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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

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

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

Palaeolithic Age

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

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

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

Chalcolithic Age (Stone Copper Age)

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

Iron Age

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

Key Archaeological Discoveries

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

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.

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 the main types of literary sources used to study the Stone Age?
Ans. The main types of literary sources used to study the Stone Age include ancient texts, myths, and oral traditions that provide insight into the lives and cultures of prehistoric peoples. These sources help historians and archaeologists understand social structures, beliefs, and practices of the time.
2. How do non-literary sources complement our understanding of the Stone Age?
Ans. Non-literary sources, such as archaeological artifacts, cave paintings, and tools, complement our understanding of the Stone Age by providing tangible evidence of human activity. They offer insights into technology, daily life, and artistic expression, which are not always captured in literary sources.
3. What is the significance of studying the Stone Age in ancient history?
Ans. Studying the Stone Age is significant in ancient history because it marks the beginning of human civilization. It provides crucial information about the development of tools, social structures, and cultural practices, which laid the foundation for future societies.
4. What are some examples of archaeological findings from the Stone Age?
Ans. Examples of archaeological findings from the Stone Age include stone tools, bone artifacts, pottery, and cave paintings. These findings help researchers reconstruct the environment and lifestyle of early humans, shedding light on their survival strategies and artistic expression.
5. How do historians determine the age of artifacts from the Stone Age?
Ans. Historians determine the age of artifacts from the Stone Age using methods such as radiocarbon dating, stratigraphy, and thermoluminescence. These techniques allow researchers to estimate the age of organic materials and artifacts, helping to create a timeline of prehistoric human activity.
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