Pre-history of Bihar
There are evidences of Mesolithic human Inhabitation in Bihar. Pre-historic rock paintings have been discovered from the Kaimur, Nawada and Jamui region of Bihar. These paintings depict the lifestyle of people during that time. The pictures depict human activities like dancing, hunting walking etc. These paintings are identical to those found in central and southern India and also in Europe and Africa. The rock paintings of Spain’s Alta Mira and France’s Lascaux share some common features with those discovered from Bihar. Evidences of Neolithic settlement were discovered over the bank of the Ganges at Chirand region of Bihar.
Traces of Mesolithic habitation are found in Paisra ( munger) . Indian Mesolithic period began with the Holocene, however, in many regions there are no such early sites discovered as yet. In many places it developed concurrently to the Neolithic/Chalcolithic. In more isolated regions hunter-gatherer populations persisted until the Historic times. Stone tool manufacturing was ceased with the popularization of iron.
Neolithic evidences in Bihar
Chirand
Chirand is a archaeological site in the Saran district of Bihar, India, situated on the northern bank of the Ganga River. It has a large pre-historic mound which is known for its continuous archaeological record from the Neolithic age (about 2500–1345 BC) to the reign of the Pal dynasty who ruled during the pre-medieval period. The excavations in Chirand have revealed stratified Neolithic, Chalcolithic, and Iron Age settlements, and transitions in human habitation patterns dating from 2500 BC to 30 AD.
Chirand Neolithic group occupied the plains, while their contemporaries inhabited the plateaus and hills. The occupational categorization in Chirand covers three periods – Period I Neolithic (2500–1345 BC), Period II Chalcolithic (1600 B.C) and Period III Iron age.Carbon dating of the top layer of the Neolithiic period dates the layer between 1910 BC and 1600 BC. The lowest level of the finds date to 200 BC.
Neolithic people experienced an economy that included hunting, gathering, fishing and animal rearing.Paddy husk impressions in some potsherds indicate Neolithic involvement in cultivating rice and Cereals such as wheat, moong, masoor, and barley. Both cultivated and wild rice was harvested during summer and again during winter.
The archaeological finds in Chirand are from a Neolithic deposit of 3.5 metres (11 ft) thickness, a Chalcolithic layer 5.5 metres (18 ft) thick and iron age formation of 2.45 metres (8 ft 0 in) thickness. Copper was used during the Chalcolithic period, while iron was found in the upper strata. A cache of 88 Kushan period coins were unearthed at the site.
25,000 potsherds excavated from Chirand are grouped according to the Period II Neolithic Pottery appearing more refined than the Period I pottery, all from smoothed clay mixed with mica. Most of the pottery was hand made. Some vessels were made by turn table or dabbing. Half of the potsherds are red ware and half are black and red ware from different shapes and sizes of vases, bowls, and knobbed pottery.
Neolithic people lived in circular wattle and daub huts made of mud and reeds with rammed floors. Earlier hut floors were built below ground level, later hut floors were built at ground level. Hearths and oblong shaped ovens were found in a semicircular hut. The white colour of the Soil around the hearth and the ovens found at the site pointed to animal meat roasted in the ovens, likely for community feeding. Rice was a staple food. Mud boundary walls of houses were traced. Burnt chunks of clay with reed or bamboo impressions suggest that houses were destroyed by fire. Houses were larger in size in the Chalcolithic period compared to the Neolithic period, made of reeds and bamboo with mud plaster and flooring of fired earth. A circular hearth and a few post-holes were also found.
The Neolithic stone implements of celts were found. Axes found were made of quartzite, basalt and granite. The finds included nine types of microliths. Waste flakes found in the area indicate prevalence of the process of manufacture in a well established microlithic Industry in the area that included chert, chalcedony, agate and jasper, derived from the dry river bed of the Son river. The final products in the collection are stone discs in long, cylindrical and triangular shapes.
,
The prehistory of Bihar is a long and complex one, dating back to the Stone Age. The first inhabitants of the region were hunter-gatherers, who lived in small groups and moved around frequently in search of food. Around 10,000 years ago, people in Bihar began to practice agriculture, which led to the development of more permanent settlements. The region was also home to a number of early civilizations, including the Indus Valley Civilization and the Magadha Empire.
The Indus Valley Civilization was a Bronze Age civilization that flourished in the Indus River valley from about 2600 to 1900 BCE. The civilization was characterized by its urban centers, which were well-planned and had sophisticated Drainage Systems. The Indus Valley people were also skilled craftsmen and produced a variety of goods, including pottery, jewelry, and tools.
The Magadha Empire was an ancient Indian empire that was founded in the 6th century BCE. The empire reached its peak under the rule of Ashoka the Great, who reigned from 272 to 232 BCE. Ashoka was a powerful and successful ruler, and he expanded the empire to include much of the Indian subcontinent. He was also a devout Buddhist, and he promoted the spread of Buddhism-2/”>Buddhism throughout his empire.
The prehistory of Bihar is a fascinating and complex topic. The region has been home to a number of different cultures and civilizations over the centuries, and it has played an important role in the development of Indian history.
Stone Age
The Stone Age is the earliest period of human history, and it is characterized by the use of stone tools. The Stone Age is divided into three periods: the Paleolithic, the Mesolithic, and the Neolithic.
