Neolithic Revolution and Irrigation: Foundations of Agriculture
The Neolithic Revolution: Agricultural Transformation
The Agricultural Revolution, also known as the Neolithic Revolution, marks the major transformation when early humans shifted from a nomadic, hunting–gathering life to settled agriculture. This process began around 10,000 BCE in different parts of the world and became the foundation of human civilization.
1. Introduction
Before agriculture, humans lived in small groups, depending on wild animals and forest produce. With climatic changes after the Ice Age, people began experimenting with plant cultivation and animal domestication. This gradual change led to the birth of farming villages.
2. Causes of the Agricultural Revolution
Climatic Changes
- Warmer and stable climate after the Ice Age allowed grasses and grains to grow.
- Seasonal rainfall supported plant growth.
Food Scarcity
- Decline in large wild animals forced humans to search for stable food sources.
Discovery Through Observation
- People noticed that seeds dropped on soil sprout into plants.
- This led to deliberate sowing.
Population Growth
- Growing groups required a dependable food supply, which hunting could not provide.
3. Main Features of the Agricultural Revolution
Domestication of Plants
- First crops: wheat, barley, rice, millets, lentils, peas.
- Humans selected better seeds, improving crop quality.
Domestication of Animals
- Goat, sheep, cattle, pigs, and later oxen were kept for milk, meat, hides, wool, and ploughing.
Permanent Settlement
- People started living near rivers and fertile lands.
- Small huts evolved into permanent villages.
Development of Farming Tools
- Tools improved from sharpened stones to hoes, sickles, ploughs.
- Wooden plough revolutionized cultivation.
Food Surplus and Storage
- Regular production led to surplus grains.
- Storage in mud bins and granaries allowed long-term planning.
Specialization of Labour
- Surplus food freed people from farming.
- New professions emerged: potters, weavers, metalworkers, carpenters.
Social & Economic Transformation
- Property ownership began.
- Trade developed for exchanging grains, pottery, and tools.
Birth of Civilizations
- Surplus food and settled life led to complex societies like the Indus Valley, Mesopotamia, Egypt, China.
4. Impact of the Agricultural Revolution
- Rise of villages, towns, and early cities.
- Stable food supply ensured population growth.
- Technological advancements in tools, pottery, weaving.
- Beginning of social organization and leadership.
- Foundation of economic systems, trade routes, and cultural development.
- Human life shifted permanently from nature-dependent to production-based.
Importance of Irrigation in Agriculture
Irrigation refers to the artificial supply of water to crops through wells, canals, tanks, tube-wells, drip, and sprinkler systems. It is essential for crop survival, especially in regions with uncertain rainfall.
Ensures Regular Water Supply
- Irrigation provides water at all growth stages of crops.
- Prevents crop failure during droughts or delayed monsoons.
Increases Agricultural Productivity
- Assured water increases yields of rice, wheat, sugarcane, cotton, and vegetables.
- Supports multiple cropping → more harvests per year.
Expands Cultivated Land
- Dry areas like Rajasthan become fertile with canal irrigation (e.g., Indira Gandhi Canal).
- Converts wasteland into productive fields.
Supports Water-Demanding Crops
- Cash crops like sugarcane, jute, cotton, banana need continuous water supply.
- Irrigation makes commercial farming profitable.
Reduces Dependence on Monsoon
- Indian agriculture is monsoon-dependent.
- Irrigation stabilizes food production even during uncertain rainfall.
Improves Soil Fertility
- Controlled water flow removes salts and maintains soil moisture.
- Helps in applying fertilizers effectively.
Encourages Use of Modern Technology
- HYV seeds, tractors, chemical fertilizers, and pesticides all need sufficient water.
- Irrigation enables scientific farming.
Boosts Rural Economy
- Higher yields → higher income → agro-industries grow.
- Creates employment in canal construction, pump operation, and maintenance.
Conclusion
The Agricultural Revolution transformed human life by introducing farming, settlement, and civilization. Irrigation played a vital role in supporting this system by ensuring stable water supply, increasing productivity, and promoting economic development. Together, they laid the foundation for modern agriculture and human progress.