Neolithic Age: Meaning and Characteristics

The term “Neolithic” originates from the Greek words “neo,” which means “new,” and “Lithos,” which refers to stone. Together, these words form the modern English word “Neolithic.” As a result, it is actually referring to the New Stone Age. The period of time known as the Neolithic age, sometimes known as the new stone age, was the final stage of the stone era.

Sir John Lubbock is credited as being the first person to make use of the term “Neolithic” in the year 1865 A.D. The most significant relics of a Neolithic culture have been discovered in Afghanistan, Kashmir, Bihar, Asam, Orissa, Bengal, Uttar Pradesh, and South India. These regions are located in India. Evidence of this civilization has been discovered in other parts of India as well, including the southern part of the country.

General Characteristics

When Neolithic people first began taming wild animals and cultivating wild plants, a significant milestone was reached toward the development of civilization. This was a landmark time in human history. This was a critical step in the process to complete.

Domestication of Animals

People started domesticating animals so they could use them in their daily life rather than hunting and killing them for food. This allowed people to avoid having to hunt and kill animals for their food. The dog was the first animal to ever be domesticated, followed by sheep, goats, pigs, Onager Gazelles, Buffalo, Dear, owls, Ass, Swine, Tortoises, and other milch animals. The dog was the first animal to ever be domesticated.

He would tame them for meat, milk, and make clothes for himself of of the hides. He became both hunter and herdsman as he successfully would gather large herds of animals. Despite the fact that the stone became the most common material to be used for making tools during that time, the tool industry attained a lot of progress.

The stone tools, and other implements were made with great skill and were created in many different shapes, and were most often ground, grooved, and polished. Bones and stones were extensively used to manufacture many tools like an axe, harpoons, sickle, grinders, blades, ploughs, and other tools.

Invention of the wheel

The invention of the wheel is without a doubt a significant landmark the history of human history. The wheel helped to speed up the development of civilisation, and it is possible that without the wheel, the present civilization would not have been possible. The invention of the wheel and in particular the potter’s wheel enabled it to create a wide range of pots. The wheel was utilised in the cars that were used for the transportation of goods and people from one location to another. The invention of the wheel is sometimes credited with being the catalyst for human civilization.

Food and clothing

The Neolithic civilizations saw a significant shift in their food habits as a direct result of the domestication of both plants and animals. They began to consume more beef, vegetables, wheat, barley, rice, milk, fish, fruits, ghee, and honey. The production of cotton and flax through agriculture, domestication of animals, and the development of the wheel all contributed to the weaving and spanning of cotton and woven garments. It’s likely that the spider’s web was the source of inspiration for the first woollen garments. The bone needles made the task of stitching garments much easier to do.

Dwellings

As soon as Neolithic Man had efficiently domesticated both plants and animals, he gave up living in caves and instead began constructing homes out of the branches and leaves of trees. In his later years, he built homes by stacking stones and clay into bricks.

Trade

The invention of the wheel and the subsequent creation of the wheeled cart allowed people to engage in the practise of bartering. This was made possible by the fact that people were able to transport their commodities to a larger number of locations.

Religion

The religious practises that were widespread throughout the Neolithic period are only partially understood by scholars living in modern times. People most likely maintained a high regard for natural forces such as thunder and lightning, in addition to the sun, the moon, and other aspects of their surroundings. Even if they gave their own ancestors a proper burial, it’s possible that they had respect for those who came before them.