The Neolithic period in India, often referred to as the New Stone Age, marks a pivotal transition from a hunting-gathering lifestyle to settled agricultural communities. This era, characterized by the domestication of plants and animals, the use of polished stone tools, and the emergence of pottery, began around 7000 BCE in some regions and continued until about 1000 BCE, with regional variations.

Key Neolithic sites in India include Mehrgarh in Balochistan (now Pakistan), one of the earliest sites showing evidence of agriculture (wheat and barley) and animal domestication (cattle, sheep, goat). In the Kashmir Valley, sites like Burzahom are known for pit dwellings, polished stone tools, and unique burial practices. The Belan Valley in Uttar Pradesh and Chirand in Bihar reveal early evidence of rice cultivation and diverse pottery. In South India, sites like Brahmagiri and Piklihal show evidence of cattle herding and ash mounds, indicating seasonal encampments. These cultures developed sophisticated agricultural techniques, built permanent or semi-permanent settlements, and crafted a range of tools including polished axes, adzes, and sickles. The Neolithic revolution in India laid the foundation for subsequent urban civilizations by fostering population growth, social complexity, and technological advancements.