Class 9 History Notes
Introduction of Beginning of Civilization
Civilization did not develop suddenly. It was the result of gradual human development over a long
period. About 2 million years ago, early humans lived as hunters and gatherers. They hunted wild
animals, collected fruits, roots and seeds, and depended completely on nature.
Benefits of Fire
- Cooked food
- Warmth
- Protection from wild animals
- Light at night
Cultural Development
Early humans lived in small groups, used simple stone tools (hand axes, choppers, scrapers),
discovered fire, developed language, created cave paintings, and gradually moved towards farming
and permanent settlements.
Early Human History
Prehistory: Before writing; studied using fossils, bones, stone tools and cave paintings.
History: Began with writing; studied through inscriptions, manuscripts and records.
Periodisation
1. Palaeolithic (Old Stone Age)
2. Mesolithic (Middle Stone Age)
3. Neolithic (New Stone Age)
Palaeolithic Age
Hunters and gatherers; lived in caves and temporary shelters; used rough stone tools; discovered
fire; made cave paintings.
Mesolithic Age
Transition period; used microliths; began fishing, animal domestication and early farming.
Neolithic Age
Agriculture, permanent settlements, domesticated animals, polished stone tools, pottery, weaving
and cultivation of wheat, barley, rice and millets.
Introduction of Beginning of Civilization
Civilization did not develop suddenly. It was the result of gradual human development over a long
period. About 2 million years ago, early humans lived as hunters and gatherers. They hunted wild
animals, collected fruits, roots and seeds, and depended completely on nature.
Benefits of Fire
- Cooked food
- Warmth
- Protection from wild animals
- Light at night
Cultural Development
Early humans lived in small groups, used simple stone tools (hand axes, choppers, scrapers),
discovered fire, developed language, created cave paintings, and gradually moved towards farming
and permanent settlements.
Early Human History
Prehistory: Before writing; studied using fossils, bones, stone tools and cave paintings.
History: Began with writing; studied through inscriptions, manuscripts and records.
Periodisation
1. Palaeolithic (Old Stone Age)
2. Mesolithic (Middle Stone Age)
3. Neolithic (New Stone Age)
Palaeolithic Age
Hunters and gatherers; lived in caves and temporary shelters; used rough stone tools; discovered
fire; made cave paintings.
Mesolithic Age
Transition period; used microliths; began fishing, animal domestication and early farming.
Neolithic Age
Agriculture, permanent settlements, domesticated animals, polished stone tools, pottery, weaving
and cultivation of wheat, barley, rice and millets.
