PRE HISTORY of Rajasthan

PRE HISTORY of Rajasthan

Prehistory is the period of human activity between the use of the first stone tools 3.3 million years ago and the invention of writing systems, the earliest of which appeared 5,300 years ago

Beginning

The term “prehistory” can refer to the vast span of time since the beginning of the Universe or the Earth, but more often it refers to the period since life appeared on Earth, or even more specifically to the time since human-like beings appeared.

End

The date marking the end of prehistory in a particular culture or region, that is, the date when relevant written historical records become a useful academic resource, varies enormously from region to region.
For example, in Egypt it is generally accepted that prehistory ended around 3200 BC, whereas in New Guinea the end of the prehistoric era is set much more recently, at around 1900 AD.
In Europe the relatively well-documented classical cultures of Ancient Greece and Ancient Rome had neighbouring cultures, including the Celts and to a lesser extent the Etruscans, with little or no writing, and historians must decide how much weight to give to the often highly prejudiced accounts of these “prehistoric” cultures in Greek and Roman literature.

Time periods

In dividing up human prehistory, historians typically use the three-age system, whereas scholars of pre-human time periods typically use the well-defined geologic record and its internationally defined stratum base within the geologic time scale.
The three-age system is the periodization of human prehistory into three consecutive time periods, named for their respective predominant tool-making technologies:

Stone Age
Bronze Age
Iron Age

Evidence of anatomically modern humans in the Indian subcontinent is recorded as long as 75,000 years ago, or with earlier hominids including Homo erectus from about 500,000 years ago.
Isolated remains of Homo erectus in Hathnora in the Narmada Valley in central India indicate that India might have been inhabited since at least the Middle Pleistocene era, somewhere between 500,000 and 200,000 years ago.
Tools crafted by proto-humans that have been dated back two million years have been discovered in the northwestern part of the subcontinent.
The Ancient History of the region includes some of South Asia’s oldest settlements and some of its major civilisations

Pre-history of Rajasthan

The ancient civilised history of Rajasthan goes back to 5,000 years ago when in the present day districts of Jhunjhunuand Sikar, along with other areas of jaipur district bordering south Haryana, which formed the part of Vedic state of Brahmavarta along with districts of Mahendragarh and Rewari in Haryana, that Vedic seers started composing Vedic scriptures, which form part of Sanatan Dharma, the base of present day Hinduism-2/”>Hinduism.
Revered Saraswatiand Drishadwati rivers formed the then Brahmavarta state.
Drishadwati river is identified as the Vedic Drishadwati by Bhargava.
Parts of Rajasthan may have been occupied by the Indus Valley Civilization(Harappans).
Excavations at Kalibanga in northern Rajasthan around 1998 revealed the existence of human settlements of Harappan times on the banks of a river that dried up later, which some people believe to be the Saraswati, archaeologists hope the Saraswati will unlock mysteries of the past.
Rajasthan’s geographic position in India has caused it to be affected by the expansionist efforts of various empires. It was a part of the Maurya Empire around 321-184 BCE
The history of Rajasthan dates back to pre-historic times as one finds settlements dating to this period in Rajasthan.
Archaeological excavations establish a relation with the Harappan culture trailing back to 1000 BC.
Rajasthan has also had Paleolithic settlements as one finds paintings in some areas of Rajasthan tracking back to this period.
Later, the first Aryan settlement was also discovered here at Dundhmer, the modern day Dundhar.
Ancient Hindu scriptures like Mahabharata and Ramayana make references to the holy city of Pushkar in Rajasthan. Known as the “Land of Princes”, several dynasties have ruled here and contributed to the development of Rajasthan.
Rajasthan fell under the empires of Magadha, Kushanas, Guptas, and Mauryas.
The formation and development of Rajasthan is contributed to several tribes, like the Rajputs, Jats, Bhils, Ahirs, Nath, Gujars, and Meenas.
Rajasthan has a central place in enriching the Indian culture as a whole.
The land of princes is an enigmatic state where tradition and history blend with contemporary lifestyle.
The culture of the state is a result of its 5000-year old history and the varied topography of the desert land.
Rajasthan has a diverse Population belonging to different castes, tribes, and religions, which embellish the culture by their unique customs and beliefs.

Ancient Period, up to 1200 AD

Rajput clans emerged and held their sway over different parts of Rajasthan from about 700 AD. Before that, Rajasthan was a part of several republics.
It was a part of the Mauryan Empire. Other major republics that dominated this region include the Malavas, Arjunyas, Yaudhyas, Kushans, Saka Satraps, Guptas and Hunas.
The Rajput clans ascendancy in Indian history was during the period from the eighth to the twelfth century AD. The Pratihars ruled Rajasthan and most of northern India during 750-1000 AD.
Between 1000-1200 AD Rajasthan witnessed the struggle for supremacy between Chalukyas, Parmars and Chauhans.

