CLASS 9 SOCIAL SCIENCE
Early Humans and Beginning of Civilisation
1. Introduction to Prehistory
Human history is divided into two major periods:
• Prehistory: The long span before the invention of writing (~2 million years ago to 3000 BCE). No
written records exist; historians rely on archaeological evidence.
• History: The period after writing was invented (~3000 BCE onwards).
Sources of Prehistory
• Artifacts: Objects made/used by humans — stone tools, weapons, pottery, ornaments
• Fossils: Preserved remains of humans, animals, plants — help understand human evolution
• Cave Paintings: Found at Bhimbetka (India) — depict hunting scenes, animals, daily life
• Tools & Implements: Reveal technological development
2. Archaeological Division — The Stone Age
Prehistory is divided based on tool types into the Stone Age, with three stages:
Feature Palaeolithic Mesolithic Neolithic
Other Name Old Stone Age Middle Stone Age New Stone Age
Time Period 2 million yrs–10,000 10,000–8,000 BCE 8,000–4,000 BCE
BCE
Tools Rough, unpolished Microliths (small, sharp) Polished, smooth
(hand axes, choppers) (sickles, axes)
Food Hunter-gatherer, raw Hunting, fishing, early Farming, food producer
food domestication
Shelter Caves, rock shelters Semi-permanent Permanent villages
(nomadic) settlements (mud/wood houses)
Key Feature Discovery of fire Transition period Neolithic Revolution
(A) Palaeolithic Age (Old Stone Age)
Time Period Approximately 2 million years ago to 10,000 BCE
1. Food Habits
• Hunter-gatherers: hunted animals, gathered fruits, roots, nuts, berries
• Food initially eaten raw; cooked after discovery of fire
, • Diet fully dependent on nature and availability
2. Tools & Technology
• Made from stone, bones, wood
• Types: Hand axes, Choppers, Scrapers
• Characteristics: Rough, unpolished, heavy
• Uses: Hunting, cutting meat, breaking bones
3. Discovery of Fire
One of the most important achievements of early humans.
• Cooking food
• Protection from wild animals
• Warmth in cold climates
• Lighting
4. Shelter
• Lived in caves and rock shelters
• No permanent houses; nomadic lifestyle
• Moved based on food availability and climate
5. Social Life
• Lived in small groups
• Cooperation essential for survival
• No clear social hierarchy
6. Art & Culture
• Cave paintings showing animals and hunting scenes
• Indicate early artistic skills
Summary: Humans were completely dependent on nature and survival instincts.
(B) Mesolithic Age (Middle Stone Age)
Time Period Approximately 10,000 BCE to 8,000 BCE
1. Improved Tools — Microliths
• Tools became smaller and sharper
• Called Microliths — more efficient for hunting and daily use
2. Food & Economy
• Continued hunting and gathering
• Began fishing and early animal domestication
3. Settlement
• Semi-permanent settlements developed
• People started living near rivers and lakes
Early Humans and Beginning of Civilisation
1. Introduction to Prehistory
Human history is divided into two major periods:
• Prehistory: The long span before the invention of writing (~2 million years ago to 3000 BCE). No
written records exist; historians rely on archaeological evidence.
• History: The period after writing was invented (~3000 BCE onwards).
Sources of Prehistory
• Artifacts: Objects made/used by humans — stone tools, weapons, pottery, ornaments
• Fossils: Preserved remains of humans, animals, plants — help understand human evolution
• Cave Paintings: Found at Bhimbetka (India) — depict hunting scenes, animals, daily life
• Tools & Implements: Reveal technological development
2. Archaeological Division — The Stone Age
Prehistory is divided based on tool types into the Stone Age, with three stages:
Feature Palaeolithic Mesolithic Neolithic
Other Name Old Stone Age Middle Stone Age New Stone Age
Time Period 2 million yrs–10,000 10,000–8,000 BCE 8,000–4,000 BCE
BCE
Tools Rough, unpolished Microliths (small, sharp) Polished, smooth
(hand axes, choppers) (sickles, axes)
Food Hunter-gatherer, raw Hunting, fishing, early Farming, food producer
food domestication
Shelter Caves, rock shelters Semi-permanent Permanent villages
(nomadic) settlements (mud/wood houses)
Key Feature Discovery of fire Transition period Neolithic Revolution
(A) Palaeolithic Age (Old Stone Age)
Time Period Approximately 2 million years ago to 10,000 BCE
1. Food Habits
• Hunter-gatherers: hunted animals, gathered fruits, roots, nuts, berries
• Food initially eaten raw; cooked after discovery of fire
, • Diet fully dependent on nature and availability
2. Tools & Technology
• Made from stone, bones, wood
• Types: Hand axes, Choppers, Scrapers
• Characteristics: Rough, unpolished, heavy
• Uses: Hunting, cutting meat, breaking bones
3. Discovery of Fire
One of the most important achievements of early humans.
• Cooking food
• Protection from wild animals
• Warmth in cold climates
• Lighting
4. Shelter
• Lived in caves and rock shelters
• No permanent houses; nomadic lifestyle
• Moved based on food availability and climate
5. Social Life
• Lived in small groups
• Cooperation essential for survival
• No clear social hierarchy
6. Art & Culture
• Cave paintings showing animals and hunting scenes
• Indicate early artistic skills
Summary: Humans were completely dependent on nature and survival instincts.
(B) Mesolithic Age (Middle Stone Age)
Time Period Approximately 10,000 BCE to 8,000 BCE
1. Improved Tools — Microliths
• Tools became smaller and sharper
• Called Microliths — more efficient for hunting and daily use
2. Food & Economy
• Continued hunting and gathering
• Began fishing and early animal domestication
3. Settlement
• Semi-permanent settlements developed
• People started living near rivers and lakes
