Which among the following is the earliest known form of human life in India?
Show answer & explanation
Correct answer: B
Explanation
Solution: The correct answer is Homo erectus.
Explanation:
☛ The earliest known evidence of human ancestors in India belongs to the species Homo erectus.
☛ In 1982, geologist Arun Sonakia discovered a fossilized skull cap (calvarium) at Hathnora in the Narmada Valley, Madhya Pradesh.
☛ Popularly known as the 'Narmada Man' (Homo erectus narmadensis), this fossil dates back to the Middle Pleistocene epoch (roughly 250,000 to 500,000 years ago).
☛ This discovery represents the only known fossil evidence of a Lower Paleolithic hominin found in the Indian subcontinent so far.
Extra Exam-Relevant Facts:
☛ Australopithecus: Fossils of this early hominin genus have been discovered predominantly in Africa and have not been found in India.
☛ Neanderthal: An archaic human species that inhabited parts of Europe and western-to-central Asia, with no fossil evidence present in India.
☛ Homo sapiens: Modern humans emerged later in evolutionary history and arrived in the Indian subcontinent during the Late Pleistocene period.
☛ The Acheulean tool industry, characterized by bifacial handaxes and cleavers, is directly associated with Homo erectus in India.
Important One-Liners for Upcoming Exams:
☛ In which year was the famous 'Narmada Man' fossil discovered? → 1982
☛ Who discovered the fossilized skull cap of Narmada Man at Hathnora? → Arun Sonakia
☛ Which state is home to the prehistoric Hathnora fossil site? → Madhya Pradesh
☛ Which Paleolithic stone tool tradition is prominently associated with Homo erectus? → Acheulean tradition
☛ Which famous prehistoric site in Tamil Nadu has yielded Acheulean tools dating back over 1.5 million years? → Attirampakkam