Indus Valley Civilization (Some region of Rajasthan belong to IVC)

The Bronze Age in the Indian subcontinent began around 3300 BCE with the early Indus Valley Civilisation. It was centred on the Indus River and its tributaries which extended into the Ghaggar-Hakra River valley, the Ganges-Yamuna Doab, Gujarat, and south-eastern Afghanistan.
The Indus civilisation is one of three in the ‘Ancient East’ that, along with Mesopotamia and Pharonic Egypt, was a cradle of civilisation in the Old World. It is also the most expansive in area and population.
The civilisation was primarily located in modern-day India (Gujarat, Haryana, Punjab and Rajasthan provinces) and Pakistan (Sindh, Punjab, and Balochistan provinces).
Historically part of Ancient India, it is one of the world’s earliest urban civilisations, along with Mesopotamia and Ancient Egypt.
Inhabitants of the ancient Indus river valley, the Harappans, developed new techniques in metallurgy and handicraft (carneol products, seal carving), and produced copper, bronze, lead, and tin.
The Mature Indus civilisation flourished from about 2600 to 1900 BCE, marking the beginning of urban civilisation on the subcontinent.
The civilisation included urban centres such as Dholavira, Kalibangan, Ropar, Rakhigarhi, and Lothal in modern-day India, as well as Harappa, Ganeriwala, and Mohenjo-daro in modern-day Pakistan.
The civilisation is noted for its cities built of brick, roadside Drainage System, and multi-storeyed houses and is thought to have had some kind of municipal organisation.
During the late period of this civilisation, signs of a gradual decline began to emerge, and by around 1700 BCE, most of the cities were abandoned.
However, the Indus Valley Civilisation did not disappear suddenly, and some Elements of the Indus Civilisation may have survived, especially in the smaller villages and isolated farms.
According to historian Upinder Singh, “the general picture presented by the late Harappan phase is one of a breakdown of urban networks and an expansion of rural ones.”
The Indian Copper Hoard Culture is attributed to this time, associated in the Doab region with the Ochre Coloured Pottery.

The prehistory of Rajasthan is a long and complex one, spanning over a million years. The earliest evidence of human habitation in the region dates back to the Paleolithic period, when hunter-gatherers lived in small groups. During the Mesolithic period, these groups began to settle down and develop more sophisticated stone tools. The Neolithic period saw the development of agriculture, and the Chalcolithic period saw the development of metalworking. The Early Historic period saw the development of writing and Urbanization, and the region became part of the Indian subcontinent.

The Paleolithic period in Rajasthan is divided into two phases: the Lower Paleolithic and the Upper Paleolithic. The Lower Paleolithic period lasted from about 2.5 million years ago to about 100,000 years ago. During this time, humans lived in small groups and hunted animals with stone tools. The Upper Paleolithic period lasted from about 100,000 years ago to about 10,000 years ago. During this time, humans began to develop more sophisticated stone tools, such as axes and knives. They also began to make art, such as cave paintings.

The Mesolithic period in Rajasthan lasted from about 10,000 years ago to about 5,000 years ago. During this time, humans began to settle down in larger groups and develop agriculture. They also began to make more sophisticated stone tools, such as pottery and beads.

The Neolithic period in Rajasthan lasted from about 5,000 years ago to about 3,000 years ago. During this time, humans began to develop metalworking. They also began to build permanent settlements, such as villages and towns.

The Chalcolithic period in Rajasthan lasted from about 3,000 years ago to about 1,500 years ago. During this time, humans began to develop writing and urbanization. They also began to build large cities, such as Mohenjo-daro and Harappa.

The Early Historic period in Rajasthan lasted from about 1,500 years ago to about 300 years ago. During this time, the region became part of the Indian subcontinent. The Mauryan Empire, one of the largest empires in Indian history, was founded in Rajasthan in the 4th century BCE.

The prehistory of Rajasthan is a fascinating and complex one. The region has been inhabited by humans for over a million years, and has seen the development of agriculture, metalworking, writing, and urbanization. The region is home to a rich cultural heritage, and its history is still being studied by archaeologists and historians.

Here are some of the most important archaeological sites in Rajasthan:

Jolibee: This site is located in the Alwar district of Rajasthan. It is a Mesolithic site that has yielded evidence of stone tools, pottery, and human habitation.
Bagor: This site is located in the Nagaur district of Rajasthan. It is a Chalcolithic site that has yielded evidence of metalworking, pottery, and human habitation.
Ahar: This site is located in the Jodhpur district of Rajasthan. It is a Chalcolithic site that has yielded evidence of metalworking, pottery, and human habitation.
Rangpur: This site is located in the Jodhpur district of Rajasthan. It is a Chalcolithic site that has yielded evidence of metalworking, pottery, and human habitation.
Lothal: This site is located in the Ahmedabad district of Gujarat. It is a Harappan site that has yielded evidence of writing, urbanization, and trade.
Mohenjo-daro: This site is located in the Larkana district of Sindh, Pakistan. It is a Harappan site that has yielded evidence of writing, urbanization, and trade.

