Early Stone Age Culture of North-East India

The early Stone Age culture of North-East India encompasses a period of time between 2.5 million years ago to around 10,000 years ago. During this period, the region saw the emergence of various prehistoric cultures and the development of early human societies.

The earliest human ancestors in North-East India were likely Homo erectus, who lived in the region between 1.6 to 1.8 million years ago. They were known for their use of fire and their advanced stone tool technology, including the production of Acheulian tools such as handaxes and cleavers.

As the Lower Paleolithic period progressed, the region saw the emergence of the Soan culture, also known as the Soanian, which existed in the northwestern region of the Indian subcontinent, around the present-day region of Pakistan. The Soan culture is known for its advanced stone tool technology, including the production of large, bifacial handaxes, cleavers, and scrapers. These tools were primarily made from locally available materials such as quartzite and jasper. The Soan people were likely hunter-gatherers, who relied on hunting and gathering for survival.

The Middle Stone Age or Mesolithic period in North-East India is characterized by the development of more advanced stone tool technology. The Mesolithic period in the region is dated to be between 10,000 and 5,000 years ago. One of the key industries of the Mesolithic period in the region was the production of microlithic tools. Microliths are small, finely made stone tools that were used for a variety of tasks, such as hunting and woodworking. These tools were made using a technique called pressure flaking, in which small flakes were removed from a core using a bone or antler tool.

The Neolithic period in North-East India is dated between 5000-3000 BCE. The key characteristics of the Neolithic period in the region are the presence of polished stone tools such as axes, adzes, and chisels, pottery and evidence of agriculture. The Neolithic people of the region were likely engaged in farming, hunting, and gathering activities.

Overall, the early Stone Age culture of North-East India encompasses a long period of time during which the region saw the emergence of various prehistoric cultures and the development of early human societies. The region has a rich history of human habitation, from early human ancestors to advanced cultures with agriculture, pottery, and polished stone tools.