Mesolithic Sites | History Optional for UPSC (Notes) PDF Download

Tilwara

Mesolithic Site in Barmer District, Rajasthan

• Location: On the bank of the Luni River in Barmer district, Rajasthan.

Phases:

• First Phase (Mesolithic): Characterized by the presence of microliths, which are small stone tools.
• Second Phase: Featured wheel-made pottery, pieces of iron, glass beads, along with microliths.
• Significance: This site is the westernmost Mesolithic site in India.
• Habitation Evidence: Circular arrangements of stones on the ground suggest the presence of habitation structures.
• Diet: Evidence indicates that the diet of the people included both meat and vegetable food.
• Settlement Indicators: Fire hearths and charred bones point to the settlement of Mesolithic culture.
• Stone Working Site:. site for stone working has been found, indicating the production of stone tools.

Bagor(Largest Microlithic site in India)

1. Location and Significance:

• The site is located in the Bhilwara district of Eastern Rajasthan, near the Kothari River.
• It is one of the best-documented Mesolithic sites in India.

2. Occupational Levels:

• The site has evidence of three occupational levels: Mesolithic, Chalcolithic, and Iron Age.

3. Microliths:

• Microliths were made from locally available chert and quartz.
• A large variety of geometric microliths, including triangles and trapezes, were found.

4. Houses:

• House floors were paved with stone slabs.
• Circular arrangements of stones were discovered, possibly indicating the layout of houses.
• Stone-paved areas with a large number of animal bones suggest butchering activities.

5. Burial Evidence:

• Only one burial was uncovered, and there was no evidence of grave goods.

6. Animal Remains:

• Bones of domesticated animals such as sheep, goats, and cattle were found, indicating early animal husbandry.

7. Other Artifacts:

• Ring stones, used as hammer stones for making microliths, were discovered.
• Rubbing stones, used for grinding food, were also found.
• Small bits of pottery from the microlith phase were uncovered.

Langhnaj

Mehsana District, Gujarat:

• This site in Mehsana district, Gujarat, is the most extensively studied location in the state.
• The occupational deposit at the site was divided into three periods:
• Period I is attributed to the Mesolithic era and yielded various artifacts, including microliths, human burials, bones of wild animals, and some potsherds.
• Notably, 14 human skeletons with cut marks on the forehead were found at the site.
• There is evidence of a symbiotic relationship with Harappan urban culture during this period, where honey and hunted meat were sent to Harappan urban centers.

Loteshwar and Ratanpura

Khari-no-timbo (Gujarat):

• Location: Khari-no-timbo is situated on a high sand dune on the left bank of the Khari River in the Pattan district of Gujarat. The site is locally known by this name and is part of the rich archaeological landscape of the region.
• Occupational Deposit: The deposits at Khari-no-timbo are divided into three periods, indicating a long history of human activity at the site.
• Period I - Mesolithic: This period is characterized by the presence of microliths, which are small stone tools. The types of microliths found include blades, triangles, crescents, scrapers, and burins.
• Human Burials and Animal Bones: During the Mesolithic period, human burials were found at the site, along with bones of wild animals such as mongoose and rhinoceros. This suggests a diverse fauna and possibly complex human activities, including hunting and burial practices.
• Potsherds: Fragments of pottery, known as potsherds, were also discovered at the site, indicating early ceramic production or use.
• Domesticated Animals: Recent findings have reported bones of domesticated animals, such as cattle and sheep, suggesting that by this time, people were beginning to domesticate and rear animals.

Bhimbetka

• Primarily from the Paleolithic and Mesolithic periods.
• Recognized as a World Heritage site.

Tools:

• Paleolithic Tools: Made mostly of quartzite and sandstone, these tools were large in size.
• Mesolithic Tools: Included blades and geometric microliths. There was a noticeable shift from using quartz to chalcodeny during this period. Floors paved with flat stone slabs have been discovered.

Rock Cave Paintings:

• The site features a natural art gallery with rock cave paintings.
• These paintings, spanning from the Paleolithic to Mesolithic periods, depict various themes such as hunting by men, dancing, children playing, women working, and signs of early family setups.
• Ostrich Eggshell Beads: These beads, dating back to the Upper Paleolithic period, have also been found at the site.

Adamgarh

Location: South of the Narmada River, Hoshangabad district, Madhya Pradesh

• Prehistoric Significance: Known for ancient rock shelters and paintings in red and white.
• Tools Found: Palaeolithic, Mesolithic tools, and microliths, especially geometric shapes like triangles and trapezes.
• Animal Domestication: Evidence of early domestication of both domestic and wild animals.
• Other Artifacts: Mare head, hammer stones, and pottery at microlithic levels.

