TNSCERT 6 HISTORY UNIT 2

2.HUMAN EVOLUTION

The story of human evolution can be scientifically studied with the help of Archaeology and Anthropology
Archaeology - study of pre-historic humans remained materials used by pre historic humans
Anthropology - study of humans and evolutionary history (Greek word: Anthro- man / human, logos - thought / reason)
They found the footprints of humans in Tanzania (Eastern Africa) in the rock beds submerged under the sea
With radio carbon dating, they found out the footprints were 3.5 million years old

PEOPLE AND THEIR HABITAT

HUMAN EVOLUTION

Human evolution - the process through which the humankind changes and develops towards an advanced stage of life
thus how we now see the modern human in erect position, walking in two legs, changes in thumb and the development of the brain
Homo sapiens from East Africa migrated to other parts of the world
Based on weather, climate and nature of the living place, their physique and complexion also differed resulted in the formation of different races

HUNTING AND FOOD GATHERING

Our ancestors led a nomadic life, lived in groups in a cave or mountain range
They hunted and scavenged the animals, learnt the art of fishing, collected fruits and honey, wore hides of animals during winter
Art of flaking - keeping a stone in the bottom and sharpening it with another stone

STONE TOOLS AND WEAPONS

The best stone for the making weapons was chikki-mukki kal (flint). It is known for its strength and durability
They made sharp weapons and tools, fitted them with wood to grip them
After making stone tools, humans discovered the use of fire, they used flint stone to make fire and used it to protect them from predators, for cooking food
Even today, People in the villages of Nilgiris district, have the habit of making fire without matchbox

INVENTION OF WHEEL

First scientific invention of humans using their brain and cognitive skills, when they saw the stones rolling down from the mountains (probably they would have got this idea)

POT MAKING

The invention of wheel made pot making easier, and the pots made were burnt to make it stronger

ANCIENT ROCK PAINTINGS

Before the use of language, humans expressed their feelings through actions and also recorded it in rock paintings
Approximately there are 750 caves, in which 500 caves have paintings (depict hunting pictures of the male and female, dancing pictures and pictures of children playing)

AGRICULTURE

Due to large scale hunting, many animals became extinct. Non availability of meat forced them to look for fruits and vegetables for food
Dogs became the first animal to be domesticated by humans followed by domestication of hen, goat and cow
With proper sowing and nurturing, they could increase the number of plants more than ones that grew naturally. Thus agriculture and farming came into existence
Oxen were used for ploughing, later the invention of plough made the agriculture easier
Once the fertility of the soil decreased, they moved to a new place
By experience, they understood that land close to the river side was suitable for farming. So they decided to stay there permanently
Barter system - they exchanged the surplus grains with the other groups for the other things
Thus trade and commerce developed and towns and cities emerged.

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