Chapter 4: Early Humans and Beginning of Civilisation
Class 9 Social Science Notes
Introduction
Human history began millions of years before the invention of writing. This long period is called Prehistory. Since no written records existed, historians study this period through archaeology, fossils, tools, cave paintings, and ancient settlements.
The invention of writing marked the beginning of recorded history and helped people preserve knowledge for future generations.
Why Study Early Human History?
Studying early humans helps us understand:
- How humans evolved.
- How people adapted to different climates.
- How tools improved over time.
- How farming began.
- How villages and cities developed.
- How the first civilisations emerged.
Prehistory and History
| Prehistory | History |
|---|---|
| No writing system | Writing system existed |
| Studied through archaeology | Studied through written records and archaeology |
| Covers most of human history | Covers the last few thousand years |
Human Evolution
Scientists believe that the earliest human ancestors evolved in Africa.
Important stages include:
Homo habilis
- One of the earliest tool makers.
- Used simple stone tools.
Homo erectus
- Walked fully upright.
- Made hand axes and cleavers.
- First human ancestor to migrate out of Africa.
Homo sapiens
- Modern humans.
- Developed advanced tools.
- Created art and language.
- Spread across the world.
Archaeology
Archaeology is the scientific study of the past through material remains.
Archaeologists study:
- Stone tools
- Fossils
- Pottery
- Bones
- Buildings
- Cave paintings
These discoveries help us understand the lifestyle of early humans.
Fossils
A fossil is the preserved remain or impression of a plant, animal, or human from the distant past.
Fossils provide valuable information about evolution and ancient life.
Stone Age
The Stone Age is divided into three stages.
1. Palaeolithic Age (Old Stone Age)
Features
- Humans lived as hunter-gatherers.
- Used rough stone tools.
- Lived in caves and temporary shelters.
- Hunted animals and collected fruits, roots, and nuts.
- Used fire.
- Made cave paintings.
Tools
- Hand axes
- Cleavers
- Choppers
- Scrapers
2. Mesolithic Age (Middle Stone Age)
Features
- Climate became warmer.
- Smaller stone tools called microliths were developed.
- Fishing became common.
- Rock paintings became more detailed.
- Temporary settlements appeared near rivers and lakes.
3. Neolithic Age (New Stone Age)
This period brought one of the biggest changes in human history.
Main Features
- Farming began.
- Animals were domesticated.
- Permanent villages developed.
- Pottery making started.
- Polished stone tools were used.
- Weaving and spinning developed.
This major change is called the Neolithic Revolution.
Neolithic Revolution
The Neolithic Revolution refers to the shift from hunting and gathering to farming.
Importance
- Food production increased.
- Permanent settlements developed.
- Population increased.
- Villages were formed.
- Trade slowly began.
Chalcolithic Age
The Chalcolithic Age means the Copper-Stone Age.
Features
- Copper tools were used along with stone tools.
- Farming improved.
- Craft production increased.
- Trade expanded.
- Large settlements developed.
Bronze Age
Bronze is made by mixing copper and tin.
Features
- Better tools and weapons.
- Growth of towns.
- Long-distance trade.
- Development of writing.
- Rise of civilisations.
Early Human Sites in India
Important archaeological sites include:
- Attirampakkam (Tamil Nadu)
- Isampur (Karnataka)
- Bhimbetka (Madhya Pradesh)
- Mehrgarh (present-day Pakistan)
- Sanganakallu (Karnataka)
Mehrgarh
Mehrgarh is one of the earliest farming villages in South Asia.
Importance
- Wheat and barley cultivation.
- Domestication of cattle, sheep, and goats.
- Mud-brick houses.
- Pottery making.
- Copper objects.
Mehrgarh later influenced the development of the Harappan Civilisation.
Sindhu–Sarasvatī (Harappan) Civilisation
One of the world’s earliest urban civilisations.
Features
- Planned cities.
- Excellent drainage system.
- Standard weights and measures.
- Trade with other regions.
- Skilled craft production.
- Undeciphered script.
