PRE - Historic Age in Tamil Nadu | Tamil Nadu State PSC (TNPSC): Preparation - TNPSC (Tamil Nadu) PDF Download

 Page 1


The origin of human race on the planet earth took place
several thousands of years ago. The early history of human beings
is called the pre-historic age. Written records are not available for
the pre-historic period.  However, the pre-historic people had left
many things such as pieces of pottery, stone and metal tools, simple
drawings, bones and skeletons. These materials provide some clue
to know the history of the pre-historic period. Material remains
belonging to the pre-historic period have also been unearthed in
many places of Tamil Nadu.
The pre-historic period in Tamil Nadu may be classified into
1. Old Stone Age
2. New Stone Age
3. Metal Age
4. Megalithic Age
Old Stone Age :
The first stage of human life is called the Old Stone Age.
The people of this period used crude and rough stone implements
for hunting the animals. These implements were made of quartzite
or hard rock.  Therefore, this period is named as the Old Stone
Age. The implements of this period are found in several parts of
Tamil Nadu. Robert Bruce Foote had first discovered the Old
Stone Age implements at Pallavaram near Chennai. Later, similar
discoveries were made in the districts of Kanchipuram, Vellore
and Thiruvallur.
Fig. 1. Old Stone Age Implements
2
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The origin of human race on the planet earth took place
several thousands of years ago. The early history of human beings
is called the pre-historic age. Written records are not available for
the pre-historic period.  However, the pre-historic people had left
many things such as pieces of pottery, stone and metal tools, simple
drawings, bones and skeletons. These materials provide some clue
to know the history of the pre-historic period. Material remains
belonging to the pre-historic period have also been unearthed in
many places of Tamil Nadu.
The pre-historic period in Tamil Nadu may be classified into
1. Old Stone Age
2. New Stone Age
3. Metal Age
4. Megalithic Age
Old Stone Age :
The first stage of human life is called the Old Stone Age.
The people of this period used crude and rough stone implements
for hunting the animals. These implements were made of quartzite
or hard rock.  Therefore, this period is named as the Old Stone
Age. The implements of this period are found in several parts of
Tamil Nadu. Robert Bruce Foote had first discovered the Old
Stone Age implements at Pallavaram near Chennai. Later, similar
discoveries were made in the districts of Kanchipuram, Vellore
and Thiruvallur.
Fig. 1. Old Stone Age Implements
2
The origin of human race on the planet earth took place
several thousands of years ago. The early history of human beings
is called the pre-historic age. Written records are not available for
the pre-historic period.  However, the pre-historic people had left
many things such as pieces of pottery, stone and metal tools, simple
drawings, bones and skeletons. These materials provide some clue
to know the history of the pre-historic period. Material remains
belonging to the pre-historic period have also been unearthed in
many places of Tamil Nadu.
The pre-historic period in Tamil Nadu may be classified into
1. Old Stone Age
2. New Stone Age
3. Metal Age
4. Megalithic Age
Old Stone Age :
The first stage of human life is called the Old Stone Age.
The people of this period used crude and rough stone implements
for hunting the animals. These implements were made of quartzite
or hard rock.  Therefore, this period is named as the Old Stone
Age. The implements of this period are found in several parts of
Tamil Nadu. Robert Bruce Foote had first discovered the Old
Stone Age implements at Pallavaram near Chennai. Later, similar
discoveries were made in the districts of Kanchipuram, Vellore
and Thiruvallur.
Fig. 1. Old Stone Age Implements
2
Page 3


The origin of human race on the planet earth took place
several thousands of years ago. The early history of human beings
is called the pre-historic age. Written records are not available for
the pre-historic period.  However, the pre-historic people had left
many things such as pieces of pottery, stone and metal tools, simple
drawings, bones and skeletons. These materials provide some clue
to know the history of the pre-historic period. Material remains
belonging to the pre-historic period have also been unearthed in
many places of Tamil Nadu.
The pre-historic period in Tamil Nadu may be classified into
1. Old Stone Age
2. New Stone Age
3. Metal Age
4. Megalithic Age
Old Stone Age :
The first stage of human life is called the Old Stone Age.
