Mesolithic Age

The mesolithic age came after the Paleolithic age. The age laid the foundation for the neolithic age. This particular age saw a great amount of diversity and innovation. Microliths were chipped stone tools used in the Mesolithic age, which were used for hunting. During this age, very crucial progress was seen as the polished stone was discovered by men.  

Higher efficiency during hunting was achieved by Mesolithic hunters when compared to palaeolithic hunters. The list of available food resources was increased, and more animals and plants were now consumed for nutrition. This “Middle Stone Age” was a time when a great amount of diversity and innovation was introduced in a man’s life.  

Chronology of the Mesolithic Age

• In regions of central Europe, the Mesolithic age lasted from 10,000 to 5,500 BC 
• In regions of northern and western Europe, the Mesolithic age lasted from 10,000 to 4,000 BC
• In regions of East Asia, the Mesolithic age lasted from 10,000 to 6,000 BC 
• In the regions of the middle east, the Mesolithic age lasted from 10,000 to 8,000 BC 
• In the regions of South Asia and India, the Mesolithic ages lasted from 9,000 BC to 4000 BC

The culture associated with these times usually differs from region to region, but we can see a change from group hunting to other hunter-gatherer activities being adopted. Polished stone tools were a technological advancement that was now being used while hunting. Mesolithic hunters were more accomplished than Paleolithic hunters. Uses of pottery were also seen in some regions during the Mesolithic period. In general, Mesolithic communities were not truly complex, living a simple life; even their burials were subtle and simple.  

Some Important Facts Related to the Mesolithic Period

• The inhabitants were dependent on their environment hugely during the Mesolithic period
• The primary source of food was hunting and gathering during these times, and in the latter stages of the Mesolithic period, we could even see the domestication of animals happening
• This age saw culturally rich people emerge, inhabitants of rock caves, and other areas painted depicting human beings and other animals such as birds
• Many such shelters depicting paintings from the Mesolithic age can be seen in Madhya Pradesh, India
• Microliths that were stone tools became the characteristic tool of the Mesolithic age

Findings of Archaeological Excavations

When Mesolithic sites were excavated by archaeologists and historians, many sites were discovered. These sites have beautiful rock art made by Mesolithic men. In addition to rock art, historians discovered paintings that depicted humans with animals, such as birds. Many sites which indicated religious practice were also discovered. Engravings were also found near places where Mesolithic men inhabited. The mesolithic age saw a succession of growing art forms from the Paleolithic period, and the inhabitants were dependent on their environment. Sculptural artefacts were also discovered all over Europe, which can be dated back to the Mesolithic times. Such artefacts show us that men of those times have already discovered the use of pottery and pot making. These discoveries show us that the inhabitants were dependent on their environment. 

 Discovery of Mesolithic Sites

• Bagor, Rajasthan, is a very famous Mesolithic site. Upon excavating, a microlithic industry was discovered in Bagor
• The people of Bagor survived through the Mesolithic period by hunting and gathering
• Bhimbetka, Madhya Pradesh, is yet another famous Mesolithic site in India
• Bhimbetka, upon excavation, revealed more than 500 rock shelters that were exquisitely painted
• On the Mediterranean coast of Spain, beautiful rock art has been found in extensive quantities
• These paintings have shown humans hunting and performing various agricultural activities

In England and Denmark, many Mesolithic sites have been found. The pendants from the two sites have shown major resemblances. The sites have proved that polished stone tools were a technological advancement in the Mesolithic age. 

Conclusion

The mesolithic age saw a succession of growing art forms from the Paleolithic period, and the inhabitants were dependent on their environment. Sculptural artefacts were also discovered, which can be dated back to the Mesolithic times. Such artefacts show us that men of those times have already discovered the use of pottery and pot making.