Evolution of Humans and Society - Prehistoric Period

Objectives

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- To trace the world's early history - To understand human evolution - To know prehistoric Tamilagam up to the Iron Age

Recap

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- The history of humans is intimately linked with the history of the earth. The earth originated around 4.54 billion years ago. - The ancestors of human called hominins appeared about 57 million years ago. - Although people gave divine explanations for the origin of humans, science believes in the theory of human evolution from the great apes. - Humans began to domesticate animals and cultivate crops. The agricultural revolution led to many changes. Humans lived in permanent houses, made pottery and with the surplus production, they developed various crafts. - The earliest evidence of humans is available in Tamil Nadu around 2-1.5million years ago. - The Middle Paleolithic Culture is found in some parts of Tamil Nadu. - The Mesolithic people lived in all the areas of Tamil Nadu. - Iron tools were used in agriculture. - The Iron Age saw further expansion of people in various cultural zones. The foundation of subsequent Sangam Age was laid during this age.