- Agriculture was highly developed.
Bronze Age Civilisations
Four major river valley civilisations developed independently.
| Civilisation | River |
|---|---|
| Sindhu–Sarasvatī | Indus and Sarasvatī |
| Mesopotamia | Tigris and Euphrates |
| Egypt | Nile |
| China | Huang He (Yellow River) |
Mesopotamian Civilisation
Location
Present-day Iraq and nearby regions.
Important Features
- First city-based civilisation.
- Irrigation canals.
- Ziggurats (temples).
- Cuneiform writing.
- Trade and crafts.
- Wheel and sailboat developed.
- Number system based on 60.
Cuneiform Script
- One of the earliest writing systems.
- Written on clay tablets.
- Used wedge-shaped marks.
Hammurabi
King Hammurabi introduced one of the earliest written law codes.
Importance
- Rules for society.
- Justice and administration.
- Influenced later legal systems.
Egyptian Civilisation
Developed along the River Nile.
Features
- Pharaohs ruled Egypt.
- Pyramid construction.
- Mummification.
- Hieroglyphic writing.
- Calendar of 365 days.
- Advanced farming through Nile floods.
Pharaoh
The Pharaoh was the king and supreme ruler of ancient Egypt.
Mummification
The process of preserving dead bodies for the afterlife.
Chinese Civilisation
Developed along the Huang He and Yangtze rivers.
Features
- Bronze technology.
- Oracle bone writing.
- Jade craftsmanship.
- Silk production.
- Strong dynasties.
- Great Wall of China.
- Early paper currency (later period).
Importance of Rivers
Rivers helped early civilisations by providing:
- Water for farming.
- Fertile soil.
- Drinking water.
- Transportation.
- Trade routes.
- Fishing.
- Settlement opportunities.
Importance of Writing
Writing helped people:
- Keep records.
- Collect taxes.
- Record laws.
- Preserve literature.
- Maintain trade accounts.
- Communicate ideas.
Timeline
- Early humans appear in Africa.
- Stone Age begins.
- Palaeolithic Age.
- Mesolithic Age.
- Neolithic Revolution.
- Chalcolithic Age.
- Bronze Age Civilisations.
- Iron Age.
Key Terms
Archaeology – Study of the human past through material remains.
Fossil – Preserved remains of ancient living organisms.
Hunter-Gatherer – Person who survived by hunting animals and collecting wild plants.
Domestication – Taming animals and growing crops under human control.
Civilisation – An advanced society with cities, trade, writing, and organised government.
Cuneiform – Ancient Mesopotamian writing system.
Hieroglyphics – Ancient Egyptian writing system.
Ziggurat – Temple tower of Mesopotamia.
Pharaoh – King of ancient Egypt.
Mummification – Preservation of dead bodies.
One-Line Revision
- Africa is considered the birthplace of modern humans.
- Homo erectus was the first human ancestor to migrate out of Africa.
- Homo sapiens are modern humans.
- Stone Age has three stages: Palaeolithic, Mesolithic, and Neolithic.
- Farming began during the Neolithic Age.
- Mehrgarh is one of the earliest farming villages in South Asia.
- Harappan script has not yet been deciphered.
- Mesopotamians invented cuneiform writing.
- Egyptians built pyramids for their pharaohs.
- The Nile River supported Egyptian civilisation.
- The Huang He River supported early Chinese civilisation.
- Rivers played a major role in the rise of ancient civilisations.
- The Bronze Age saw the growth of cities, trade, and writing.
