Pre Historic Period Mcq Questions And Answers

Sol. Lapidary art (stone carving) is not associated with the first phase of the South Indian Neolithic settlements; rather, the early phase is primarily known for domestication of animals and basic agriculture, not advanced art forms. The discovery of red-coloured pottery is correct, as it was a significant element in these Neolithic sites. Millet was indeed a principal crop grown by South Indian Neolithic farmers, so the statement about millet is correct. However, the technique of crop rotation was not introduced during the Neolithic period; it developed much later with advancements in agricultural science. Therefore, statements 3 and 4 are not correct.

Sol. The Palaeolithic period is characterized by the use of flaked stone tools, which were crudely shaped by striking stones together. In the Mesolithic period, microlithic tools—small, sharp tools often set into wooden handles—were developed. The Neolithic period introduced ground stone tools, showing more refined and polished surfaces used for farming and domestic purposes. Rock paintings, especially those found in caves such as Bhimbetka, are notable features of the Upper Palaeolithic period, depicting the early development of artistic expression.

Sol. The humped bull, often associated with the zebu cattle (Bos indicus), is recognized as prehistoric India’s significant contribution to the world. Archaeological evidence from sites such as the Indus Valley Civilization shows the domestication and cultural importance of the humped bull, which later spread to various parts of Asia, Africa, and beyond. Its distinctive hump and adaptability to tropical climates made it an invaluable species for agriculture and transportation. The other animals listed, while important, do not hold the same level of historical significance globally as the humped bull.

Sol. Inamgaon is a prominent Chalcolithic archaeological site located in Maharashtra and is closely associated with the Jorwe culture, which flourished around 1400–700 BCE. The site reveals a well-planned settlement pattern, use of buff and red pottery, evidence of agriculture, domestication of animals, and specialized crafts. The Jorwe culture is known for its characteristic pottery style and social organization, and Inamgaon serves as one of its best-researched settlements. The Malwa, Ahar, and Kayatha cultures, though also Chalcolithic, are associated with different geographical regions and have distinct material remains.

Sol. Copper was the first metal used by humans, marking the transition from the Stone Age to the early stages of the Metal Age. Its use began during the Chalcolithic period, where humans started crafting tools, ornaments, and weapons from naturally occurring native copper. Bronze, an alloy of copper and tin, was developed later during the Bronze Age, while iron use came even later during the Iron Age. Stone, while used extensively before metals, is not classified as a metal itself.

Sol. The Chalcolithic age, also known as the Copper-Stone Age, is characterized by the simultaneous use of copper and stone tools. While stone continued to be widely utilized for various purposes, the introduction of copper marked a technological advancement. This period witnessed significant developments in agriculture, pottery, and settlement patterns, bridging the gap between the Neolithic Stone Age and the later Bronze Age. In the Neolithic, Mesolithic, and Paleolithic ages, metals were not yet discovered or used extensively.

Sol. The Megaliths of South India are primarily associated with the Iron Age, dating roughly between 1000 BCE and 300 CE. These megalithic structures, such as dolmens, cairns, and stone circles, were typically used as burial sites and are often found with iron tools, weapons, and pottery, reflecting the technological advancements of the period. Unlike the earlier Mesolithic, Neolithic, and Chalcolithic ages, the Iron Age introduced widespread use of iron, significantly influencing social and economic life, as well as burial practices.

Sol. The Neolithic cultures are characterized by the beginning of agriculture, domestication of animals, and the establishment of permanent settlements through sedentary farming. However, the use of iron tools is not a feature of the Neolithic period; it belongs to the later Iron Age. Neolithic tools were primarily made of polished stone, and metals like copper appeared only towards the end of this period during the transition to the Chalcolithic age. Thus, the introduction of iron for agricultural purposes occurred much after the Neolithic era.

Sol. While there is global evidence suggesting that late Palaeolithic humans had some understanding of fire, in the context of Indian prehistory, definitive archaeological evidence for the controlled use of fire by Palaeolithic man is limited and uncertain. Therefore, this statement is not correct. On the other hand, palaeolithic stone tools have indeed been discovered in the Guntur and Kurnool districts, prehistoric paintings have been identified in the Kaimur ranges and Mirzapur district, and it is true that while North India experienced a Copper Age before the Iron Age, in South India, the Iron Age directly followed the Stone Age without a prominent intermediate Copper Age.