The people of this period used crude and rough stone implements
for hunting the animals. These implements were made of quartzite
or hard rock.  Therefore, this period is named as the Old Stone
Age. The implements of this period are found in several parts of
Tamil Nadu. Robert Bruce Foote had first discovered the Old
Stone Age implements at Pallavaram near Chennai. Later, similar
discoveries were made in the districts of Kanchipuram, Vellore
and Thiruvallur.
Fig. 1. Old Stone Age Implements
2
The origin of human race on the planet earth took place
several thousands of years ago. The early history of human beings
is called the pre-historic age. Written records are not available for
the pre-historic period.  However, the pre-historic people had left
many things such as pieces of pottery, stone and metal tools, simple
drawings, bones and skeletons. These materials provide some clue
to know the history of the pre-historic period. Material remains
belonging to the pre-historic period have also been unearthed in
many places of Tamil Nadu.
The pre-historic period in Tamil Nadu may be classified into
1. Old Stone Age
2. New Stone Age
3. Metal Age
4. Megalithic Age
Old Stone Age :
The first stage of human life is called the Old Stone Age.
The people of this period used crude and rough stone implements
for hunting the animals. These implements were made of quartzite
or hard rock.  Therefore, this period is named as the Old Stone
Age. The implements of this period are found in several parts of
Tamil Nadu. Robert Bruce Foote had first discovered the Old
Stone Age implements at Pallavaram near Chennai. Later, similar
discoveries were made in the districts of Kanchipuram, Vellore
and Thiruvallur.
Fig. 1. Old Stone Age Implements
2
Simple hand axes and pieces of stone tools were found in the
valley of river Koratalayar near Chennai and in Vada Madurai. Thus
it is clearly evident that the Old Stone Age people lived in different
parts of Tamil Nadu. It is generally believed that the Old Stone Age
lasted up to B.C. 10,000.
Life Style:
The Old Stone Age people led a nomadic life wandering in search
of food. Therefore, they are called as food gatherers. Fruits, vegetables,
roots and animal flesh constitute their chief food. They had no idea of
cultivation. They did not know the art of making pottery. They took
shelter in caves in order to protect themselves from wild animals as
well as from harsh climates.
Dress:
In the beginning, the Old Stone Age people did not wear any
dress. Subsequently, they began to use animal skins, leaves and
barks to cover their bodies.  In this way they protected themselves
from bitter cold and burning heat.
Fire:
The Old Stone Age people produced fire by rubbing two
flint stones.  They used fire to scare away animals and also to roast
the flesh of animals to eat.  They also used fire to warm themselves
during the cold weather.
Paintings:
We find paintings in the caves in which the Old Stone Age
people lived. The most popular among them are the paintings,
which portray the hunting of animals like elephant, bear, and deer.
Beliefs:
The Old Stone Age people had no idea of God or religion.
They did not know how to dispose off the dead and therefore, they
left the dead bodies as a prey to animals and birds.
New Stone Age:
The New Stone Age followed the Old Stone Age. It is to be
noted that the transition from Old Stone Age to New Stone Age
was only gradual. The New Stone Age people had improved their
life in all respects. The life in the New Stone Age was not only
Fig. 2. Making fire by using flint stones
Fig. 3. New Stone Age Implements
3 4
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The origin of human race on the planet earth took place
several thousands of years ago. The early history of human beings
is called the pre-historic age. Written records are not available for
the pre-historic period.  However, the pre-historic people had left
many things such as pieces of pottery, stone and metal tools, simple
drawings, bones and skeletons. These materials provide some clue
to know the history of the pre-historic period. Material remains
belonging to the pre-historic period have also been unearthed in
many places of Tamil Nadu.
The pre-historic period in Tamil Nadu may be classified into
1. Old Stone Age
2. New Stone Age
3. Metal Age
4. Megalithic Age
Old Stone Age :
The first stage of human life is called the Old Stone Age.
The people of this period used crude and rough stone implements
for hunting the animals. These implements were made of quartzite
or hard rock.  Therefore, this period is named as the Old Stone
Age. The implements of this period are found in several parts of
Tamil Nadu. Robert Bruce Foote had first discovered the Old
Stone Age implements at Pallavaram near Chennai. Later, similar
discoveries were made in the districts of Kanchipuram, Vellore
and Thiruvallur.
