Bihar holds a significant place in Indian history, not only during the Mauryan and Gupta periods but also from prehistoric times. Archaeological discoveries from Bihar provide strong evidence of human evolution, early tools, rock art, agriculture, and political development.
This article explains the Pre-History of Bihar from the Stone Age to the Vedic Age, specially written for BPSC, and bihar related examination.
Pre-Historic Period in Bihar
The prehistoric period refers to the time before written records. In Bihar, it is divided into:
- Palaeolithic Age
- Mesolithic Age
- Neolithic Age
- Chalcolithic Age
Palaeolithic Age in Bihar
The Palaeolithic Age (Old Stone Age) marks the earliest phase of human history.
Key Characteristics
- Use of large and crude stone tools
- Hunter-gatherer lifestyle
- No permanent settlements
Archaeological Evidence in Bihar
- Evidence mainly found in South Bihar
- Important districts:
- Munger
- Nalanda
Tools Found
- Hand-axes
- Cleavers
- Choppers
🔍 Exam Relevance: Questions often focus on regional distribution of palaeolithic sites in Bihar.
Mesolithic Age in Bihar (12,000 BC – 6,000 BC)
The Mesolithic Age represents a transitional phase between hunting and early farming.
Key Features
- Development of microlithic tools
- Domestication of animals
- Beginning of social and cultural activities
Important Mesolithic Sites
- Munger
- Hazaribagh
- Ranchi
- Singhbhum
- Santhal Pargana
Paisra (Munger) – Most Important Site
- Tools like hand-axes and cleavers found
- Evidence of early and middle stone age cultures
Rock Paintings in Bihar
- Found in:
- Nawada
- Kaimur
- Jamui
- Depict:
- Hunting scenes
- Animals
- Daily life
- Natural environment
🔍 BPSC Focus Area: Rock paintings and Mesolithic culture of Bihar.
Neolithic Age in Bihar (2500–1345 BC)
The Neolithic Age marks the beginning of settled life.
Major Developments
- Permanent settlements in plains
- Beginning of agriculture
- Animal husbandry
- Use of bone tools
Important Neolithic Sites in Bihar
| Site | District |
|---|---|
| Chirand | Saran |
| Chechar | Vaishali |
| Maner | Patna |
| Sanaur | Rohtas |
Archaeological Findings
- Bone tools (especially from Chirand)
- Pottery types:
- Black and Red Ware
- Ochre-painted pottery
- Spotted vessels
🔍 UPSC Tip: Chirand is one of the most important Neolithic sites in Eastern India.
Chalcolithic Age in Bihar (2000 BC – 700 BC)
The Chalcolithic Age is also known as the Copper Age.
Key Features
- Use of copper along with stone tools
- Early metallurgy
- Growth of village communities
Major Chalcolithic Sites
- Chirand (Saran)
- Maner (Patna)
- Onup and Champa (Bhagalpur)
- Chechar-Kutubpur (Vaishali)
- Sonpur (Saran)
- Taradih (Gaya)
Important Findings
- Copper tools
- Black and Red Ware pottery
Age of Vedas in Bihar
The Vedic Age marks the beginning of recorded history.
Early Vedic Period (1500–1000 BC)
- Bihar had limited mention
- Aryans mainly confined to north-west India
Later Vedic Period (1000–600 BC)
During this period, Aryans expanded into Eastern India, including Bihar.
Videha Kingdom
- One of the earliest kingdoms in Bihar
- Ruled by King Janaka
- Capital: Mithila
Literary Sources
- Vedic literature
- Valmiki Ramayana
- Satapatha Brahmana (mentions Aryan expansion into Videha)
Political Changes
- Decline of monarchies
- Rise of Janapadas
- Formation of Mahajanapadas
🔍 UPSC Mains Theme: Transition from tribal society to territorial states.
Importance of Pre-History of Bihar for Competitive Exams
- Frequently asked in BPSC Prelims
- Relevant for UPSC Prelims & Mains
- High weightage in Bihar State exams
- Important for map-based questions
Conclusion
The Pre-History of Bihar reflects a gradual transition from primitive stone tools to organized political systems. Archaeological sites like Chirand, Paisra, Chechar, and Maner prove Bihar’s importance in early human civilization. Understanding this topic is essential for anyone preparing for civil services examinations or studying Indian ancient history.