Pre-Historic Age in Uttar Pradesh and Proto-Historic Age in Uttar Pradesh | Course for UPPSC Preparation - UPPSC (UP) PDF Download

The history of Uttar Pradesh commences with the arrival of Aryans from Central Asian regions around 2000 BC, as they began settling along the Doab of Ganges and Ghaghara. In ancient times, the region, then known as Madhyadesh, boasted highly fertile land stretching between Delhi and Patna. Discoveries of ancient and Neo-Palaeolithic arms and implements have been made in Mirzapur, Bundelkhand, Sonbhadra, and Pratapgarh. The history of Uttar Pradesh is categorized into the Pre-historic Age (Stone age), Proto-historic Age (Bronze age), and Historic Age (Iron age).

Pre-Historic Age in Uttar Pradesh

• Palaeolithic Age
  During this era, people began using stone tools for the first time. Evidence of these tools has been uncovered in Chhatar palia, Mahugarh, and Parisdhia in Belan valley (Allahabad), Singrauli valley in Sonbhadra, and Chakia in Chandauli. Excavation of the Belan valley was conducted under the supervision of GR Sharma, a Professor at Allahabad University. A bone-built maternal goddess statue, along with a stone tool, was discovered in the Lohanda Nola region of the Belan valley. Sites at Nihi and Gopipur were also found on the banks of small rivulets in Banda. Quartzite was the primary material used for tool-making. Although people of this age were unfamiliar with agriculture, construction of huts, and fire, evidence suggests the practice of animal husbandry.
• Mesolithic Age
  In Uttar Pradesh, evidence of mesolithic culture has been found in Mirzapur, Sonbhadra, and Pratapgarh. Tools from this age were smaller compared to the Palaeolithic age, with relics of huts and pottery discovered in the Allahabad region. Significant findings come from Sarai Nahar Rai in Pratapgarh, where 15 human skeletons were buried with their heads facing the West. Evidence of huts and pottery has also been found in Chopani Mando (Prayagraj). People during this age engaged in hunting, gathering, and collecting food in areas like Mirzapur, Sonbhadra, Allahabad, and Pratapgarh.
• Neolithic Age
  This era marked primitive technology and social development. In Uttar Pradesh, evidence of the Neolithic age has been found in Prayagraj, Pratapgarh, Sonbhadra, and Mirzapur districts. Stone tools from this period were smaller, more intricate, and sharper than those of the Mesolithic period. The earliest Neolithic site in India, Lahuradewa, provides evidence of slash-and-burn cultivation. Agricultural activities were well-established, with evidence of paddy farming found in Koldihwa dating between 7000-6000 BC. Domestication of cattle, sheep, and goats, along with the use of animal skins for clothing, characterized this age.

Proto-Historic Age in Uttar Pradesh

• Originating around 2500 BC in Uttar Pradesh, this civilization extended to other regions in India, including Haryana, Punjab, Gujarat, Jammu and Kashmir, and Rajasthan.
• In Uttar Pradesh, evidence of urban settlements was unearthed in Alamgirpur (Meerut), Badagaon (Baghpat), and Hulas (Saharanpur).
• Alamgirpur, discovered by Bharat Sevak Samaj along the Hindon River in 1958 under Yag Dutt Sharma's guidance, revealed a society engaged in cotton cultivation and village living.
• Additional remnants of the Indus Valley Civilization were identified in Manpur (Bulandshahar), Mandi village, and Kairana (Muzaffarnagar).

Post Indus Valley Civilization:

• The period between the decline of the Indus Valley Civilization and the onset of the Vedic period is known as the Post Indus Valley Civilization.
• Excavations in Uttar Pradesh, including Alamgirpur, Hulas, Kanpur, Unnao, Mirzapur, and Mathura, unearthed copper utensils associated with the Post Indus Valley Civilization.