Prehistoric Transitions

When did animal domestication begin? | Mesolithic Period

The domestication of animals began in the Mesolithic period, with significant evidence found at sites like Adamgarh and Bagor in India.

Primary Reference: NCERT Class 11 - Ancient India (R.S. Sharma)

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According to the excavated evidence, the domestication of animal began in-

[U.P.P.C.S. Mains 2006]

Detailed Solution & Historical Context

Concept


The shift from predatory hunting to managing livestock began in the Holocene epoch, specifically the Mesolithic stage.

Authentic Source Evidence


Earliest reliable evidence for animal domestication in the subcontinent comes from Bagor (Rajasthan) and Adamgarh (MP), dating to the Mesolithic era (c. 5000 BCE).

Analytical Breakdown


  • Mesolithic Period (D): Characterized by microliths and the first signs of herding sheep, goats, and cattle.

  • Palaeolithic: Primarily a hunter-gatherer stage with no evidence of animal husbandry.
  • Conceptual Deep Dive & Logic

    "What was the first animal domesticated in the Mesolithic period?"

    The dog is generally considered the first animal to be domesticated by humans.

    Examiner's Mindset & Pro-Tip

    "Domestication was a revolutionary survival strategy that provided a constant supply of protein and raw materials, independent of the success of the hunt."

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