Neolithic age or the final stage which means it was the third part i.e. after the Mesolithic period. The word Neolithic is mostly applied to anthropology and archaeology. The period was marked by cultural evolution or development in technology among prehistoric humans. The era was characterized by using cultivated land or domestic cattle, sheep and goats, and the arrival of crafts such as weaving and pottery. This period has its importance due to its megalithic architecture, utilising the weapons and tools constructed out of stone or domestication of plants. Palaeolithic and Mesolithic culture differentiates them from the Neolithic culture of hunting, food gathering or fishing.

Revolution in the Neolithic Age                     

The Neolithic Revolution or referred to as the first agricultural revolution during the late 19th century CE by historians. It covered the period ranging from around 7,000 B. C. to 1,000 B.C. in India. The period provided a remarkable change in the lifestyle of Homo sapiens in various fields. The archaeologist indicates that the era is characterised by the advent of agriculture, operating tools and weapons constructed of polished stones, the first appearance of pottery or growing some major crops such as ragi, rice, cotton, wheat, etc. earlier human beings lived in tiny groups as hunter-gatherers. Some gender discrimination during then in activities like hunting and gathering plants was noticeable. Men used to hunt and women used to gather plants. However, things started to change by the end of the final Ice age. With the increase in population, nourishing and feeding the increased number of people was essential some scholars suggested starting growing plants and food of their own. This phase revolutionized human life and so-known as the Agriculture Revolution.

Characteristics and Development in the Neolithic Age

There were several developmental phases in the Neolithic age or characteristics of the development of the Neolithic Age. The era experienced the turning of a man from a food producer to a food gatherer. The development of the Neolithic period was around the Holocene Epoch. The usefulness of metal was not known to them.

  • In the Neolithic Age, agriculture developed diversely as humans started growing various crops. Some more modifications by the adoption of farming were brought to them. Due to growing crops such as wheat, barley, ragi, etc., they termed themselves as food producers. They also domesticated cattle, sheep and goats in that time. People stopped wandering to tend their fields and moved to permanent villages. That was where they began developing new tools and also the creation of pottery.
  • With the increment in the population, more ideas were traded because they started living together in larger groups. So, there was a rise in social and technological innovation among the people.
  • This period has its importance for its Megalithic Architecture in various places.
  • Initially, people used weapons such as axes. Different types of axes were found in different parts. People from the southern part used an oval sized and sharp butt type of axe while the northern part used axes which had curved cutting edges and were rectangular.
  • People began to live in permanent houses which brought new forms of social organisation. The houses were usually made up of mud or reed rectangular or circular. People living in the pit-dwelling or mud-brick houses can also be reportedly seen in different areas.
  • In terms of technology, the Neolithic period primarily used hand-made pottery but later it developed and started using foot wheels to make pots.
  • The people of the Neolithic period lived a settled community life. The people had common rights over their property.

Changes between the Palaeolithic Stone Age and Neolithic Stone Age 

Some of the changes which occurred between the Palaeolithic Stone Age and the Neolithic Stone Age are as follows:

Conclusion    

The Neolithic Period or the New Stone age is the period which is indicated with agriculture as its connection because in this time the introduction of cereal cultivation and animal domestication occurred. The people began to utilise cultivated land to grow different crops, advanced tools, pottery or constant shelters. The Palaeolithic Era succeeds the Mesolithic Era and Mesolithic Era succeeds the Neolithic Era, which is also the last stage of the Stone Age. Copper metallurgy was introduced by the end of the Neolithic era, indicating a changing time to the Bronze Age. The Eneolithic Era or Chalcolithic Era is thus referred to as the Bronze Era.