Question

What was the extension of the Neolithic age in history?
A. 20000- 10000 BC
B. 9000- 4000 BC
C. 4000-2500 BC
D. 2500 BC- 1 AD

Answer 1

Hint:
The Neolithic age meant “THE NEW STONE AGE” which was the last and third part of the stone age. Neolithic age is also known as the “FOOD-PRODUCING STAGE” since human beings were well versed with the art of procuring and consuming food.

Complete answer:
The advent of agriculture is a unique feature of the Neolithic age which sets it apart from its preceded ages. The Neolithic age Era began when human beings shifted from the semi-nomadic, hunter-gatherer lifestyle completely to take up farming. It also witnessed the use of pottery for the very first time which became a hallmark for the art and culture in India and various other regions.

The time period of 20000- 10000 BC is known to be the last sub-division of the Palaeolithic or old stone age. Thus we can broadly deduce that this was the age of the UPPER- PALAEOLITHIC period also known as the “late stone age”. This period marked the expansion of modern humans from Africa to Eurasia which contributed to the extinction of the Neanderthals. Therefore this cannot be termed as the correct option.

The Neolithic age was preceded by the Mesolithic Age ( 9000 BC- 4000 BC), it was also known as the middle stone age wherein man was a nomad and a hunter. Smaller tools known as “ MICROLITHS” came into vogue which were 1-8cm long. The Mesolithic age was a transitioning phase from the Palaeolithic age to the Neolithic age. Hence, this won’t be regarded as the correct option.

The Neolithic age started around 4000- 2500 BC, this age is mainly characterized by the development of agriculture and the use of tools and weapons made of polished stones. Man practiced agriculture in a primitive form, he had a sedentary life and mostly settled near rivers. The aim of this age was “ TO PRODUCE FOOD” . The first crop cultivated by the Indian Neolithic man was Barley and Wheat. Henceforth, this is ultimately the correct option.

The period of time from 2500 BC - 1 AD is also known as the Proto-historic period, since it marked the beginning of the Bronze age civilization. It is identified with the advent of bronze made from copper and tin. Thus people were known to the art of metallurgy. This age differed since it paved the way for the art of writing. Eg. mesopotamia (cuneiform script), and Egypt (hieroglyphs). The very famous Indus valley civilization of India existed during this period of history. Hence this is not the correct option.

Therefore the answer is Option C

Note:
The Neolithic age began around 12000 years ago and ended as civilizations started to rise around 3500 BC. The term Neolithic came from two words: NEO or new and LITHIC or stone. However the exact time period of the Neolithic has been stated differently across different areas.