Pre history of Karnataka
The history of Karnataka dates back to pre-historic times. Karnataka is said to be one of the four Dravidian States associated with Indus-Valley Civilization. Aryans from Central Asia invaded the Dravidic city State civilization and colonized it. Iron weapons dating back to 1200 BC have been found at Hallur in Dhaward district. The use of iron for implements much before the Metal was introduced in the Northern India proves that Dravidian Civilization was far advanced and Aryans evolved their civilization through interaction with the Dravidian people.
The Old Stone Age culture of Karnataka viz., the Hand-axe culture, compares favourably with the one that existed in Africa and is quite distinct from the Pre-historic culture that prevailed in North India. Places like Hunasagi,Gulbal,Kaladevanahal li, Tegginahalli, Budihal, Piklihal, Kibbanahalli, Nittur, Anagavadi, Kaladgi, Khyad, Nyamati, Balehonnur and Uppinangadi (Lower Palaeolithic Culture); Herakal,Tamminahal, Savalgi, Salvadgi, Menasagi, Pattadakal, Vajjala, Naravi and Talakad (Middle Palaeolithic Culture); Kovalli, Ingaleshvara, Yadwad and Maralabhavi (Upper Palaeolithic Culture); Begaumpur, Vanamapurahalli, Hingani, Ingaleshwara, Tamminahal, Sringeri Jalahalli, Kibbanahalli, Sanganakal, Brahmagiri, Uppinangadi, Mani and Doddaguni (Mesolithic Culture); Maski, T. Narasipur, Banahalli, Hallur, Sanganakal, Hemmige, Kodekal, Brahmagiri, Kupgal, Tekkalkote, Kurnal, Srinivasapura, Beeramangala, French rocks (Pandavapura) and Uttanur (Neolithic and Chalcolithic Culture); Rajana Kolur, Bachigudda, Aihole, Konnur, Terdal, Hire Benakal, Kumaranahalli, Tadakanahalli, Maski, Banahalli, Badaga-Kajekaru, Belur, Borkatte, Konaje, Kakkunje, Vaddarse, and Hallingali (Megalithic Culture) are some of the important sites representing the various stages of Prehistoric culture that prevailed in Karnataka. The ragi grain is found commonly in the Prehistoric sites of Africa and Karnataka. The early inhabitants of Karnataka knew the use of iron, far earlier than the people of North India. The Iron weapons and tools dating back to circa 1500 B.C, found at Hallur in Hirekerur Tq. of Haveri district, too supplement it.
Megalithic culture of Karnataka
Having spent time researching and touring Karnataka over the last few years, I realized how rich the state is in terms of heritage. The state’s history goes back to the times of Chalukya and the areas of Karnataka were active right much earlier. Archaeologists have discovered artefacts dating back to 5000 BCE. Evidences of prehistoric activity are in various forms such as megalithic burial chambers, rock-paintings, petroglyphs, stone tools, Pottery, ash-mounds,
The credit for doing early extensive study of prehistoric Karnataka goes to Robert Bruce-Foote and this work was later continued by many other scholars. The pre-historic culture of Karnataka (and South India in general) is called the hand-axe culture, as opposed to the Sohan culture of North India. Paleolithic hand axes and cleavers in the shape of pebbles made with quartz and quartzite which have been found in places such as Lingadahalli in Chikkamagaluru district and Hunasagi in Yadgir district, and a wooden spike at Kibbanahalli in Tumkur district are examples of old stone age implements. There are reports that a polished stone axe was discovered at Lingasugur in the Raichur district Neolithic sites (new stone age) of importance are Maski in Raichur district, Brahmagiri in Chitradurga district etc., with abundance of evidence that man begun to domesticate animals such as cows, dogs and sheep, use copper and bronze weapons, wear bangles, rings, necklaces of beads and ear-rings and have burial chambers. To the end of the Neolithic era, during the Megalithic age, people in Karnataka began to use long swords, sickles, axes, hammers, spikes, chisels and arrows, all made of iron.
