Chalcolithic Age

Chalcolithic Age

-Shreyas Mothsra, St. Mark's School, Janakpuri, New Delhi

As Neolithic Age came to an end, man evolved and used metal, mostly copper and low-quality bronze. The culture based on the use of mainly copper and stones is called as Chalcolithic age which means Copper-stone phase of human era. The transitional phase between the Neolithic and Chalcolithic age is called as Eneolithic age. People during the Chalcolithic age were rural and preferred living near the hills and/or rivers to provide them enough opportunities for fishing and farming.

-Anushka Singh, St. Mark's School, Janakpuri, New Delhi

Agriculture & Food

Chalcolithic men reared and killed animals like Cattle, sheep, buffaloes and Pigs. They mainly cultivated Grains like barley, wheat, bajra and black grams. Cotton was also grown.


Weapons

People in this phase mainly made knives, spears, axes and fishing hooks by copper and a few alloys.

Arrowheads, spearheads, slingshots and maces have also been found.

Houses

One or multi room-houses were seen during this age, which were basically square or rectangular and were plastered by Cow Dung or Lime.


Burial System

People buried the dead in the floors of their houses along with their weapons and some food grains. Their remains have been found in many sites.


Art and craft

Wheels were not only used for transportation, but for making beautiful potteries as well. The people of Chalcolithic Age were expert coppersmiths, lime makers, and terracotta artisans. Ornaments were made up of semi-precious stones and gems. Some people had the knowledge of weaving and spinning. Some remains of cotton threads have been found in Maharashtra, India.