Chalcolithic Age Notes for UPSC

What is Chalcolithic age?

Chalcolithic is made from two Greek words, khalkos and lithos, meaning copper and stone, respectively. It is a time period dates from 6,500 years ago to around 3000 years ago. This marks the beginning of the use of metalwork technology. For the first time, people started using metals along with stone tools.

In the Indus valley and the adjoining areas, the Chalcolithic Age started around 6500 years ago for the sites such as Kalibangan, Rajasthan. This early start is attributed to the availability of copper mines in the nearby areas, such as the Khetri mines. 

The Chalcolithic age in the Indian subcontinent runs parallel to the Harappan civilisation. However, due to the absence of ‘Tin’, these could not develop into the Bronze culture. Nevertheless, these cultures were no less remarkable than the Harappan culture. 

Features of the Chalcolithic Age:

1. Introduction of agriculture – People started producing cereals and grains such as rice, wheat, pulses, bajra, and ragi. We find one of the first pieces of evidence of the use of cotton. 
2. Domestication of Animals – They domesticated many kinds of animals: cows, sheep, goats, buffalo and dogs.
3. Shelter – They started to live in rural settlements with mud brick houses.
4. Tools – They knew copper smelting. Copper was used for the first time to make tools and other objects.
5. Art – The pottery made was black and red pottery and ochre-coloured pottery.
6. Religion – The discovery of earth goddess clay images in chalcolithic sites suggests some form of religion.
7. Jewellery – The discovery of jewelry in sites shows that they were fond of ornaments and decorations.