Humans invent lost-wax casting, perhaps in modern-day Pakistan
Lost-wax casting is the process by which a duplicate metal sculpture (often silver, gold, brass or bronze) is cast from an original sculpture.
South Asia
Humans of the Indus Valley civilization invented irrigation
Irrigation was used as a means of manipulation of water in the alluvial plains of the Indus valley civilization, the application of it is estimated to have begun around 4500 B.C.E. and drastically increased the size and prosperity of their agricultural settlements.
Humans begin practicing meditation in the Indus Valley
In the Indus Valley, archaeologists discovered evidence of meditation in wall art dating from approximately 5,000 to 3,500 B.C.E.
Humans in the Indian subcontinent domesticate sesame for the first time
The historic origin of sesame was favored by its ability to grow in areas that do not support the growth of other crops. It is also a robust crop that needs little farming support and is resilient in extreme conditions.
The Mehrgarh Culture flourishes in modern-day Pakistan
Mehrgarh is one of the earliest sites with evidence of farming and herding in South Asia. It is seen as a precursor to the Indus Valley Civilization.
Humans settle Kathmandu valley for the first time
Prehistory Neolithic tools found in the Kathmandu Valley indicate that people have been living there for at least 9,000 years.
Humans begin cultivating cinnamon for the first time, perhaps in modern-day Sri Lanka
Cinnamon is native to Sri Lanka and has been found in Ancient Egypt as early as 1500 B.C.E., suggesting early trade between Egypt and the island’s inhabitants.
Humans from the Indus Valley Civilization settle the Himalayas for the first time
Neolithic tools found in Bhutan indicate that people have been living in the Himalayan region for at least 11,000 years.
Rock paintings tradition begins in Bhimbetka rock shelters in India
The Bhimbetka rock shelters are an archaeological site in central India that spans the prehistoric paleolithic and mesolithic periods, as well as the historic period. It exhibits the earliest traces of human life on the Indian subcontinent and evidence of Stone Age starting at the site in Acheulian times.
Humans discover and settle the island of Sri Lanka
Balangoda Man arrived on the island about 34,000 years ago and has been identified as Mesolithic hunter-gatherers who lived in caves