The early dwellers of the Kurinji came to be known as Kuravar. He protected himself from the elements by living in caves. He also took shelter behind boulders, and found water in the mountain streams, natural springs, and stone pits.
The Kuravar was a hunter-gatherer. He lived off fruits, nuts, and roots (such as tapioca), and edible leaves. He sucked nectar from flowers and raided bee hives for their honeycomb. He also gravitated towards hunting.
The ready supply of flints led to the invention of the first axe-heads for clubbing, spears for stabbing, and scrapers for cutting and skinning. He speared deer and wild boar, and trapped prey animals such as monkeys. Meat became part of his diet and grew in importance, surpassing even fruits and roots.
Animals trapped in forest fires gave him the first taste of roasted meat which he found agreeable to his palate. This led him on the quest for making fire at will. He observed dry bamboo stems which swayed in the wind, rubbed together, and smoked, and ignited. He discovered the mystery of making fire at will.
Bamboo was abundant and led to another important invention: bow and arrow. This weapon allowed him to discharge projectiles from a reasonably safe distance, thus enhancing his hunting prowess and protection against predators.
*** Copyright @ Eric Alagan, 2018 ***
(Note: Treat these posts on Ancient Indian history as highly simplified introductions to a complex, often conflicting, and vague period mired in the mists of antiquity.)
Next week: the first divisions of labour and rise of the matriarchal family structure.
***
Great post, great job reminding us of our past. All the comfort we are used to, make us forget about the hardship our ancestors have gone through.
Hello Indira,
I’m a history junkie and believe if we know our roots, we might make sense of our present “culture”.
And you’re right, we’ll also be grateful for the conveniences of modern living.
All good wishes,
Eric
great post. yes, I see a parallel from my own “bunt ” people. Thank you for sharing. Reading this story really heals the deep stories that exist yet have been mysteriously suppressed in recent generations! very healing to read this! I think there are many that dream of this.perhaps even remember in their inherited soul story.yet as they grew older within India and internationally as immigrants they have forgotten chasing job, society expectations, elders words to only regret later and deeply remember. May your writing heal many. just sharing some thoughts! Please accept my words as only compliment and encouragement to continue writing!
Hello again 🙂
I first heard of the Nadavas when reading about the Nayaks of the Vijayanagara Empire. Fascinating history and there’s just so much to digest.
You’re right. Many people do not know their history and roots. My books and posts are tiny lights like darting fireflies. Perhaps these might move people to delve into their past.
I consider your visit and comment as compliments.
Thank you for the encouragement,
Eric
awww.you read about them.Nice!
Very interesting info, Eric, especially how roasted meat was discovered. 🙂 Looking forward to your next post…
p.s. Happy Friday!
Hello Lauren,
The early evolutionary tracks are quite similar all over the world. When addressing the basics of survival, there are only so many answers to a given challenge, I reckon.
All good wishes,
Eric
P/s. Love your new gravatar 🙂
That’s true, Eric, but even so, it’s interesting to read all many things evolved. 🙂 Thanks also about my photo. My daughter took this on our outing with her the day before she left. Great times and memories. Take care…
It sounds very logical and could narrate about any of our human ancestors. Is it speculation or is there physical evidence? I’m thinking of the 30,000 year old Bhimbetka rock shelters. Do the Kuravar predate these? Am I jumping ahead too fast?
Hello Jane,
Given a set of challenges, there are only so many successful outcomes. The ancient societies which survived these challenges, no matter where in the world, probably developed along parallel lines.
I’m not aware of Bhimbetka rock shelters but the Kuravar came much later.
Physical evidence? Yes, in a manner of speaking. Much of the (south) Indian “pre-history” was gleaned from literary works of the Sangam Era 300 BCE to 200 CE.
Thank you for reading and commenting,
Eric
When I read your post, I felt like I was hearing the narrations while watching a documentary. Very entertaining. I like it and look forward to more from you.
Hello Windy,
Really? You flatterer you 🙂
Good of you to follow these posts.
Cheers!
Eric
Hey Eric! Can you link the sources from which you have referred? I am a student of law and humanities, and this would help me in further research.
Hello Vartika,
I do not have a ready bibliography. I read several books, jotted down notes which I thought useful for my forthcoming book, and wrote these posts.
You might want to check out this link > http://www.rarebooksocietyofindia.org/
All good wishes with your research work,
Eric
Fascinating. I am enjoying your history lessons, Eric.
Thank you, Ina,
It is a vast subject and my posts seek to scratch a tiny part of the surface.
Cheers!
Eric
As always, a very detailed research. Thank you Eric.
Thank you, Ian, for reading and commenting.
Cheers!
Eric