NCERT Class 6 History Chapter 2 Notes from the chapter – From Hunting-Gathering to Growing Food.
Who were the earliest people?
The earliest people lived in the subcontinent about 2 million years ago. They were hunters and gatherers.
They hunted wild animals and caught fish and birds.
They also gathered fruits, roots, nuts, seeds, leaves, stalks, and eggs from the forests.
Why did the earliest people move from place to place?
The earliest people were nomadic and moved from place to place for survival.
- They moved in search of food and water.
- They followed the animals and chased animals for hunting.
- They moved with seasons in search of fruits.
- They moved to escape from natural disasters.
How do we know about the Earliest People?
Archaeologists found the tools and objects that were used by the earliest people. These may be found on the surface, buried under the earth, or sometimes even underwater.
These tools were made of stones, bones, and wood.
Rock paintings are also found at Bhimbetka which tell about the earliest people living near the Narmada Valley.
NCERT Class 6 History Chapter 2 Notes
How did the earliest people use the tools?
People used tools made of stones, bones, or wood.
Stone tools were used:
> To cut meat and bones
> To scrape bark (from trees) and hides (animal skins)
> To chop fruit and roots.
> Some stone tools were attached to handles of bone or wood and used as spears and arrows for hunting.
> For digging the ground to collect edible roots.
> For stitching clothes made out of animal skin.
Wood was used:
> To make shelter or huts.
> As firewood.
> As arrows and spears.
How did the people choose the places to live?
People stayed at the places where:
> Good quality stones were available for making tools.
> Water sources were nearby.
> Fruits and other forest produces were available.
> Animals were available for hunting.
> Caves or suitable places were available for shelter.
How did the earliest people use fire?
The earliest people used fire:
> As a source of light and heat.
> To roast meat.
> To scare away wild animals.
Timeline of Stone Age in the subcontinent
2 million – 12000 years ago => Palaeolithic Age (Old Stone Age)
12000 – 10000 years ago => Mesolithic Age (Middle Stone Age)
10000 – 4000 years ago => Neolithic Age (New Stone Age)
The Change of Climate around 10000 BCE (12000 years ago)
The climate became slightly warmer.
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Grasslands developed in many areas.
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An increase in the population of grass-eating animals.
Class 6 History Chapter 2 Question Answers
