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

Sutras

Buddhist Texts

Early Buddhist texts

Jaina Texts

Secular Literature

Sangam Literature

Non-Literary Sources

Inscriptions

Coins

Archaeology

Foreign Accounts

Pre-historic India: Periods

Stone Age

Palaeolithic Age

Mesolithic Period

Neolithic Period

Chalcolithic Age (Stone Copper Age)

Key Archaeological Discoveries

Thus, 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 explore the history of pre-historic India, these sources show how strong and clever our ancestors were.