Similarities & Differences Prehistoric Man vs. Tribal Life

Subject : Social Science

Question:

What are the similarities/differences in the lives of prehistoric man and tribals like the Shabars and Bhils?

Expert Verified Solution:

The lives of prehistoric man and tribal groups like the Shabars and Bhils share several similarities and differences rooted in their lifestyles, survival techniques, and cultural practices.

Similarities:

• Hunting and Gathering: Both prehistoric humans and the Shabars and Bhils traditionally relied on hunting, gathering, and fishing for their sustenance. Their diet depended on available natural resources, and they used simple tools to hunt animals or gather food.
• Living Close to Nature: Both prehistoric humans and these tribal groups lived in close harmony with nature, utilizing natural resources for shelter, food, and clothing. Their survival was intricately tied to understanding the natural environment.
• Social Structures: Early human societies and tribal communities like the Shabars and Bhils had relatively simple social structures. These societies often functioned based on kinship, with group cooperation playing an important role in survival.

Differences:

• Technological Advancements: Prehistoric man used very basic tools made of stone, while tribal groups like the Shabars and Bhils have developed more advanced tools and techniques over time, including the use of metal tools for farming, hunting, and daily life.
• Cultural Practices: Tribals such as the Bhils and Shabars have distinct cultural identities, with their own languages, festivals, and rituals. These cultural aspects were less evident in prehistoric times, where basic survival dominated life.
• Agriculture: Prehistoric humans were primarily hunter-gatherers, but many tribal communities today, including the Shabars and Bhils, practice settled agriculture. They cultivate crops and have developed knowledge of farming, whereas early humans only began transitioning to agriculture in the Neolithic period.