The correct answer according to the Chapter II of Class 6 History book of NCERT should be neolithic age.

Mesolithic Age: An Intermediate Stage in Stone Age Culture

The Mesolithic Age, also known as the Middle Stone Age, is an intermediate stage in stone age culture that began around 9000 B.C. This period marked a significant shift in human society as people began to transition from a nomadic lifestyle to a more settled way of life.

Characteristics of the Mesolithic Age

During the Mesolithic Age, humans made significant advances in technology and culture. Some of the key characteristics of this period include:

1. Development of agriculture: Humans began to cultivate crops and domesticate animals during this period. This led to a more stable food supply and allowed people to settle in one place for longer periods.

2. Advances in tool-making: Humans developed new tools and techniques for hunting, fishing, and gathering. This included the invention of the bow and arrow, which revolutionized hunting and warfare.

3. Increase in trade: As communities became more settled, trade between different groups became more common. This led to the exchange of goods, ideas, and technologies.

4. Emergence of art and religion: Humans began to create art and develop religious beliefs during this period. This included cave paintings, sculptures, and religious rituals.

Conclusion

The Mesolithic Age was a critical period in human history that marked the transition from a hunter-gatherer society to a more settled way of life. It was a time of significant technological and cultural advances, including the development of agriculture, advances in tool-making, and the emergence of art and religion.