Status and Development of Agriculture During the Pre-Historic Era

Agriculture, as a systematic practice, did not exist from the very beginning of human history. It evolved slowly as early humans transitioned from a nomadic lifestyle to a settled way of life. The pre-historic era is generally divided into three major phases: Palaeolithic (Old Stone Age), Mesolithic (Middle Stone Age), and Neolithic (New Stone Age). Agriculture began during the later stages of the pre-historic period, especially in the Neolithic era. Below is a detailed analysis of the status and development of agriculture during the pre-historic era, particularly in the Indian context:

1. Palaeolithic Period (approx. 2 million – 10,000 BCE)

Lifestyle: Humans during the Palaeolithic era were hunter-gatherers. They lived a nomadic life, dependent on wild animals for meat and forests for fruits, nuts, and roots.
Tools: Tools were made of stone, mostly unpolished and rudimentary.
Agriculture Status: There is no evidence of agriculture in this phase. People had no knowledge of cultivation or animal domestication.

2. Mesolithic Period (approx. 10,000 – 8,000 BCE)

Transition Phase: This was a transition phase between the Paleolithic and Neolithic periods.
Microliths: People started using more advanced tools called microliths, which were small, sharp, and more refined.
Semi-Nomadic Lifestyle: Human communities began to stay in one place for longer durations, especially near water sources.
Early Experiments with Cultivation:
- Some evidence of incipient agriculture is found in this period.
- People may have begun sowing seeds and understanding the seasonal cycle.
- Evidence from sites like Bagor (Rajasthan) and Adamgarh (Madhya Pradesh) indicates the beginning of domestication of animals and rudimentary farming.
- Wild grains like wheat and barley were possibly harvested and re-sown, though not systematically.
Domestication: Early domestication of dogs and possibly cattle and sheep.

3. Neolithic Period (approx. 8,000 – 2,000 BCE)

This era marks the true beginning of agriculture and is often referred to as the Agricultural Revolution.
Settled Life:
- People began living in permanent settlements.
- Construction of mud houses and community living started, particularly near rivers and fertile lands.
Tools:
- Tools were now polished and included axes, sickles, and grinding stones.
- These were used for clearing land, harvesting crops, and processing grains.
Development of Agriculture:
- Crop Cultivation:
  - The earliest cultivated crops were wheat and barley.
  - In the Indian subcontinent, evidence of rice cultivation has been found in sites like Koldihwa and Mahagara (Uttar Pradesh).
  - Millets and lentils were also grown in certain regions.
- Domesticated Animals:
  - Domestication of animals like goats, sheep, cattle, and pigs.
  - These animals provided milk, meat, and labor for ploughing.
Storage and Surplus:
- People began to store food in clay pots and granaries.
- Food surplus allowed for population growth and the development of trade and barter systems.
Cultural Development:
- Pottery-making began, which is closely associated with settled agricultural communities.
- The concept of private property and division of labor began to emerge.

4. Important Neolithic Sites in India

Mehrgarh (Balochistan, now in Pakistan):
- One of the oldest known agricultural sites in South Asia.
- Evidence of wheat, barley cultivation and cattle domestication from as early as 7000 BCE.
Burzahom (Kashmir):
- Pit dwellings and evidence of both agriculture and hunting.
Chirand (Bihar):
- Important site for rice cultivation.
Koldihwa and Mahagara (Uttar Pradesh):
- Provide early evidence of rice farming around 6500 BCE.

5. Socio-Economic Impact of Agriculture in the Pre-Historic Era

Population Growth: With stable food sources, populations began to grow.
Division of Labour: Not everyone needed to hunt or gather; some could specialize in tool-making, pottery, or trade.
Social Hierarchy: Ownership of land and food surplus may have led to the rise of social stratification.
Trade and Exchange: Agricultural surplus could be exchanged or bartered, promoting local trade networks.
Community Life: People began to form village communities, leading to the birth of early civilizations.

6. Agricultural Techniques and Tools

Clearing of Land: Trees and bushes were cleared using stone axes.
Sowing and Harvesting: Basic tools like digging sticks, sickles, and hoes were used.
Irrigation: There is no evidence of artificial irrigation in this period; cultivation was rain-dependent.
Crop Rotation or Multiple Crops: Not practiced in this era; one crop was grown based on seasonal suitability.

7. Conclusion

The development of agriculture during the pre-historic era laid the foundation for human civilization. While no agriculture existed during the early Palaeolithic period, the Mesolithic period showed signs of semi-cultivation, and by the Neolithic age, full-fledged agriculture had developed. This marked a major transformation from a nomadic life to a settled, agrarian society. The shift to agriculture also paved the way for socio-economic development, cultural growth, and eventually the rise of towns and civilizations such as the Indus Valley Civilization.

Describe the status and development of agriculture during the pre-historic era