Sundargarh

• Excavations in this region have uncovered various microliths, which are small stone tools characteristic of the Mesolithic period.
• The site is also renowned for its Mesolithic cave paintings, showcasing the artistic expressions of early human communities.

Gambharia

• Mayurbhanj District, located in the northern part of Odisha, is known for its rich cultural heritage, diverse wildlife, and natural beauty.
• The district is home to a variety of tribal communities, each with its own unique traditions and practices.
• Mayurbhanj is also famous for the Simlipal National Park, a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, which is home to endangered species like the Bengal tiger and Asian elephant.

Importance of the District:

• Mayurbhanj plays a crucial role in Odisha's economy, primarily through agriculture, forestry, and handicrafts.
• The district's forests provide timber, non-timber forest products, and livelihoods for many local people.
• Handicrafts, including traditional textiles and wooden carvings, are important sources of income and contribute to the district's cultural identity.

Purpose of the Study:

• The study aims to assess the potential of Mayurbhanj District for the establishment of a Plastic Waste Management (PWM) initiative.
• It will evaluate the current status of plastic waste management, identify challenges and opportunities, and propose strategies for effective PWM in the district.

Kuchai

• Cultural Layers: The site exhibits two layers of culture - the Mesolithic and Neolithic periods.
• Microliths:. significant number of microliths, which are small stone tools, have been found at this site.
• Tools Found: Various tools such as chisels, pounders, hammer heads, and grinding stones have been excavated from this location.

Birbhanpur

• Birbhanpur, located near the Damodar River in the Burdwan district of West Bengal, is an archaeological site known for its Mesolithic stone tools.
• These tools, primarily made of quartz and, to a lesser extent, chert and chalcedony, were used by early humans during the Mesolithic period.

Tool Industry:

• The Birbhanpur site is characterized by the Birbhanpur industry, which features large flakes and blade tools.
• The main type of microlith found at this site is the lunate type, while triangle and trapeze microliths are absent.

Site Characteristics:

• Birbhanpur served as both a habitation and a factory site for early human communities.
• Archaeological features such as post holes have been discovered, indicating the presence of structures.
• However, no evidence of hearths, animal bones, or human burials has been found at this site.

Research History

• The site was studied by archaeologist B.B. Lai, who contributed to the understanding of its significance in prehistoric human activity.

Paisra

• Location: Munger district, Bihar
• Time Period: Around 7000 BC during the Paleolithic and Mesolithic eras
• Findings:
• Stone working site with finished and semi-finished tools
• Evidence of hut and temporary shelter construction
• Numerous fire places discovered
• Post holes indicating the presence of thatched huts

Tool Making and Habitation:

• Raw Material: Stone was likely heated before flaking to make tools
• Habitation Duration: The thin layer of Mesolithic habitation suggests a short period of stay
• Organic Remains: No organic remains have been reported from the site

Damdama

Location: Banks of the Sai River in Pratapgarh district, Uttar Pradesh.

• Type of Settlement: Stratified Mesolithic settlements.
• Faunal Materials: Remains of both domestic and wild animals.
• Occupational Deposit: 1.5 meters thick, containing microliths, bone objects, querns, mullers, anvils, and hammer stones.
• Evidence of Hearths: Fireplaces, burnt floor plaster, charred wild grain, and animal bones found.
• Burials: 41 human burials identified, including four multiple burials.
• Grave Goods: An ivory pendant discovered in one of the graves.
• Domesticated Rice: Evidence of domesticated rice found.

Mahadaha

In Pratapgarh district, U.P.

• It is stratified Mesolithic settlements.
• A 60 cm thick occupational deposit with distinct habitational and butchering region has been excavated.

Microliths:

• The microliths were made of chert, quartz, chalcedony, crystal, and agate.
• Brought from long distances.

Burials:

• 21 burials including two instances of a man and woman buried together, were found.
• Elliptical burial with sloping base has been found.
• The grave goods included microliths, shells, burnt pieces of animal bones, bone arrowheads and rings, and ochre pieces.
• Analysis shows that dental health of people was good, but many of them suffered from osteoarthritis.

Bone:

• From butchering area, bones of wild cattle, hippopotamus, deer, pig and turtle have been found.

Sarai Nahar Rai

Archaeological Findings in Pratapgarh District, U.P.

• Site Dating: The site is dated to approximately 8400 ± 150 BCE.
• Settlement Characteristics: It is identified as a stratified Mesolithic settlement.
• Tools and Artifacts: Geometric microliths, shells, and animal bones have been discovered at the site.

Human Burials:

• Burials Found:
• Thirteen burials of men, women, and a child were found within the habitation area, all with heads oriented westward.
• Notable Find:
• One skeleton had an arrow embedded in its ribs.
• Grave Goods:
• Microlithic tools, animal bones, and shells were placed as grave goods.
• Multiple Graves:
• Instances of multiple individuals buried in one grave were found.