Scholarly hypothesis postulates contacts between the Indus Valley (3300 BCE – 1300 BCE) cities of Harappa and Lothal, citing the discovery of gold found in the Harappan sites that was imported from mines in Karnataka. Evidence of Neolithic habitation of areas in modern Karnataka and celts dating back to the 2nd century BCE were first discovered in 1872. There are reports that a polished stone axe was discovered at Lingsugur in the Raichur district; however the authenticity of these reports remains unverifiable. Megalithic structures and burial grounds were discovered in 1862 in the regions of Kodagu and Moorey Betta hills, while Neolithic sites were discovered in north Karnataka. Scholarly hypothesis postulates of contacts between the Indus Valley city of Harappa in 3000 BCE, citing the discovery of gold found in the Harappan sites that was imported from mines in Karnataka.,
The prehistory of Karnataka is a long and complex one, dating back to the Stone Age. The earliest evidence of human habitation in the region comes from the form of stone tools that have been found. These tools are thought to have been used by hunter-gatherers who lived in the area around 2 million years ago.
The Mesolithic Age was a time of transition, as hunter-gatherers began to settle down and live in small villages. This change was likely due to the development of agriculture, which allowed people to produce their own food and stay in one place. The first evidence of agriculture in Karnataka comes from the form of pottery that has been found. This pottery is thought to have been used for storing and cooking food.
The Neolithic Age was a time of great change, as people began to live in larger villages and develop new technologies. This change was likely due to the development of metalworking, which allowed people to make tools and weapons that were stronger and more durable than stone. The first evidence of metalworking in Karnataka comes from the form of copper and bronze tools that have been found.
The Chalcolithic Age was a time of further development, as people began to live in cities and develop new forms of art and architecture. This change was likely due to the development of trade, which allowed people to exchange goods and ideas with other cultures. The first evidence of trade in Karnataka comes from the form of beads and other objects that have been found.
The Iron Age was a time of great upheaval, as people began to move around more and new cultures came into contact with each other. This change was likely due to the development of ironworking, which allowed people to make tools and weapons that were stronger and more durable than bronze. The first evidence of ironworking in Karnataka comes from the form of iron tools and weapons that have been found.
The Megalithic Culture was a time of great change, as people began to build large stone monuments. These monuments are thought to have been used for religious purposes, and they provide evidence of the complex beliefs and practices of the people who lived in Karnataka at that time. The first evidence of the Megalithic Culture comes from the form of stone circles and other monuments that have been found.
The Early Historic Period was a time of great change, as people began to live in larger cities and develop new forms of government. This change was likely due to the development of writing, which allowed people to record their history and communicate with each other over long distances. The first evidence of writing in Karnataka comes from the form of inscriptions that have been found.
The prehistory of Karnataka is a long and complex one, but it is also a fascinating one. The evidence that has been found provides us with a glimpse into the lives of the people who lived in the region thousands of years ago. It is a glimpse into a world that is very different from our own, but it is also a world that is full of wonder and mystery.
What is the prehistory of Karnataka?
The prehistory of Karnataka is the period of human history in the Indian state of Karnataka before the advent of writing. It is a vast and complex topic, and there is still much that we do not know about it. However, archaeologists have made significant progress in recent years, and we now have a much better understanding of the prehistory of Karnataka than we did in the past.
When did humans first arrive in Karnataka?
The earliest evidence of human habitation in Karnataka dates back to the Lower Paleolithic period, around 2 million years ago. However, it is likely that humans were present in the region even earlier than this.
What were the first people to live in Karnataka?
The first people to live in Karnataka were hunter-gatherers. They lived in small groups and moved around frequently in search of food.
What was life like in pre-historic Karnataka?
Life in pre-historic Karnataka was very different from life today. People lived in small, simple communities and relied on hunting and gathering for their food. They did not have any written language, and their culture was passed down orally from generation to generation.
What were some of the important events in the prehistory of Karnataka?
Some of the important events in the prehistory of Karnataka include the development of agriculture, the rise of the first cities, and the arrival of the Aryans.
What is the legacy of the prehistory of Karnataka?
The prehistory of Karnataka is a rich and complex topic, and it has had a profound impact on the culture and history of the state. The early people of Karnataka were skilled hunters and gatherers, and they developed sophisticated tools and technologies. They also built impressive monuments, such as the megalithic tombs found in the state. The prehistory of Karnataka is a fascinating and important part of the state’s history, and it continues to be studied by archaeologists and historians today.
