Evolution of civilization

By: Krutika Bellary

Civilization

Origins

The oldest human footprints in the world were unearthed at Laetoli, near Olduvai Gorge, in Tanzinia. These footprints led Owen Lovejoy to conclude that even these early hominids

Lucy - is one of the oldest and most complete skeletons of human ancestry, which was discovered by Don Johansson in Ethiopia's Afar Triangle.

Ramapithecus - ape manAustralopithecus - definition of a manHomo erectus or Homo Sapiens - true manHeidelberg man - primitive manNeanderthal man - skill full huntingCro-Magnon man – extinct mordern man

lived in caves they were hunters and gatheres

Evolution of Man

Time periods

Study of Pre-Historic and Post-Historic Culture

The pre-historic period was divided into – 1. Paleolithic age2. Neolithic age3. Chalcolithic age

Pre-historic Period

Paleo - Old ; Lithos - StonePaleolithic or Old Stone Age dates

from the first stone tool makers (approx. 2 million BC) to about 10,000 BC.

They used the rough/rugged stones for tools and weapons.

Absolute dependence on nature by gathering food and hunting animals.

Paleolithic age

Discovered fire from stones for cooking, warmth and protection from animals.

Extremely nomadic way of life (moving from place to place to hunt).

Developed simple tools from stone, bone or wood.

Invented clothing.Cave paintings and religious rituals.

- Continued

oArtifacts found during this age

Neo – New ; Lithos - StoneThis period began in Ireland with the arrival of

the first farmers around 3500 BC.Organized farming methods and crops and

animals.New house types.New crafts .Burials rituals – megalithic (great stones).They used polished and bladed stones.More sedentary life (stayed in fixed places

able to build cities).

Neolithic age

Farming became a major part of humans in the Neolithic age

•Farming in Neolithic age

 Most complete Neolithic village, Skara Brae

The Stonehenge, United Kingdom

oArtifacts of the Neolithic age

Also known as the “ Copper Age” began at around 4500BC

This age was the age of metals.The discovery of which was a milestone in the growth of

civilizationThe use of copper was at large, but later it was also

mixed other metals that were discovers during that time which resulted in the discovery of bronze.

Indus Valley Civilization is the best example in the civilization of copper age.

The metal was mainly used to make axes, swords, spearheads, etc. used for hunting and farming.

Chalcolithic Age

oArtifacts of the Chalcolithic age.

Indus valley civilization

Indus Valley Civilization

The Indus Valley Region:

Indus civilization is also called Indus valley civilization or Harappa civilization.

It was not discovered until the 1920’s.These settlements were established along the Indus River some 5000

years ago. These were one of the world's earliest major urban settlements.The Indus civilization is known to have comprised two large cities,

Harappa and Mohenjo-Daro, and more than 100 towns and villages, often of relatively small size but well planned and walled.

Trade and Agriculture were the major sources of their income.

Harappa to have been far larger than once thought, perhaps supporting a population of 50,000 at certain periods

These cities were well planned with wide streets, public and private wells, drains, bathing platforms and reservoirs. One of its most well-known structures is the Great Bath of Mohenjo Daro .

People in the Indus Valley played board games like this, moving pieces between squares.

Maze puzzles and dice games were enjoyed by children and adults.

Civilizations In The Ancient, Medieval And Modern Ages

The period of new civilization is divided into three phases – Ancient Age

Medieval AgeModern Age

The growth of kingdoms, steel weapons, writings, politics, military, money, etc. were the foundations of the new civilization.

Literacy rate was on the rise with the expansion of Rome.

Roman empire showed how governing could help the new civilization.

Ancient Age

In India, Indus Valley Civilization marks the beginning of the ancient civilization.

In early vedic period, the social order in ancient India enabled members to smoothly climb the ladder of life.

The religion of the Indian origin was very simple and its contributions are evidently high.

The four stages in an individuals life were- Bhramacharya- Grihastha- Vanaprastha and- Sanyasa.

There was also division of classes called “ Varnashrama Dharma”.

The classes were- Brahmin: the one who parts knowledge.- Kshatriyas: the ones defending the society.- Vaisyas: were farmers.- Sudras: the traders• This social order did not imply any

discrimination such as big or small, high or low in its constituents.

The complete life concept called “Chaturvida Purushartha” marked out the Indian society globally.

These fourfold objectives of life are-- Dharma: the universal law- Artha: the wealth- Kama: the desire- Moksha: the salvation

• The later vedic period saw the formation of powerful kingdoms like panchala, kosala, maghada, etc.

• During this period, mauryas and guptas in the north; satavahans, pallavas and cholas in the south of India realized the importance education and established universities like Nalanda, Ujjain, Sarnatha, Ajantha and Taxasila.

• Great scientists like Aryabhatta, Virahamihira, Brahmaguptha and others flourished during this period.

• Establishments like institutions, health-care centers, trade links, etc. were major achievements seen in the ancient age.

It starts with the fall of the Roman Empire and establishment of the Muslim rule in India.

India was under the Muslim rule for over 600years.Hinduism and Islam were however in the opposed

and influenced movements like Sufi among Muslims and Bhakti among the Hindus.

The unity of these two civilizations developed art called “The Indo-Muslim Art”.

Taj Mahal, Qutub Minar, Red Fort, etc. are the examples of such art.

The medieval age formulated and reformulated the socio-economic order to meet the challenges of the changing times.

Medieval Age

Scientific inventions and technological revolution is evident in the modern historic period.

Invention of microscope and telescope led to the discovery of other many things.

Advancement in the field of agriculture industry and communication was a major support for the progress of the civilization.

Modern Age

Science and civilization textbook- Madan Lal Malpani

V.Prabhakaraiah

Saraswati Rao

Acadamics.triton.edu.com

Bibliography