Health Analysis:

• Dental Health:
• Analysis of remains indicates good dental health among the individuals.
• Osteo-Arthritis:
• Some individuals showed signs of osteo-arthritis.

Settlement Features:

• Floor Composition:
• The floor was made of burnt clay.
• Fire Hearths:
• Several fire hearths were present, some containing charred bones.

Animal Domestication:

• Many animals found at the site were of domesticated types.

Chopani Mando

Location: Belan Valley, Prayagraj district, Uttar Pradesh.

• Paleolithic Period: Tools made from chert. Bones of wild cattle, sheep, and goats found, indicating early animal domestication.
• Mesolithic Period: Geometric and non-geometric microliths (blades, points, scrapers) mainly made of chert. Handmade pottery, hammer stones, and ring stones discovered. Bones of wild cattle and sheep/goats found. Pieces of burnt clay with reed impressions suggesting the presence of wattle-and-daub huts. Evidence of wild rice.
• Neolithic Period: Continued evidence of habitation and cultural development.

Baghor

In Madhya Pradesh's Sidhi District

• Palaeolithic and Mesolithic Tools: These ancient tools were discovered and were used for various purposes such as food processing, hunting, and craft work.
• Mother Goddess Worship:. significant rock formation was found, featuring a concentric triangle in the centre of a circular platform. This rock is still revered by tribal communities as a symbol of the Mother Goddess.
• Mesolithic Phase Tools: During this period, tools made of chert and chalcedony were prevalent, along with geometric microliths. Many large shelters from this time can be identified by a series of post-holes.

Lekhahia

In Mirzapur district of Southern U.P.

• Morhana Pahar and Lekhahia are two significant Mesolithic sites located close to each other.
• The region is ideal for habitation by hunter-gatherer communities due to its natural features.
• Kaimur sandstone in the area promotes the formation of caves and rock shelters, providing suitable living conditions.
• The sites have yielded a variety of tools, including blade tools and microliths.
• In the upper layers of deposits, tools of progressively smaller sizes have been found, indicating a change in tool-making practices over time.
• There is a group of five rock shelters in the area, some of which are adorned with paintings. These paintings depict motifs such as deer, hunting scenes, and processions.
• Archaeological excavations have also revealed burials and pottery at the sites.

Renigunta

In Chittor district, Andhra Pradesh:

• Various microliths such as blades, triangles, and burins have been discovered.

Tenmalai

• Kollam is a district located in the state of Kerala, India.
• It is situated in the southern part of the country, along the southwestern coast.
• The district is bordered by the Laccadive Sea to the west, which is part of the Arabian Sea.
• To the north, Kollam shares its border with the Thiruvananthapuram district.
• The eastern side of Kollam is adjacent to the districts of Pathanamthitta and Kottayam.
• To the south, it is bordered by the district of Alappuzha.

Geography and Natural Features:

• Kollam district is known for its diverse geography, which includes coastal areas, backwaters, and hilly regions.
• The district's coastline along the Laccadive Sea is marked by beautiful beaches and fishing villages.
• Inland, Kollam is famous for its backwaters, a network of lagoons and canals that are a significant attraction for tourists.
• The district also has hilly areas that contribute to its scenic beauty and are home to various plantations and wildlife.

Economic Activities

• The economy of Kollam district is diverse, with agriculture, fishing, and tourism playing vital roles.
• Agriculture is a significant activity, with crops like rubber, coconut, and spices being prominent.
• Fishing is also crucial, both for local consumption and trade, given the district's extensive coastline.
• Tourism has been growing, especially with the popularity of backwater tourism and eco-tourism in the hilly areas.

Cultural Aspects:

• Kollam district has a rich cultural heritage, reflected in its festivals, art forms, and cuisine.
• The district is known for traditional art forms such as Kathakali and Mohiniyattam, which are classical dance forms of Kerala.
• Festivals, both religious and cultural, are celebrated with great enthusiasm, showcasing the district's diversity.
• The cuisine of Kollam is influenced by its coastal location, with seafood being a staple, along with rice and various curries.

Teri Sites

• There are 11 sites with microlithic clusters, which is why they are called Teri Sites.
• These sites contain tiny stone tools, mostly made of quartz and chert, found on old sand dunes known as teris.
• The Teri industry exhibits similarities to microliths found in Sri Lanka.

Sanganakallu

• The site is located in the Bellary district of Karnataka, India. 
• Prehistoric Phases
• Before the Neolithic phase, the site was inhabited during the Mesolithic period, as evidenced by the discovery of several microlithic tools during excavations.