Fig. 1. Old Stone Age Implements
2
The origin of human race on the planet earth took place
several thousands of years ago. The early history of human beings
is called the pre-historic age. Written records are not available for
the pre-historic period.  However, the pre-historic people had left
many things such as pieces of pottery, stone and metal tools, simple
drawings, bones and skeletons. These materials provide some clue
to know the history of the pre-historic period. Material remains
belonging to the pre-historic period have also been unearthed in
many places of Tamil Nadu.
The pre-historic period in Tamil Nadu may be classified into
1. Old Stone Age
2. New Stone Age
3. Metal Age
4. Megalithic Age
Old Stone Age :
The first stage of human life is called the Old Stone Age.
The people of this period used crude and rough stone implements
for hunting the animals. These implements were made of quartzite
or hard rock.  Therefore, this period is named as the Old Stone
Age. The implements of this period are found in several parts of
Tamil Nadu. Robert Bruce Foote had first discovered the Old
Stone Age implements at Pallavaram near Chennai. Later, similar
discoveries were made in the districts of Kanchipuram, Vellore
and Thiruvallur.
Fig. 1. Old Stone Age Implements
2
Simple hand axes and pieces of stone tools were found in the
valley of river Koratalayar near Chennai and in Vada Madurai. Thus
it is clearly evident that the Old Stone Age people lived in different
parts of Tamil Nadu. It is generally believed that the Old Stone Age
lasted up to B.C. 10,000.
Life Style:
The Old Stone Age people led a nomadic life wandering in search
of food. Therefore, they are called as food gatherers. Fruits, vegetables,
roots and animal flesh constitute their chief food. They had no idea of
cultivation. They did not know the art of making pottery. They took
shelter in caves in order to protect themselves from wild animals as
well as from harsh climates.
Dress:
In the beginning, the Old Stone Age people did not wear any
dress. Subsequently, they began to use animal skins, leaves and
barks to cover their bodies.  In this way they protected themselves
from bitter cold and burning heat.
Fire:
The Old Stone Age people produced fire by rubbing two
flint stones.  They used fire to scare away animals and also to roast
the flesh of animals to eat.  They also used fire to warm themselves
during the cold weather.
Paintings:
We find paintings in the caves in which the Old Stone Age
people lived. The most popular among them are the paintings,
which portray the hunting of animals like elephant, bear, and deer.
Beliefs:
The Old Stone Age people had no idea of God or religion.
They did not know how to dispose off the dead and therefore, they
left the dead bodies as a prey to animals and birds.
New Stone Age:
The New Stone Age followed the Old Stone Age. It is to be
noted that the transition from Old Stone Age to New Stone Age
was only gradual. The New Stone Age people had improved their
life in all respects. The life in the New Stone Age was not only
Fig. 2. Making fire by using flint stones
Fig. 3. New Stone Age Implements
3 4
Simple hand axes and pieces of stone tools were found in the
valley of river Koratalayar near Chennai and in Vada Madurai. Thus
it is clearly evident that the Old Stone Age people lived in different
parts of Tamil Nadu. It is generally believed that the Old Stone Age
lasted up to B.C. 10,000.
Life Style:
The Old Stone Age people led a nomadic life wandering in search
of food. Therefore, they are called as food gatherers. Fruits, vegetables,
roots and animal flesh constitute their chief food. They had no idea of
cultivation. They did not know the art of making pottery. They took
shelter in caves in order to protect themselves from wild animals as
well as from harsh climates.
Dress:
In the beginning, the Old Stone Age people did not wear any
dress. Subsequently, they began to use animal skins, leaves and
barks to cover their bodies.  In this way they protected themselves
from bitter cold and burning heat.
Fire:
The Old Stone Age people produced fire by rubbing two
flint stones.  They used fire to scare away animals and also to roast
the flesh of animals to eat.  They also used fire to warm themselves
during the cold weather.
Paintings:
We find paintings in the caves in which the Old Stone Age
people lived. The most popular among them are the paintings,
which portray the hunting of animals like elephant, bear, and deer.