Chapter 4: Early Humans and Beginning of Civilisation
Question Bank
✅ Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs)
✅ Fill in the Blanks
✅ True/False
✅ Match the Following
✅ One-word Answer Questions
✅ Very Short Answer Questions
✅ Short Answer Questions
✅ Long Answer Questions
✅ Assertion–Reason Questions
✅ Case-based Questions
✅ Map-based Questions
A. Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs)
1. The period before the invention of writing is called:
a) Historic period
b) Medieval period
c) Prehistoric period
d) Modern period
Answer: c) Prehistoric period
2. The study of the past through material remains is called:
a) Geography
b) Archaeology
c) Biology
d) Anthropology
Answer: b) Archaeology
3. The earliest human ancestors evolved in:
a) Europe
b) Asia
c) Africa
d) America
Answer: c) Africa
4. Homo erectus was known for making:
a) Bronze tools
b) Iron weapons
c) Hand axes and cleavers
d) Paper
Answer: c) Hand axes and cleavers
5. Modern humans are called:
a) Homo habilis
b) Homo erectus
c) Homo sapiens
d) Australopithecus
Answer: c) Homo sapiens
6. The Old Stone Age is known as:
a) Mesolithic
b) Neolithic
c) Palaeolithic
d) Chalcolithic
Answer: c) Palaeolithic
7. Microliths were mainly used during:
a) Bronze Age
b) Mesolithic Age
c) Iron Age
d) Neolithic Age
Answer: b) Mesolithic Age
8. The Neolithic Revolution refers to:
a) Beginning of metal use
b) Discovery of fire
c) Beginning of agriculture
d) Beginning of writing
Answer: c) Beginning of agriculture
9. Mehrgarh is located near:
a) River Nile
b) River Bolan
c) River Huang He
d) River Tigris
Answer: b) River Bolan
10. The Harappan script is:
a) Fully translated
b) A modern script
c) Not yet deciphered
d) Written in Greek
Answer: c) Not yet deciphered
11. The Bronze Age civilisation developed mainly in:
a) River valleys
b) Deserts
c) Mountains
d) Islands
Answer: a) River valleys
12. Mesopotamia was located between:
a) Nile and Congo rivers
b) Indus and Sarasvatī rivers
c) Tigris and Euphrates rivers
d) Huang He and Yangtze rivers
Answer: c) Tigris and Euphrates rivers
13. The writing system of Mesopotamia was:
a) Hieroglyphics
b) Brahmi
c) Cuneiform
d) Sanskrit
Answer: c) Cuneiform
14. The temple towers of Sumerians were called:
a) Pyramids
b) Ziggurats
c) Stupas
d) Forts
Answer: b) Ziggurats
15. Hammurabi is associated with:
a) Egypt
b) China
c) Mesopotamia
d) Harappan civilisation
Answer: c) Mesopotamia
16. Egyptian civilisation developed around:
a) Nile River
b) Indus River
c) Yangtze River
d) Euphrates River
Answer: a) Nile River
17. Egyptian kings were called:
a) Pharaohs
b) Caesars
c) Emperors
d) Sultans
Answer: a) Pharaohs
18. The process of preserving dead bodies in Egypt was:
a) Burial
b) Mummification
c) Cremation
d) Fossilisation
Answer: b) Mummification
19. Ancient Chinese civilisation developed near:
a) Nile River
b) Huang He and Yangtze rivers
c) Tigris River
d) Indus River
Answer: b) Huang He and Yangtze rivers
20. Oracle bones are related to:
a) Egypt
b) China
c) Mesopotamia
d) Harappan civilisation
Answer: b) China
B. Fill in the Blanks
- The study of ancient remains is called __________.
Answer: Archaeology
- Modern humans are known as __________.
Answer: Homo sapiens
- Homo erectus was the first hominin to move out of __________.
Answer: Africa
- The Old Stone Age is called __________.
Answer: Palaeolithic Age
- Tiny stone tools are called __________.
Answer: Microliths
- Farming began during the __________ period.
Answer: Neolithic
- Copper and stone tools were used during the __________ Age.
Answer: Chalcolithic
- Bronze is made by mixing copper and __________.
Answer: Tin
- Mehrgarh is one of the earliest farming villages in __________ Asia.
Answer: South
- The writing system of Sumerians was called __________.
Answer: Cuneiform
- The River Nile supported the growth of __________ civilisation.
Answer: Egyptian
- Egyptian rulers were known as __________.
Answer: Pharaohs
- The Great Wall belongs to the __________ civilisation.
Answer: Chinese
- The Harappan script is still __________.
