Pre-Historic Period of Bihar
The pre-historic period in Bihar is divided into three major phases:
| Period | Time Frame | Key Sites in Bihar | Significant Findings |
|---|---|---|---|
| Paleolithic Age | Until 12000 BC | No evidence found | No known artefacts |
| Mesolithic Age | 12000 BC – 6000 BC | Munger, Nalanda, Hazaribagh, Ranchi, Singhbhum, Santhal Pargana | Tools, hand axes, cleavers, rock paintings |
| Neolithic Age | 2500 BC – 1345 BC | Chirand (Saran), Chechar (Vaishali), Taradih, Senuwar, Maner | Bone tools, black & red ware pottery, ochre-painted pottery |
1. Paleolithic Age
- No significant evidence has been found in Bihar related to the Paleolithic Age.
- The earliest traces of human activity in Bihar are from the Mesolithic period.
2. Mesolithic Age (12000 BC – 6000 BC)
- Artefacts from this period have been discovered in Munger, Hazaribagh, Ranchi, Singhbhum, and Santhal Pargana.
- The most significant findings from Bihar include:
- Tools, hand axes, and cleavers found at Paisra (Munger).
- Rock paintings discovered in Nawada, Kaimur, and Jamui hills.
- The rock paintings depict daily activities like hunting, dancing, and walking, along with images of the sun, moon, stars, animals, plants, and rivers, showcasing early human admiration for nature.
3. Neolithic Age (2500 BC – 1345 BC)
- Major Neolithic sites in Bihar:
- Chirand (Saran): Famous for Neolithic bone tools.
- Chechar (Vaishali): Known for black and red ware pottery, ochre-painted pottery, and spotted vessels.
- Other significant sites: Taradih, Senuwar, and Maner.
4. Chalcolithic Age (2000 BC – 700 BC)
- Artefacts from this period are found in the Middle Ganga Plains of Bihar.
- Important sites include:
- Chirand (Saran), Maner (Patna), Onup, Champa (Bhagalpur).
- Chechar-Kutubpur (Vaishali), Sonpur, Taradih (Gaya).
- Findings include black and red ware pottery and copper wares.
Vedic and Later Vedic Age in Bihar
The Vedic period marks the emergence of the ancient kingdom of Videha, as described in Vedic texts and the Valmiki Ramayana.
| Vedic Period | Key Features |
| Early Vedic Age | Kingdom of Videha was established. Janaka was its ruler, and Mithila was the capital. |
| Later Vedic Age (1000 BC – 600 BC) | Aryans moved towards Eastern India. Small republics called Janapadas emerged. Some of them formed Mahajanapadas. |
1. Early Vedic Age
- The ancient kingdom of Videha was established in Bihar.
- King Janaka ruled over Videha, with Mithila as the capital.
2. Later Vedic Age (1000 BC – 600 BC)
- Aryans expanded into Eastern India.
- Ancient Brahmana texts mention rulers and settlements in Bihar:
- Shatapatha Brahmana describes their arrival and expansion.
- Varaha Purana refers to Kikat as an inauspicious place, while Gaya, Punpun, and Rajgir are considered sacred.
- During this period:
- The Janaka dynasty was replaced by small independent territories.
- These territories formed republics called Janapadas.
- Some Janapadas merged into Mahajanapadas, marking the beginning of organized political structures.
Conclusion
The pre-historic and Vedic periods of Bihar played a crucial role in shaping its ancient history. From Mesolithic settlements to the rise of Janapadas and Mahajanapadas, Bihar has been a witness to significant cultural and societal transformations. The presence of ancient artefacts, rock paintings, and Vedic references highlights its rich and diverse heritage, making it an essential topic for competitive exams.