These are just a few of the many archaeological sites that have been found in Rajasthan. The region is a treasure trove of information about the prehistory of India, and its history is still being studied by archaeologists and historians.

Here are some frequently asked questions about the prehistory of Rajasthan, along with short answers:

What is the prehistory of Rajasthan?
The prehistory of Rajasthan is the period of time before the written record. It covers the time from the first humans to arrive in the region to the beginning of the historical period.
When did humans first arrive in Rajasthan?
The first humans arrived in Rajasthan around 50,000 years ago. They were hunter-gatherers who lived in small groups.
What was life like in Rajasthan during the prehistory?
Life in Rajasthan during the prehistory was very different from life today. The Climate was much cooler and wetter, and the landscape was covered in forests. People lived in small groups and hunted animals for food.
What are some of the important events in the prehistory of Rajasthan?
Some of the important events in the prehistory of Rajasthan include the arrival of the first humans, the development of agriculture, and the rise of the first civilizations.
What are some of the important people in the prehistory of Rajasthan?
Some of the important people in the prehistory of Rajasthan include the first humans to arrive in the region, the early farmers, and the rulers of the first civilizations.
What are some of the important places in the prehistory of Rajasthan?
Some of the important places in the prehistory of Rajasthan include the sites of the first human settlements, the early agricultural sites, and the ruins of the first civilizations.
What are some of the important artifacts from the prehistory of Rajasthan?
Some of the important artifacts from the prehistory of Rajasthan include stone tools, pottery, and jewelry.
What are some of the important sources of information about the prehistory of Rajasthan?
Some of the important sources of information about the prehistory of Rajasthan include archaeological sites, rock art, and oral traditions.
What are some of the challenges of studying the prehistory of Rajasthan?
Some of the challenges of studying the prehistory of Rajasthan include the lack of written records, the destruction of archaeological sites, and the difficulty of dating artifacts.
What are some of the future directions of research on the prehistory of Rajasthan?
Some of the future directions of research on the prehistory of Rajasthan include the study of early human migrations, the development of agriculture, and the rise of the first civilizations.

Sure, here are some MCQs about Rajasthan:

Which of the following is not a city in Rajasthan?
(A) Jaipur
(B) Jodhpur
(C) Agra
(D) Udaipur
Which of the following is the capital of Rajasthan?
(A) Jaipur
(B) Jodhpur
(C) Agra
(D) Udaipur
Rajasthan is known for its:
(A) Deserts
(B) Palaces
(C) Forts
(D) All of the above
The Thar Desert is located in:
(A) Rajasthan
(B) Gujarat
(C) Madhya Pradesh
(D) All of the above
The Great Indian Desert is also known as:
(A) The Thar Desert
(B) The Rajasthan Desert
(C) The Gujarat Desert
(D) The Madhya Pradesh Desert
The highest peak in Rajasthan is:
(A) Mount Abu
(B) Guru Shikhar
(C) Chaugan
(D) None of the above
Mount Abu is located in:
(A) Rajasthan
(B) Gujarat
(C) Madhya Pradesh
(D) None of the above
The largest lake in Rajasthan is:
(A) Lake Pichola
(B) Jaisamand Lake
(C) Fateh Sagar Lake
(D) None of the above
Lake Pichola is located in:
(A) Udaipur
(B) Jaipur
(C) Jodhpur
(D) None of the above
The famous Mewar kingdom was located in:
(A) Rajasthan
(B) Gujarat
(C) Madhya Pradesh
(D) None of the above
The famous Amber Fort is located in:
(A) Jaipur
(B) Jodhpur
(C) Udaipur
(D) None of the above
The famous Hawa Mahal is located in:
(A) Jaipur
(B) Jodhpur
(C) Udaipur
(D) None of the above
The famous City Palace is located in:
(A) Jaipur
(B) Jodhpur
(C) Udaipur
(D) None of the above
The famous Jantar Mantar is located in:
(A) Jaipur
(B) Jodhpur
(C) Udaipur
(D) None of the above
The famous Albert Hall Museum is located in:
(A) Jaipur
(B) Jodhpur
(C) Udaipur
(D) None of the above
The famous Pushkar Camel Fair is held in:
(A) Jaipur
(B) Jodhpur
(C) Udaipur
(D) Pushkar
The famous Desert Festival is held in:
(A) Jaisalmer
(B) Jodhpur
(C) Udaipur
(D) None of the above
The famous Ranakpur Jain Temple is located in:
(A) Udaipur
(B) Jodhpur
(C) Ranakpur
(D) None of the above
The famous Dilwara Jain Temples are located in:
(A) Udaipur
(B) Jodhpur
(C) Mount Abu
(D) None of the above
The famous Eklingji Temple is located in:
(A) Udaipur
(B) Jodhpur
(C) Mount Abu
(D) None of the above