Sol. In ancient Indian texts, “Nagara” is first mentioned in the Taittiriya Samhita as referring to a city or town. “Pura” denotes a fortified settlement and is often mentioned in early Vedic literature. “Nigama” refers to a market-town or a commercial center, as frequently found in Pali literature. “Durga” signifies a fortified capital or stronghold, typically associated with the residence of a king. These associations help understand the development of urbanization and settlement patterns in ancient India.

Sol. The important Neolithic site Daojali Hading (also spelled Doojali Hudizg) is located in the state of Assam, specifically in the Dima Hasao District. This site holds significant archaeological value as the first stratified Neolithic site discovered in Northeast India. Excavations have unearthed crucial artifacts such as corded ware pottery, polished stone tools (including celts and axes), grinders, pestles, and mortars, providing evidence of early agricultural practices and food processing techniques in the region. The presence of jadeite artifacts also suggests potential trade and cultural links with distant areas like China. Daojali Hading offers valuable insights into the Neolithic culture and the early settlement patterns in the northeastern part of the Indian subcontinent, showcasing connections with broader Neolithic traditions of East and Southeast Asia.

Sol. Homo sapiens, the anatomically modern humans, first appeared during the Upper Palaeolithic age. This period is marked by significant advancements such as improved stone tool technology, the creation of art like cave paintings, and the development of complex social structures. In contrast, earlier stages like the Lower and Middle Palaeolithic were dominated by earlier human species such as Homo erectus and Neanderthals. The Mesolithic age followed the Upper Palaeolithic, characterized by a transition towards agriculture but not the first emergence of Homo sapiens.

Sol. Robert Bruce Foote is credited with the discovery of the first Palaeolithic tool in India in 1863 at Pallavaram near Chennai (then Madras). This discovery marked the beginning of prehistoric studies in India, laying the foundation for further explorations into the subcontinent’s ancient human history. While scholars like Burkitt, De Terra and Paterson, and H.D. Sankalia made significant contributions to Indian prehistory, it was Foote’s initial find that opened the field and earned him the title “Father of Indian Prehistory.”

Sol. In Palaeolithic society, men and women were generally treated as of equal importance because survival depended on the contributions of both genders. Men typically engaged in hunting, while women were primarily responsible for gathering plant foods and taking care of offspring, but both roles were crucial for the community’s sustenance. There is no strong archaeological evidence suggesting any significant social hierarchy or gender-based dominance during this period, unlike in later settled agricultural societies where structured hierarchies became more common.

Sol. The Hittites, an ancient Anatolian people, are credited with the early development and widespread dissemination of iron technology. Around 1500 BCE, they mastered the smelting and forging of iron, which later spread to other civilizations, significantly impacting tools and weaponry. This advancement marked the beginning of the Iron Age in many regions. The Turks, Greeks, and Huns played important roles in later historical periods but were not responsible for the original introduction of iron to early civilizations.

Sol. The Black and Red Ware (BRW) pottery became widely prevalent from around 2000 BC onwards during the Chalcolithic phase in India. This type of pottery is characterized by a distinctive technique where the outer surface shows a black top and red bottom, achieved through a specific firing method. It is commonly found in many Chalcolithic sites across the subcontinent and continued into the early Iron Age. The other time frames mentioned either predate or postdate the widespread use of this pottery style.

Sol. Inamgaon, a key Chalcolithic site associated with the Jorwe culture in Maharashtra, provides substantial archaeological evidence of organized agriculture, including cooperation in farming activities, harvesting, and irrigation practices. Excavations have revealed structures like storage pits, granaries, and evidence of planned water management, indicating a settled agrarian economy with communal efforts. While other sites like Daimabad, Navdatoli, and Rangpur are significant, Inamgaon stands out for the clear indications of advanced agricultural techniques and social organization.

Sol. Eran, located in present-day Madhya Pradesh, is a Chalcolithic site associated with the Malwa culture, which flourished around 1700–1400 BCE. The site has yielded typical Malwa ware pottery, evidence of early farming, and fortified settlements, reflecting the cultural traits of the Malwa phase. The Jorwe culture is primarily found in Maharashtra, Ahar culture in Rajasthan, and Ganeshwar culture is linked with early copper metallurgy, making Malwa culture the correct association for Eran.