Beliefs:
The Old Stone Age people had no idea of God or religion.
They did not know how to dispose off the dead and therefore, they
left the dead bodies as a prey to animals and birds.
New Stone Age:
The New Stone Age followed the Old Stone Age. It is to be
noted that the transition from Old Stone Age to New Stone Age
was only gradual. The New Stone Age people had improved their
life in all respects. The life in the New Stone Age was not only
Fig. 2. Making fire by using flint stones
Fig. 3. New Stone Age Implements
3 4
Page 5


The origin of human race on the planet earth took place
several thousands of years ago. The early history of human beings
is called the pre-historic age. Written records are not available for
the pre-historic period.  However, the pre-historic people had left
many things such as pieces of pottery, stone and metal tools, simple
drawings, bones and skeletons. These materials provide some clue
to know the history of the pre-historic period. Material remains
belonging to the pre-historic period have also been unearthed in
many places of Tamil Nadu.
The pre-historic period in Tamil Nadu may be classified into
1. Old Stone Age
2. New Stone Age
3. Metal Age
4. Megalithic Age
Old Stone Age :
The first stage of human life is called the Old Stone Age.
The people of this period used crude and rough stone implements
for hunting the animals. These implements were made of quartzite
or hard rock.  Therefore, this period is named as the Old Stone
Age. The implements of this period are found in several parts of
Tamil Nadu. Robert Bruce Foote had first discovered the Old
Stone Age implements at Pallavaram near Chennai. Later, similar
discoveries were made in the districts of Kanchipuram, Vellore
and Thiruvallur.
Fig. 1. Old Stone Age Implements
2
The origin of human race on the planet earth took place
several thousands of years ago. The early history of human beings
is called the pre-historic age. Written records are not available for
the pre-historic period.  However, the pre-historic people had left
many things such as pieces of pottery, stone and metal tools, simple
drawings, bones and skeletons. These materials provide some clue
to know the history of the pre-historic period. Material remains
belonging to the pre-historic period have also been unearthed in
many places of Tamil Nadu.
The pre-historic period in Tamil Nadu may be classified into
1. Old Stone Age
2. New Stone Age
3. Metal Age
4. Megalithic Age
Old Stone Age :
The first stage of human life is called the Old Stone Age.
The people of this period used crude and rough stone implements
for hunting the animals. These implements were made of quartzite
or hard rock.  Therefore, this period is named as the Old Stone
Age. The implements of this period are found in several parts of
Tamil Nadu. Robert Bruce Foote had first discovered the Old
Stone Age implements at Pallavaram near Chennai. Later, similar
discoveries were made in the districts of Kanchipuram, Vellore
and Thiruvallur.
Fig. 1. Old Stone Age Implements
2
Simple hand axes and pieces of stone tools were found in the
valley of river Koratalayar near Chennai and in Vada Madurai. Thus
it is clearly evident that the Old Stone Age people lived in different
parts of Tamil Nadu. It is generally believed that the Old Stone Age
lasted up to B.C. 10,000.
Life Style:
The Old Stone Age people led a nomadic life wandering in search
of food. Therefore, they are called as food gatherers. Fruits, vegetables,
roots and animal flesh constitute their chief food. They had no idea of
cultivation. They did not know the art of making pottery. They took
shelter in caves in order to protect themselves from wild animals as
well as from harsh climates.
Dress:
In the beginning, the Old Stone Age people did not wear any
dress. Subsequently, they began to use animal skins, leaves and
barks to cover their bodies.  In this way they protected themselves
from bitter cold and burning heat.
Fire:
The Old Stone Age people produced fire by rubbing two
flint stones.  They used fire to scare away animals and also to roast
the flesh of animals to eat.  They also used fire to warm themselves
during the cold weather.
Paintings:
We find paintings in the caves in which the Old Stone Age
people lived. The most popular among them are the paintings,
which portray the hunting of animals like elephant, bear, and deer.
Beliefs:
The Old Stone Age people had no idea of God or religion.
They did not know how to dispose off the dead and therefore, they
left the dead bodies as a prey to animals and birds.
