Question

Write short notes on – Daily life of early humans, Mehrgarh Period I.

Answer 1

Daily life of early humans: The early humans lived in groups that had leaders. The most elder or the strongest member of the group was selected as the leader. Each member had separate tasks to perform. Some were responsible for harvesting crops, some to take care of the animals, some to make pots. The surplus crops were exchanged with other groups through barter system. The popular modes of entertainment were singing, dancing and painting.

Mehrgarh: Mehrgarh in Pakistan is the earliest known site of farming and pastoral settlement of early humans in the Indian Subcontinent. The earliest evidence of settlement here dates back to as early as 7,000 BC. It has been assumed that this was the site where early humans first cultivated crops and domesticated animals. Charred grains, sickles and bones of animals were found, which proved that early humans grew crops and settled here.

Period I: This period extended from 7,000 BC to 5,500 BC. Wheat and barley were the crops that were cultivated in this period. Bones of animals have been found in the sites and shows that cattle, sheep and goats were domesticated. The houses were simple, square- and rectangular-shaped mud houses. Pottery was not found. But several burial sites were found, many of which contained ornaments, limestone, stone axes, turquoise and sandstone along with animals and women figures.