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Neolithic Revolution

What was the first cereal used by man? | Barley

Barley is widely considered to be the first cereal grain cultivated by humans, beginning approximately 10,000 years ago.

Primary Reference: Standard Educational Reference

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The first cereal used by man was:

[U.P.P.C.S. Prelims 1997]

Detailed Solution & Historical Context

Concept


The Neolithic revolution began with the domestication of specific wild grasses into high-yield cereal crops.

Authentic Source Evidence


Archeobotanical remains from the Fertile Crescent and Mehrgarh (India) indicate that Barley (Hordeum vulgare) was cultivated slightly before or alongside wheat as the first staple.

Analytical Breakdown


  • Barley (C): Generally accepted as the pioneer domesticated cereal due to its resilience.

  • Wheat (A): Followed shortly after; both were staples of the earliest settlements.

  • Rice (B): Cultivated later, primarily in the humid regions of the Gangetic valley and Southeast Asia.

    • Conceptual Deep Dive & Logic

    "Why was Barley preferred by early farmers?"

    It is more tolerant of soil salinity and drought compared to wheat, making it a reliable crop for early sedentary communities.

    Examiner's Mindset & Pro-Tip

    "The transition to cereal farming (Barley/Wheat) provided the caloric foundation that allowed human populations to explode and settle permanently."

    Topic Clusters (click to see related topic questions)

    Mehrgarh 2Fertile Crescent 2
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