When did the Iron Age start and end?

The time period of the iron age varied as per geography, for instance in the Middle East and southeastern Europe the iron age began in 1200 B.C but in China it would not begin until 600 B.C. Whichever civilization would perfect the art of smelting iron, the iron age for that civilization would begin in earnest

For further reading check the following articles:

• Prehistoric Age in India
• Prehistoric Rock Paintings