Sol. The Neolithic sites of Burzahom and Gufkral, located in Kashmir, are notable for their unique features such as pit dwellings, numerous bone tools, and remains of domesticated animals like goats, sheep, and cattle. However, the economy at these sites was not predominantly pastoral; it was a mixed economy based on both agriculture and animal domestication. Archaeological findings suggest significant evidence of cereal cultivation, indicating that farming played an equally important, if not greater, role alongside pastoral activities.

Sol. The hoard from Daimabad, a prominent Chalcolithic site in Maharashtra, yielded four remarkable massive copper artifacts: a rhinoceros, an elephant, a chariot with a driver, and a buffalo. These copper objects are extraordinary examples of early metallurgical skill and artistic expression during the Chalcolithic period. Such elaborate copper artifacts have not been found at other sites like Prakash, Inamgaon, or Navdatoli, making Daimabad uniquely significant in this context.

Sol. The copper hoards found in various regions of northern India are closely associated with the Ochre-Coloured Ware (OCW) culture. This cultural phase, dated roughly between 2000–1500 BCE, is characterized by its distinctive pottery with an ochre wash and the occurrence of copper objects such as tools, weapons, and anthropomorphic figures. These findings indicate a transitional phase between the late Harappan and early Vedic cultures, with the OCW people being skilled in copper metallurgy. The other pottery types mentioned, like Lustrous Red Ware, Black and Red Ware, and Painted Grey Ware, belong to different cultural contexts and periods.

Sol. The earliest known Neolithic settlement in South Asia is indeed at Mehrgarh, located in present-day Balochistan, Pakistan, and it dates back to around 7000 BC. This site shows evidence of early farming, animal domestication, and village life. Additionally, V. Gordon Childe, a prominent archaeologist, described the Neolithic-Chalcolithic phase as a “self-sufficient food economy,” emphasizing the shift from food gathering to food production, which included agriculture and animal domestication, marking a fundamental transformation in human history.

Sol. During the Chalcolithic period associated with the Jorwe culture, the goddess Shakambhari was worshipped as the deity of vegetative fertility. Shakambhari is traditionally linked to agriculture, vegetation, and nourishment, symbolizing the community’s reliance on agricultural prosperity for survival. This highlights the significance of fertility cults in early agrarian societies. The other names listed, such as Sakapurni, Satakarni, and Sambhuti, do not pertain to the fertility goddess worship traditions of the Jorwe culture.

Sol. The correct chronological sequence is as follows: Ochre Coloured Pottery (OCP) is the earliest, associated with the late Harappan transition around 2000–1500 BCE. It is followed by Painted Grey Ware (PGW), which is linked to the early Vedic period around 1200–600 BCE. Then comes Northern Black Polished Ware (NBPW), prominent in the later Vedic and Mauryan periods, roughly 700–200 BCE. Arretine Ware, however, is Roman pottery from the 1st century BCE to 1st century CE, much later than the Indian pottery traditions mentioned. Therefore, the sequence 4 (OCP), 3 (PGW), 2 (NBPW), and 1 (Arretine Ware) is accurate.

Sol. The term “Hominid” refers to the earliest “man-like creatures” that are evolutionary ancestors distinct from modern Homo sapiens. Hominids include extinct species like Australopithecus and early members of the genus Homo, which show both human and ape-like characteristics. Pithecanthropus and Sinanthropus were specific types of early humans (later classified under Homo erectus), and Eoanthropus refers to the Piltdown Man, a later-discredited fossil hoax. Thus, “Hominid” correctly represents the broader group of the earliest human ancestors who were racially different from Homo sapiens.

Sol. Bhimbetka, located in Madhya Pradesh, is renowned for its prehistoric rock shelters that contain some of the oldest known paintings in the world. These paintings, dating back to the Mesolithic and even earlier periods, depict scenes of hunting, dancing, and daily life, reflecting the lifestyle and environment of prehistoric humans. While Bagh and Ajanta are famous for their later Buddhist paintings, and Amravati is noted for its Buddhist stupas and sculptures, Bhimbetka stands out for its ancient prehistoric art.

Sol. All the statements regarding the Neolithic culture are correct. The Neolithic age indeed marks the concluding phase of the Stone Age, characterized by the refinement of stone tools. A productive economy, primarily based on agriculture and animal domestication, is a defining feature of this age, distinguishing it from earlier hunter-gatherer societies. Additionally, the presence of pottery, often handmade and later wheel-made, is a critical diagnostic marker of Neolithic cultures, indicating settled life and food storage practices. Together, these elements define the fundamental aspects of Neolithic societies.