The Paleolithic period is the longest period of the Stone Age, and it lasted from about 2.5 million years ago to about 10,000 years ago. During the Paleolithic period, humans were hunter-gatherers, and they lived in small groups. They made simple stone tools, such as axes and knives, and they used these tools to hunt animals and gather food.
The Mesolithic period was a time of transition, and it lasted from about 10,000 years ago to about 8,000 years ago. During the Mesolithic period, humans began to domesticate animals and Plants, and they started to live in larger settlements. They also made more sophisticated stone tools, such as arrowheads and spear points.
The Neolithic period was the last period of the Stone Age, and it lasted from about 8,000 years ago to about 3,000 years ago. During the Neolithic period, humans developed agriculture, and they began to live in permanent settlements. They also made pottery and other tools from clay, and they began to use metals.
Agriculture
Agriculture is the practice of cultivating plants and raising Livestock. Agriculture began in the Fertile Crescent, which is a region in the Middle East that includes parts of modern-day Iraq, Iran, Syria, and Turkey. Agriculture began in the Fertile Crescent because the region has a Climate that is well-suited for growing crops.
Agriculture spread to other parts of the world, including India, China, and Europe. In India, agriculture began in the Indus Valley Civilization, which was a Bronze Age civilization that flourished from about 2600 to 1900 BCE. The Indus Valley people were skilled farmers, and they grew a variety of crops, including wheat, barley, rice, and Cotton.
Indus Valley Civilization
The Indus Valley Civilization was a Bronze Age civilization that flourished in the Indus River valley from about 2600 to 1900 BCE. The civilization was centered in what is now Pakistan and northwestern India, and it was one of the most advanced civilizations of its time.
The Indus Valley people were skilled farmers, and they grew a variety of crops, including wheat, barley, rice, and cotton. They also raised livestock, including cattle, sheep, and goats. The Indus Valley people were also skilled craftsmen, and they produced a variety of goods, including pottery, jewelry, and tools.
The Indus Valley Civilization was a major urban civilization, and its cities were well-planned and had sophisticated drainage systems. The largest city in the Indus Valley Civilization was Mohenjo-daro, which was located in what is now Pakistan. Mohenjo-daro was a city of about 40,000 people, and it had a well-developed system of streets, houses, and public buildings.
The Indus Valley Civilization declined around 1900 BCE, and the reasons for its decline are not fully understood. Some scholars believe that the civilization may have collapsed due to a natural disaster, such as a flood or an earthquake. Others believe that the civilization may have collapsed due to internal conflict or invasion.
Here are some frequently asked questions about the pre-history of Bihar:
What is the pre-history of Bihar?
The pre-history of Bihar is the period of time before the written records of the region began. It is a time of great mystery and speculation, as there is little evidence to go on. However, archaeologists have uncovered some fascinating clues about the early inhabitants of Bihar, and their way of life.What were the early inhabitants of Bihar like?
The early inhabitants of Bihar were hunter-gatherers who lived in small groups. They were skilled in making tools and weapons, and they had a deep understanding of the natural world. They also had a rich spiritual life, as evidenced by the many cave paintings and sculptures that have been found in the region.What was the climate of Bihar like in the pre-historic period?
The climate of Bihar in the pre-historic period was much different than it is today. The region was much cooler and wetter, and there were large forests covering much of the land. This provided a rich habitat for the early inhabitants of Bihar, who were able to find food and shelter in the forests.What were the major events in the pre-history of Bihar?
The major events in the pre-history of Bihar are the arrival of the first humans in the region, the development of agriculture, and the rise of the first civilizations. These events had a profound impact on the development of the region, and they continue to shape the culture and Society of Bihar today.What is the significance of the pre-history of Bihar?
The pre-history of Bihar is significant because it provides us with a glimpse into the early history of the region. It tells us about the people who lived in Bihar before the written records began, and it helps us to understand the development of the region. The pre-history of Bihar is also significant because it is a rich and fascinating period of time, full of mystery and intrigue.
Sure, here are some MCQs about Bihar without mentioning the topic Pre-history of Bihar:
Which of the following is not a state in India?
(A) Bihar
(B) Uttar Pradesh
(C) Madhya Pradesh
(D) GujaratThe capital of Bihar is:
(A) Patna
(B) Ranchi
(C) Kolkata
(D) BhubaneswarThe Official Language of Bihar is:
(A) Hindi
(B) English
(C) Urdu
(D) BengaliThe Population of Bihar is:
(A) 100 million
(B) 120 million
(C) 140 million
(D) 160 millionThe Literacy rate in Bihar is:
(A) 60%
(B) 70%
(C) 80%
(D) 90%The main religion in Bihar is:
(A) Hinduism-2/”>Hinduism
(B) Islam
(C) Christianity
(D) SikhismThe main crops grown in Bihar are:
(A) Rice
(B) Wheat
(C) Sugarcane
(D) CottonThe main industries in Bihar are:
(A) Agriculture
(B) Manufacturing
(C) Mining
(D) TourismThe main tourist attractions in Bihar are:
(A) The Mahabodhi Temple
(B) The Nalanda University
(C) The Rajgir Hills
(D) The Patna MuseumThe famous people from Bihar are:
(A) Gautama Buddha
(B) Mahavira
(C) Chanakya
(D) Ashoka the Great
I hope these MCQs were helpful!