Introduction
The Lower/ Early Paleolithic Age marks a significant period in human prehistory, characterized by the emergence of early hominids and the development of basic stone tool technology.
Characteristics of Lower/Early Palaeolithic Age
- During the Lower/Early Palaeolithic Age, the human ancestor species Homo erectus is believed to have lived in India.
- The Narmada Valley yielded a partial hominid skull cap in a basal conglomerate deposit in 1982.
- This fossil is the oldest hominin fossil found in India and is known as the Narmada Man, or Sivapithecus sivalensis. It was found at Hathnora near Hoshangabad in Madhya Pradesh.
- It is considered to represent the Archaic Homo sapiens.
- It is the only existing fossil find of human ancestors in India.
- It provides direct evidence of the presence of early human ancestors on the subcontinent.
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- Distribution: Lower Palaeolithic tools are found in most parts of India, except a few regions of the Ganges valley, southern Tamil Nadu, and in the hilly areas of the Western Ghats.
Some of the prominent sites include:
- River Soan Valley in Punjab (now in Pakistan), Belan Valley (Mirzapur district, UP).
- Athirampakkam, Pallavaram and Gudiyam near Chennai.
- Hunsgi Valley and Isampur in Karnataka, and Bhimbetka in Madhya Pradesh.
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- Lifestyle:
- The early humans of the Lower/Early Palaeolithic Age were primarily hunters and gatherers and lived a nomadic lifestyle.
- They hunted animals and gathered roots, nuts, and fruits. They fed on the flesh and bones of animals killed by predators.
- In the Narmada valley, animal fossils of Elephas namadicus (giant tusked pre-historic elephant), Stegodon Ganesa (a giant pre-historic elephant), Bos namadicus (wild cattle) and Equus Namadicus (extinct great horse like animal) have been recovered.
- At Attirampakkam teeth of Equus, evidence of Water Buffalo and Nilgai, as well as 17 animal hoof prints have been uncovered.
| Equus refers to the genus of animals, including horses, asses and zebras. |
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- Homoerectus lived near the river valleys in caves and rock shelters, as seen from evidence in Bhimbetka in Madhya Pradesh and Gudiyam near Chennai.
- Homo Erectus did not have a complex language culture like Homo Sapiens. They may have expressed a few sounds or words and used sign language.
- Tools:
- The first Palaeolithic tools were identified at the site of Pallavaram near Chennai by Robert Bruce Foote in 1863.
- Tools included hand axes, choppers, and cleavers, similar to tools used in Western Asia, Europe, and Africa. The tools had physical symmetry, highlighting pre-historic human’s high-quality cognitive (perception) skills and capabilities.
Acheulian and Sohanian Tradition
- The Acheulian and Sohanian cultures represent two distinct prehistoric technological traditions that emerged during the Early Palaeolithic Age. Both cultures are characterised by their distinctive stone tool assemblages.
- Sohan tradition is considered to have used only choppers and chopping tools.
- It is more confined to the northwestern part and gets its name from the Sohan river valley of Pakistan.
- Acheulian tradition used mainly hand axes and cleavers. These sites are well-documented across various parts of India and found more in Central India and in the south-eastern part of India (near Chennai), but are absent in the Western Ghats, coastal areas and north-eastern India due to heavy rainfall.
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Conclusion
- The Lower/Early Palaeolithic Age laid the groundwork for subsequent human evolution and technological advancements.
- It represents a crucial phase in our prehistoric past, marked by the emergence of early tool-making capabilities and the spread of early human populations across different regions.
April 20, 2024
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