has arrived to shun the old idea of fighting the enemy through writing history and to instill a sense of confidence or survival and victory as we did in the past decades by writing nationalist history; for, such a view of history would lead us nowhere now.

    According to changed circumstances, historical facts need anew objective interpretation, and pages of ancient history of India written afresh.
    History is best when created, better when re-constructed and worst when invented.

  17. #14
    History needs hard evidence. Can there be anything more harder than DNA studies? Please watch this lecture and decide the time scales;

    Lecture is scientific and based upon published works.

    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1l7VsR-dW-c

    RK^2
    There are many paths leading to God, politics is certainly not one of them...

  18. The Following User Says Thank You to rkumar For This Useful Post:

    DrRajpalSingh (May 3rd, 2013)

  19. #15
    Thanks for providing interesting link to discussions/lectures on Ancient Indian History.

    We would certainly enjoy reading/listening and learning by logging them.
    History is best when created, better when re-constructed and worst when invented.

  20. #16
    Coming to tracing settlement of the earliest man in Haryana region, we find that

    "Haryana has always remained a meeting place for various races, cultures and faiths.

    They met together, fused and crystallized into something truly Indian. The earliest

    scenes of human drama that were acted on this stage are lost to time.

    Whatever can be collected with the help of archaeology tells us that the

    first tool making appeared in hospitable Siwalik Hills of Haryana over a million years back.

    Ever since then men’s quest for newer lands, frequent mass movements from the west

    and Central Asia under varied socio-political compulsions, or human thirst for religious imperialism,

    caused a continual stream of immigrants into India and every time, the territory,

    now comprising Haryana State, had to bear the heaviest burden.''
    History is best when created, better when re-constructed and worst when invented.

  21. #17
    Some of the oldest implements of man have been found in Dekhan and it has been assumed

    that if man was evolved at all in India, he must have done so in the plateau immediately to

    the south of the Dandak forest. It is argued that Dandakaranaya which appears in Ramayana

    as the abode of man-like monkeys was the area of man's evolution in India. In this respect,

    T P S Aiyengar is of the view that ''man could not have originated in the Himalayan cold or the

    dense forests or low river valleys [of India] as they lacked all those roots and nuts

    on which men subsisted.''
    History is best when created, better when re-constructed and worst when invented.

  22. #18
    In the above two posts, two self opposing views have emerged about the evolution of man on Indian soil. It seems both of them have some sort of weighty claim to support their claim to be the abode of the fore-father of the present human race in India. But the knot about the time line remains unresolved.
    History is best when created, better when re-constructed and worst when invented.

  23. #19
    Very interesting discovery has been reported;

    http://www.latimes.com/news/science/...,1515430.story

    As per the discovery many of present day words were in use 15000 years back at the end of ice age among Indo-European languages.

    RK^2
    There are many paths leading to God, politics is certainly not one of them...

  24. The Following User Says Thank You to rkumar For This Useful Post:

    DrRajpalSingh (May 8th, 2013)

  25. #20
    Quote Originally Posted by rkumar View Post
    Very interesting discovery has been reported;

    http://www.latimes.com/news/science/...,1515430.story

    As per the discovery many of present day words were in use 15000 years back at the end of ice age among Indo-European languages.

    RK^2
    Thanks for providing interesting link; but it contains

    inconclusive deductions more based on speculation than

    hard evidence as is clear from the comments too,

    appended at the end.

    More efforts, it seems, would have to be made to arrive at

    some convincing conclusion on the start of various languages.

    Thanks and regards.
    History is best when created, better when re-constructed and worst when invented.

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