Answer: undeciphered
- The process of preserving dead bodies is called __________.
Answer: Mummification
C. True or False
- Archaeologists study the past through material remains.
True
- Homo sapiens became extinct thousands of years ago.
False
- Agriculture began during the Neolithic Age.
True
- Mesolithic people used microliths.
True
- Bronze is made from iron and copper.
False
- The Nile River helped Egyptian civilisation grow.
True
- Cuneiform was developed in Egypt.
False
- The Harappan script has been completely understood.
False
- Rivers played an important role in early civilisations.
True
- Pharaohs were rulers of Egypt.
True
D. Match the Following
| Column A | Column B |
|---|---|
| Homo erectus | Hand axes |
| Homo sapiens | Modern humans |
| Mesopotamia | Tigris and Euphrates |
| Egypt | Nile River |
| China | Huang He River |
| Sumerians | Cuneiform |
| Egyptians | Pyramids |
| Harappans | Seals |
E. One Word Answer Questions
- Name the earliest human ancestor who used hand axes.
Homo erectus - Name the science that studies ancient remains.
Archaeology - Name the writing system of Mesopotamia.
Cuneiform - Name the Egyptian king.
Pharaoh - Name the preserved remains of ancient life.
Fossils - Name the earliest farming site in South Asia.
Mehrgarh - Name the ancient Egyptian writing system.
Hieroglyphics - Name the Chinese writing source found on bones.
Oracle bones
F. Very Short Answer Questions
1. What are fossils?
Answer: Fossils are preserved remains or impressions of ancient plants, animals, or humans.
2. What is domestication?
Answer: Domestication is the process of bringing plants and animals under human control.
3. Why is the Neolithic Revolution important?
Answer: It changed human life by introducing agriculture and permanent settlements.
4. Why were rivers important for early civilisations?
Answer: Rivers provided water, fertile soil, transport, and resources.
5. What were ziggurats?
Answer: Ziggurats were large temple towers built by the Sumerians.
G. Short Answer Questions
1. Explain the importance of archaeology.
Answer:
Archaeology helps us understand ancient societies through tools, fossils, pottery, buildings, and other remains.
2. Describe the life of Palaeolithic humans.
Answer:
Palaeolithic humans were hunter-gatherers. They used stone tools, lived in caves, hunted animals, and collected wild food.
3. What changes occurred during the Neolithic Age?
Answer:
People started farming, domesticated animals, built villages, made pottery, and used polished stone tools.
4. Write three features of the Harappan civilisation.
Answer:
- Planned cities
- Drainage systems
- Trade and craft production
5. Write three achievements of Sumerians.
Answer:
- Developed cuneiform writing.
- Built irrigation canals.
- Invented wheel and sailboat.
H. Long Answer Questions
1. Explain the stages of the Stone Age.
2. Describe the development of agriculture during the Neolithic Revolution.
3. Explain the main features of the Sindhu–Sarasvatī civilisation.
4. Describe the achievements of Egyptian civilisation.
5. Compare Mesopotamian and Egyptian civilisations.
I. Assertion–Reason Questions
1.
Assertion: Farming changed human life permanently.
Reason: It allowed people to live in permanent settlements.
a) Both are true and Reason correctly explains Assertion
b) Both true but Reason does not explain Assertion
c) Assertion true, Reason false
d) Both false
Answer: a
2.
Assertion: Rivers were important for early civilisations.
Reason: Rivers provided fertile land and water.
Answer: a
J. Case-Based Questions
Case:
Early humans depended on hunting and gathering. Later they learned farming and domesticated animals.
Questions:
- Which period is associated with farming?
Answer: Neolithic Age
- What is domestication?
Answer: Controlling and breeding plants and animals for human use.
- Name one result of farming.
Answer: Permanent settlements.
K. Map-Based Questions
- Locate the following rivers:
- Nile
- Tigris
- Euphrates
- Huang He
- Indus
- Locate important archaeological sites:
- Mehrgarh
- Harappa
- Mohenjo-daro
- Bhimbetka
- Dholavira