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Cheat Sheet: Prehistoric Period & Sources of Ancient History | History for UPSC CSE PDF Download

Introduction

History, derived from the Greek word "historia," meaning inquiry, encompasses the study of the past. Pre-historic India, marked by the absence of writing and development, can be classified into five distinct periods: Paleolithic, Mesolithic, Neolithic, Chalcolithic, and Iron Age. To reconstruct this history, various sources, including literary and non-literary, play a crucial role.

Literary Sources

Religious Literature

Cheat Sheet: Prehistoric Period & Sources of Ancient History | History for UPSC CSE

Cheat Sheet: Prehistoric Period & Sources of Ancient History | History for UPSC CSE


Sutras

Cheat Sheet: Prehistoric Period & Sources of Ancient History | History for UPSC CSE


Buddhist Texts

Early Buddhist textsEarly Buddhist texts

Cheat Sheet: Prehistoric Period & Sources of Ancient History | History for UPSC CSE


Jaina Texts

Cheat Sheet: Prehistoric Period & Sources of Ancient History | History for UPSC CSE


Secular Literature

Cheat Sheet: Prehistoric Period & Sources of Ancient History | History for UPSC CSE


Sangam Literature

Cheat Sheet: Prehistoric Period & Sources of Ancient History | History for UPSC CSECheat Sheet: Prehistoric Period & Sources of Ancient History | History for UPSC CSE

Non-Literary Sources

Inscriptions

Cheat Sheet: Prehistoric Period & Sources of Ancient History | History for UPSC CSE


Coins

Cheat Sheet: Prehistoric Period & Sources of Ancient History | History for UPSC CSE

Cheat Sheet: Prehistoric Period & Sources of Ancient History | History for UPSC CSE


Archaeology

Cheat Sheet: Prehistoric Period & Sources of Ancient History | History for UPSC CSE


Foreign Accounts

Cheat Sheet: Prehistoric Period & Sources of Ancient History | History for UPSC CSE


Pre-historic India: Periods

Cheat Sheet: Prehistoric Period & Sources of Ancient History | History for UPSC CSE

Stone Age

Palaeolithic Age

Cheat Sheet: Prehistoric Period & Sources of Ancient History | History for UPSC CSE


Mesolithic Period

Cheat Sheet: Prehistoric Period & Sources of Ancient History | History for UPSC CSE


Neolithic Period

Cheat Sheet: Prehistoric Period & Sources of Ancient History | History for UPSC CSE

Chalcolithic Age

Cheat Sheet: Prehistoric Period & Sources of Ancient History | History for UPSC CSE

Cheat Sheet: Prehistoric Period & Sources of Ancient History | History for UPSC CSE


Conclusion

Pre-historic India unfolds a fascinating narrative through literary and non-literary sources. From the religious and secular literature shaping cultural understanding to inscriptions, coins, archaeology, and foreign accounts providing historical context, the rich tapestry of India's past comes to life. The progression through different periods, from Stone Age to Chalcolithic Age, showcases the evolution of human societies and their cultural, economic, and technological advancements. As we delve into the annals of pre-historic India, these sources stand as testament to the resilience and ingenuity of our ancestors.

The document Cheat Sheet: Prehistoric Period & Sources of Ancient History | History for UPSC CSE is a part of the UPSC Course History for UPSC CSE.
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FAQs on Cheat Sheet: Prehistoric Period & Sources of Ancient History - History for UPSC CSE

1. What are literary sources in the context of ancient history?
Ans. Literary sources in ancient history refer to written documents or texts that provide information about the past. These sources include historical accounts, narratives, chronicles, biographies, inscriptions, and manuscripts. They are valuable resources for historians to understand various aspects of ancient civilizations, including their culture, politics, religion, and social structures.
2. What are non-literary sources in the context of ancient history?
Ans. Non-literary sources in ancient history are materials or artifacts that do not involve written texts but still provide insights into the past. These sources include archaeological remains, such as tools, pottery, bones, and buildings. They also include visual sources like paintings, sculptures, and coins. Non-literary sources help historians reconstruct the material culture, economic activities, and daily life of ancient societies.
3. What is the Stone Age?
Ans. The Stone Age is a prehistoric period characterized by the widespread use of stone tools. It is divided into three major periods: the Paleolithic, Mesolithic, and Neolithic. The Paleolithic Age is the earliest stage, marked by the use of simple stone tools by early human ancestors. The Mesolithic Age represents a transition phase between the Paleolithic and Neolithic, characterized by the development of more specialized tools. The Neolithic Age marks the advent of agriculture, pottery, and more advanced tools.
4. What are the sources of ancient history during the Stone Age?
Ans. The sources of ancient history during the Stone Age are primarily archaeological in nature. They include stone tools, cave paintings, rock art, burial sites, and artifacts found at archaeological excavations. These sources provide valuable insights into the lifestyle, hunting techniques, rituals, and artistic expressions of early human societies. They help historians understand the cultural and technological advancements that took place during the Stone Age.
5. How do literary and non-literary sources complement each other in studying ancient history?
Ans. Literary and non-literary sources complement each other in studying ancient history by providing different perspectives and types of information. Literary sources offer written accounts and narratives that provide details about historical events, political structures, and religious beliefs. Non-literary sources, on the other hand, provide tangible evidence of material culture, economic activities, and artistic expressions. By combining both types of sources, historians can create a more comprehensive understanding of ancient civilizations, their social dynamics, and their cultural achievements.
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