New Stone Age:
The New Stone Age followed the Old Stone Age. It is to be
noted that the transition from Old Stone Age to New Stone Age
was only gradual. The New Stone Age people had improved their
life in all respects. The life in the New Stone Age was not only
Fig. 2. Making fire by using flint stones
Fig. 3. New Stone Age Implements
3 4
Simple hand axes and pieces of stone tools were found in the
valley of river Koratalayar near Chennai and in Vada Madurai. Thus
it is clearly evident that the Old Stone Age people lived in different
parts of Tamil Nadu. It is generally believed that the Old Stone Age
lasted up to B.C. 10,000.
Life Style:
The Old Stone Age people led a nomadic life wandering in search
of food. Therefore, they are called as food gatherers. Fruits, vegetables,
roots and animal flesh constitute their chief food. They had no idea of
cultivation. They did not know the art of making pottery. They took
shelter in caves in order to protect themselves from wild animals as
well as from harsh climates.
Dress:
In the beginning, the Old Stone Age people did not wear any
dress. Subsequently, they began to use animal skins, leaves and
barks to cover their bodies.  In this way they protected themselves
from bitter cold and burning heat.
Fire:
The Old Stone Age people produced fire by rubbing two
flint stones.  They used fire to scare away animals and also to roast
the flesh of animals to eat.  They also used fire to warm themselves
during the cold weather.
Paintings:
We find paintings in the caves in which the Old Stone Age
people lived. The most popular among them are the paintings,
which portray the hunting of animals like elephant, bear, and deer.
Beliefs:
The Old Stone Age people had no idea of God or religion.
They did not know how to dispose off the dead and therefore, they
left the dead bodies as a prey to animals and birds.
New Stone Age:
The New Stone Age followed the Old Stone Age. It is to be
noted that the transition from Old Stone Age to New Stone Age
was only gradual. The New Stone Age people had improved their
life in all respects. The life in the New Stone Age was not only
Fig. 2. Making fire by using flint stones
Fig. 3. New Stone Age Implements
3 4
more progressive than that of the Old Stone Age but also varied.
The New Stone Age people used trap rock instead of hard rock to
make their stone implements. Their stone weapons and tools were
also more polished and sharpened. They began to lead a settled
life instead of wandering from place to place. These people
abandoned caves and began to build clay huts and thatched houses
for living. The New Stone Age people lived and worked in groups.
It is important to know that this kind of group-life had subsequently
led to the formation of villages.
The most important features of the New Stone Age include
the beginning of agriculture, domestication of animals and pottery
making. In short, the New Stone Age witnessed an all round
development in the human life. This development indicates the
gradual evolution of human life in different stages. It had also
resulted in enormous changes in human life. It took a long period
for these changes to happen.
Agriculture:
In the New Stone Age, people had learnt the art of cultivation.
Therefore, they began to live in the river valleys since agriculture
had become their primary occupation. They produced rice, millet,
vegetable and fruits. It is to be noted that the food gatherers of the
Old Stone Age had become the food producers in the New Stone
Age.
Domestication of Animals:
During the New Stone Age, people started domesticating
animals such as dog, sheep, cow and buffalo.  Dog was helpful to
them while going for hunting. Other animals such as cattle were
used for transportation and also as food.
Fig. 4. Using the wheel for making pottery
The discovery of wheel was a remarkable event in the life of
man.  The New Stone Age people used wheels to carry goods from
one place to another. They also used the wheel for making pottery.
In Tamil Nadu, the New Stone Age potteries have been discovered
in the districts of Tirunelveli, Salem, Pudukottai and
Tiruchirappalli. Burial urn, water pots, lamps and other vessels of
this period have also been found in these places.
Try to make wheel and other toys using clay
Dress and Ornaments:
The New Stone Age people knew the art of weaving. In Tamil
Nadu, cotton was grown in plenty and it was used for weaving
clothes. Cotton clothes were widely used by the New Stone Age
people. Later, they developed the art of dyeing the clothes and
wore coloured clothes. The New Stone Age people used ornaments
like necklace, beads and bangles. These ornaments were made of
shells and bones.
5 6
Wheel and Pottery: