HISTORY OF DELHI FROM ANCIENT TO MODERN TIMES

UNIT I ANCIENT : Stone Age and Pre- Historic settlements in Delhi area

Suggested Readings:

R. E. Frykenberg, Delhi Through the Ages: Essays in Urban History Culture and
Society, Oxford University Press, Delhi, 1997 (Part 1 - Pre-Modern Delhi).

Upinder Singh, Ancient Delhi, Oxford University Press, New Delhi, 1999.

What is history?

History is a continuous narrative of human experiences and actions. Its classification

into pre-history, proto-history, and history allows us to systematically study and
comprehend the vast timeline of human development. Each period provides unique
insights, from the early tool-making and survival strategies of pre-history to the
complex social and political structures of recorded history.History is the study of past
events, particularly in human affairs. It involves analysing and interpreting records
and artefacts to understand how past societies operated, the changes they
underwent, and the significant events that shaped them. History helps us understand
the present by providing insights into the social, cultural, political, and economic
developments over time.

Classifications of History

History is typically classified into three broad periods: prehistory, proto-history, and
history. Each classification is based on the availability and types of records or
evidence from those times.

1. Pre-History

● Definition: Pre-history refers to the period before written records were kept.
● Evidence: The study of pre-history relies on archaeological findings, such as
fossils, tools, cave paintings, and other artifacts. This period covers the time
from the appearance of the first human ancestors up to the advent of writing
systems.
● Significance: Pre-history is divided into three main ages based on the
predominant materials used: the Stone Age, the Bronze Age, and the Iron
Age. These divisions help us understand the technological and cultural
evolution of early humans.
● E.g. Stone Age Civilisation
2. Proto-History

● Definition: Proto-history refers to the transitional period between pre-history

and history, where we have some written records, but they are either
incomplete, undeciphered, or from other cultures describing the proto-historic
society.
● Evidence: Proto-historical studies rely on both archaeological findings and
the earliest forms of writing, such as pictographs or inscriptions. This period
often includes cultures that had not yet developed their own writing systems
but were mentioned in the records of other contemporary literate societies.
● Significance: Proto-history helps bridge the gap between prehistoric societies
and fully historical societies, providing insights into early forms of social
organisation, trade, and interactions with neighbouring literate cultures.
● E.g. Indus Valley Civilisation

3. History

● Definition: History refers to the period for which we have substantial written
records that can be used to understand past human activities.
● Evidence: Historical studies utilise various types of written documents, such
as manuscripts, inscriptions, official records, letters, and diaries. These
records provide detailed accounts of political events, economic transactions,
social structures, and cultural practices.
● Significance: The historical period allows for a more precise and detailed
understanding of human events and developments. It is often divided into
various epochs, such as ancient, mediaeval, and modern history, based on
significant societal changes and developments.
● E.g. Vedic Civilisation.

Importance of Studying History

Studying history is crucial for several reasons:

● Understanding Change: History helps us understand how societies evolve

and the factors that drive change.
● Learning from the Past: By studying historical events and their outcomes,
we can learn from past mistakes and successes.
● Cultural Identity: History provides a sense of identity and heritage, helping
individuals and societies understand their roots and cultural development.
● Informed Citizenship: Knowledge of history fosters informed citizenship and
critical thinking, enabling individuals to participate more effectively in civic life.
PART 1 : CLASSIFICATION OF STONE AGE :

A. Palaeolithic Age (Old Stone Age)

The term ‘Palaeolithic’ is derived from the Greek word ‘palaeo’ which means old and
‘lithic’ meaning stone. Therefore, the term Palaeolithic age refers to the old stone
age. People of this age were food gatherers, ate wild fruits and vegetables, and
lived on hunting.

There was no knowledge of houses, pottery, agriculture. It was only in later stages
they discovered fire.

Humans used unpolished, rough stones like hand axes, choppers, blades, burins
and scrapers.

Palaeolithic men are also called ‘Quartzite’ men in India as the stone tools were
made of a hard rock called quartzite.

The old stone age or palaeolithic age in India is divided into three phases according
to the nature of the stone tools used by the people and also according to the nature
of the change of climate.

1. Lower Palaeolithic Age: up to 100,000 BC

2. Middle Palaeolithic Age: 100,000 BC – 40,000 BC
3. Upper Palaeolithic Age: 40,000 BC – 10,000 BC
B. Mesolithic Period (Middle Stone Age)

The term Mesolithic is derived from two Greek words – ‘meso’ and ‘lithic’. In Greek
‘meso’ means middle and ‘lithic’ means stone. Hence, the Mesolithic stage of
prehistory is also known as the ‘Middle Stone Age’.

In this era, there was a rise in temperature, the climate became warm which resulted
in melting of ice and also brought changes in flora and fauna. The people of this age
lived on hunting, fishing and food gathering initially but later on they also
domesticated animals and cultivated plants, thereby paving the way for agriculture.

The first animal to be domesticated was the wild ancestor of the dog. Sheep and
goats were the most common domesticated animals.

The Mesolithic people lived in semi-permanent settlements along with occupying

caves and open grounds.

The characteristic tools of this era were microliths – the miniature stone tools.

The Mesolithic people were art lovers and initiated rock art.

C. Neolithic Period (New Stone Age)

The term Neolithic is derived from the Greek word ‘neo’ which means new and ‘lithic’
meaning stone. Thus, the term Neolithic Age refers to the ‘New Stone Age’. It is also
termed as ‘Neolithic revolution’ since it introduced a lot of important changes in
man’s social and economic life. The Neolithic age saw man turning into a food
producer from food gatherer.

Characteristic Features of the Neolithic Age

● Tools and Weapons – The people used microlithic blades in addition to tools
made of polished stones.
● Agriculture – The people of the Neolithic age cultivated land and grew fruits
and corn like ragi and horse gram (kulati). They also domesticated cattle,
sheep and goats.
● Pottery – With the advent of agriculture, people were required to store their
food grains as well as to cook, eat the product, etc. That’s why it is said that
pottery appeared in this phase on a large scale.
● Housing and Settled Life – The people of Neolithic age lived in rectangular or
circular houses which were made of mud and reeds.
Stone age and prehistoric settlements in Delhi:

A.Mangar Bani: A Paleolithic Site in Delhi

Introduction

● Location: Mangar Bani is situated in the Aravalli Hills, near the border of
Delhi and Haryana, close to the Gurgaon-Faridabad Road. It is a sacred
grove and forest area known for its ecological and archaeological significance.

Archaeological Significance: Key Points on Archaeological Findings at Mangar

Bani

Discovery and Initial Findings

● Discovery: Cave paintings in Mangar Bani hill forest, Faridabad, were first
identified by environmental activist Sunil Harsana in May.
● Estimation: Archaeologists estimate the site may be up to 100,000 years old
based on tool typology.

Archaeological Significance

● Habitation Timeline: The site shows evidence of habitation from about

100,000 to 15,000 years ago, with later habitation up to the 8th-9th century
AD.
● Paleolithic Importance: Identified as potentially one of the largest Paleolithic
sites in the Indian subcontinent.
 ● Artifacts: Stone age tools and rock shelters with cave paintings have been
found.

Cave Paintings and Rock Art

● Condition: Some paintings are well-preserved, while others have deteriorated.

The art includes symbols, markings, and drawings.
● Access and Preservation: Difficult terrain has helped preserve the site. The
art is in caves on high cliffs, challenging to reach.

Geological and Ecological Context

● Aravalli Hills: The Aravalli range, one of the oldest mountain ranges in the
world, provides a rich geological context. The quartzite rocks found in this
region were suitable for tool-making.
● Ecology: Mangar Bani is a preserved forest area with significant biodiversity,
indicating that early humans might have chosen this site for its resources,
such as water, food, and raw materials for tools.

Cultural and Historical Context

● Sacred Grove: Mangar Bani is considered sacred by local communities,

which has contributed to its preservation. The forest is associated with local
deities and spiritual practices, highlighting the continuity of human connection
to this area from prehistoric to modern times.

Research and Excavations

● Preliminary Observations: Initial surveys and excavations have confirmed

the presence of Lower Paleolithic artefacts. Detailed stratigraphic studies are
needed to understand the chronology and extent of human activity at the site.
● Future Prospects: Further research and excavation are expected to uncover
more artefacts and provide deeper insights into the early human occupation of
the Aravalli region.

Importance of Mangar Bani

● Archaeological Value: Mangar Bani adds to the growing body of evidence

that the Delhi region was inhabited by early humans during the Paleolithic
period.
● Conservation: The dual significance of Mangar Bani as an archaeological
site and a sacred grove emphasizes the need for its conservation and
protection from urban development pressures.

Conclusion

Mangar Bani stands out as a significant Paleolithic site in the Delhi region, offering
valuable insights into early human life and tool-making practices. The combination of
its archaeological findings and its status as a preserved sacred grove makes it a
unique location for both historical and ecological studies. Ongoing and future
archaeological work will likely reveal more about the early inhabitants of this area
and their interactions with the environment.
B.Anangpur: A Paleolithic Site in Delhi

Introduction

● Location: Anangpur is situated near Faridabad in Haryana, close to the

southern border of Delhi. It is known for its archaeological significance and
historical heritage.
● Historical Context: The area is part of the larger Aravalli Range, which has
been a site of human activity since prehistoric times.

Archaeological Significance

● Haryana's first Paleolithic site discovered in 1986.

Archaeological Significance

● Time Period: Evidence from Lower to Upper Paleolithic Age.

● Tools Found: Late Acheulian tools from the Lower Paleolithic period
discovered.
● Recent Discoveries: Cave paintings and Upper Paleolithic tools found in the
Aravalli ranges highlight the site's historical importance.

Local Awareness and Historical Connection

● Oblivion: Most villagers are unaware of the site’s historical significance.

● Excavation Memories: Only a few residents recall the ASI's excavations in
the early 1990s.

Excavation Details

● Duration: Excavations lasted 15-20 days, collecting tools and stones.

● Findings: Tools demonstrating human evolution were sent to a lab, but the
team never returned.Identified Anangpur as a habitation and factory site for
early humans.
○ Key Feature: Working points of hand axes were broken due to usage.
○ Waste Products: Large amounts of cores and flakes found, indicating
tool production.

Comparisons and Protection Issues

● Acheulean Sites: Anangpur was the first site with numerous artifacts, though
many richer sites exist in India.
● Conservation Challenges:
○ Prehistoric Sites: Scattered nature of sites complicates protection.
○ Documentation: Meticulous documentation is required, similar to
ongoing efforts at Bhimbetka caves.

Geological and Ecological Context

 ● Aravalli Hills: The Aravalli range provides a rich geological backdrop with
abundant quartzite rocks. The rugged terrain and the presence of perennial
water sources likely made Anangpur an attractive location for early humans.
● Ecology: The area's ecology would have supported a variety of flora and
fauna, providing resources for sustenance and tool-making materials.

Cultural and Historical Context

● Human Habitation: Evidence suggests that Anangpur was used as a

habitation site or a location for specific activities such as tool-making and
possibly hunting and gathering.
● Continuity of Use: The site's long history of human activity, from the
Paleolithic period to more recent times, indicates its sustained importance in
the region.

Preservation and Challenges

● Conservation Efforts: Preserving Anangpur's archaeological integrity is

crucial. The site faces threats from urban expansion and environmental
degradation, which could impact its archaeological context.
● Research Needs: Continued archaeological research is necessary to fully
understand the extent and nature of early human activity at Anangpur.
Detailed stratigraphic studies and dating of the artifacts can provide more
precise timelines and insights into the technological evolution of early humans
in the region.

Importance of Anangpur

● Archaeological Value: Anangpur's significance lies in its well-preserved

Paleolithic artifacts, which contribute to our understanding of the early human
history of the Indian subcontinent.
● Educational and Cultural Value: The site serves as a valuable resource for
education and cultural heritage, highlighting the long history of human
adaptation and innovation in the region.

Conclusion

Anangpur is a key Paleolithic site in the Delhi region, offering a window into the lives
of early humans who inhabited the Aravalli hills. The stone tools and artifacts
discovered at the site provide important evidence of the technological and cultural
practices of the Acheulian culture. Continued research and conservation efforts are
essential to protect and understand this significant archaeological heritage.
C.Archaeological and Geological Landscape of JNU Campus

● Location and Description:

○ The JNU campus is situated in the Delhi ridge, described as ‘lean but
wiry fingers’ of ancient rocks sinking into the younger alluviums of the
Yamuna River.
○ The campus covers approximately 400 hectares and remains relatively
untouched by modern infrastructural development.
● Archaeological Significance:
○ The campus is a microcosm of the archaeological history of the Delhi
region, containing evidence from prehistoric to recent times.
○ Rather than individual archaeological sites, the campus represents an
archaeological landscape.
● Geological Features:
○ The JNU hills consist of distinctive grey quartzite rocks, originating from
deeply weathered parent sandstones, typical of the Delhi Aravalli
group.
○ The quartzite is marked by pyrite (FeS2) impurities, leading to unique
weathering processes.
■ Rainwater and iron interact over time, creating red, friable layers
around the grey rock.
■ Fresh breaks in the rocks cause a ferrous-red bleeding trail.
■ In some areas, iron impurities form thin black crusts.
■ Excavations often end in thick layers of red, sandy regolith.
● Notable Formations:
○ The weathering processes result in large rounded ‘tor’ formations or
boulders, especially visible at Parthasarathi Rocks (PSR).
○ The JNU hills also feature intrusive veins of milky transparent and
white quartz, as well as micaceous pegmatite.