What are some of the challenges facing the study of prehistory in Karnataka?
One of the biggest challenges facing the study of prehistory in Karnataka is the lack of written records. The early people of Karnataka did not have any written language, and so their history is passed down orally from generation to generation. This makes it difficult for archaeologists to accurately date and interpret the archaeological evidence that they find.
Another challenge facing the study of prehistory in Karnataka is the destruction of archaeological sites. Many Archaeological sites in Karnataka have been destroyed by human activity, such as agriculture and construction. This makes it difficult for archaeologists to study these sites and learn more about the prehistory of the state.
Despite these challenges, the study of prehistory in Karnataka is a fascinating and important field of research. Archaeologists are constantly making new discoveries that shed Light on the early history of the state. These discoveries help us to understand the development of human culture in Karnataka, and they also help us to appreciate the rich heritage of the state.
Question 1
The earliest inhabitants of Karnataka were:
(a) The Aryans
(b) The Dravidians
(c) The Indus Valley Civilization
(d) The Harappans
Answer
(b) The Dravidians
The Dravidians were the earliest inhabitants of Karnataka. They were a dark-skinned people with long, curly hair. They spoke a language called Dravidian.
Question 2
The first major kingdom in Karnataka was:
(a) The Chalukya Empire
(b) The Hoysala Empire
(c) The Vijayanagara Empire
(d) The Mysore Kingdom
Answer
(a) The Chalukya Empire
The Chalukya Empire was the first major kingdom in Karnataka. It was founded in the 6th century by Pulakesin I. The Chalukyas were a powerful empire that ruled over much of southern India.
Question 3
The Hoysala Empire was founded in the 11th century by Vishnuvardhana. The Hoysalas were a powerful empire that ruled over much of southern India. They are known for their architecture, which includes the famous temples at Belur and Halebid.
Question 4
The Vijayanagara Empire was founded in the 14th century by Harihara I. The Vijayanagara Empire was a powerful empire that ruled over much of southern India. It is known for its architecture, which includes the famous temples at Hampi.
Question 5
The Mysore Kingdom was founded in the 16th century by Yaduraya Wodeyar. The Mysore Kingdom was a powerful kingdom that ruled over much of southern India. It is known for its military prowess and its cultural achievements.
Question 6
The British East India Company established a trading post in Bangalore in the 17th century. The British East India Company was a British trading company that was founded in the 17th century. The company established trading posts in India and other parts of Asia.
Question 7
Karnataka became a part of the Indian Union in 1947. Karnataka became a part of the Indian Union in 1947. The state was formed by merging the princely states of Mysore, Hyderabad, and Coorg.
Question 8
The capital of Karnataka is Bangalore. Bangalore is the capital of Karnataka. It is the third largest city in India and is known as the “Garden City”.
Question 9
The Official Language of Karnataka is Kannada. Kannada is the official language of Karnataka. It is a Dravidian language that is spoken by over 40 million people.
Question 10
The Population of Karnataka is over 60 million. The population of Karnataka is over 60 million. It is the ninth most populous state in India.
Question 11
The Literacy rate in Karnataka is over 70%. The literacy rate in Karnataka is over 70%. It is one of the most literate states in India.
Question 12
The main crops grown in Karnataka are rice, sugarcane, and Cotton. Rice, sugarcane, and cotton are the main crops grown in Karnataka. The state is also a major producer of coffee and spices.
Question 13
The main industries in Karnataka are information technology, textiles, and engineering. Information technology, textiles, and engineering are the main industries in Karnataka. The state is also a major producer of iron and steel.
Question 14
The main tourist attractions in Karnataka are the temples at Hampi, the Mysore Palace, and the Bandipur National Park. The temples at Hampi, the Mysore Palace, and the Bandipur National Park are the main tourist attractions in Karnataka. Hampi is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is known for its ruins of the Vijayanagara Empire. The Mysore Palace is a beautiful palace that is the residence of the Wodeyar royal family. The Bandipur National Park is a wildlife sanctuary that is home to tigers, leopards, and elephants.
Question 15
Karnataka is a beautiful state with a rich history and culture. It is a popular tourist destination and is home to many industries.