Sol. Robert Bruce Foote is known as the “Father of Indian Prehistory” because of his pioneering discoveries related to ancient human activity in India. In 1863, he discovered the first Palaeolithic stone tool at Pallavaram near Chennai, which opened up the systematic study of prehistoric archaeology in India. His extensive surveys and excavations laid the groundwork for future archaeological research. The other individuals mentioned, though important in their respective fields, do not hold the same foundational significance in the study of Indian prehistory as Foote does.

Sol. All the listed statements accurately describe the life of Stone Age people. They primarily relied on tools and weapons made from stone, which is a defining characteristic of the era. Their settlements were often found on hill slopes, in natural rock shelters, and along hilly river valleys, which offered protection and access to water. Additionally, their subsistence economy was limited to hunting, gathering, and later, basic agriculture, meaning they produced only enough for their immediate survival without surplus. These features collectively define the economic and social constraints of Stone Age communities.

Sol. The correct matching is: A. Birbhanpur – 4. Microliths: This site in West Bengal is known for yielding microlithic tools, indicating Mesolithic occupation. B. Ujjain – 3. Ochre-coloured pottery: Ujjain has shown evidence of early settlements associated with Ochre-Coloured Pottery, an important cultural marker in Chalcolithic North India. C. Kayatha – 2. Copper hoard: Kayatha in Madhya Pradesh is a significant Chalcolithic site that has yielded copper tools and is considered part of the Kayatha culture. D. Ahar – 1. Banas culture: Ahar, located in Rajasthan, is the key site of the Ahar or Banas culture, known for distinctive red and black ceramics and early metallurgy.

Sol. All the statements regarding Chalcolithic settlements are accurate. During this period, cattle were domesticated primarily for meat, with limited evidence suggesting the use of milk or dairy products. Cultivation was practiced, but it was generally small-scale and often supplemented by hunting, gathering, or pastoralism. Additionally, the pre-Harappan phases at sites like Kalibangan in Rajasthan and Banawali in Haryana exhibit typical Chalcolithic features such as handmade pottery, limited metallurgy, and early farming practices, distinct from the later urban Harappan phase. These aspects collectively define the subsistence and cultural patterns of Chalcolithic communities.

Sol. All the pairings listed between sites and their respective locations are correct: A. Mando – 1. Jammu and Kashmir: Mando is a prehistoric site located in the Jammu and Kashmir region. B. Sutkagendor – 2. Balochistan: This was an important Harappan coastal trading post located in present-day Balochistan (now in Pakistan). C. Daimabad – 3. Maharashtra: A major Chalcolithic site in Maharashtra, known for its distinctive copper artifacts. D. Alamgirpur – 4. Uttar Pradesh: This site marks the easternmost extent of the Harappan civilization and is located in Uttar Pradesh. Thus, all pairings are correct and the correct option includes all of them.

Sol. The widespread use of Black and Red Ware (BRW) and Painted Grey Ware (PGW) is closely associated with the advent of iron technology in India. BRW, which began during the late Chalcolithic period, continued into the early Iron Age, particularly in the Ganga valley and central India. PGW is more specifically linked with the early Iron Age and the later Vedic period, dated around 1200–600 BCE. These pottery styles coincide with the use of iron tools and weapons, reflecting a major technological and cultural shift. The presence of BRW and PGW does not signify the end of bronze use, but rather the emergence and growing dominance of iron.

Sol. The Nagara, Dravida, and Vesara are the three principal styles of Indian temple architecture. The Nagara style developed in northern India and is characterized by its curvilinear towers (shikharas). The Dravida style is found in the southern parts of India and features pyramid-shaped towers (vimanas) and elaborate gateways (gopurams). The Vesara style is a hybrid form that evolved primarily in the Deccan region, blending elements of both Nagara and Dravida styles. These architectural traditions played a central role in the cultural and religious life of ancient and medieval India.

Sol. The earliest cereals cultivated by humans were wheat and barley, both of which were first domesticated in the Fertile Crescent region (modern-day West Asia) around 9000–7000 BCE. These grains then spread to other parts of the world, including the Indian subcontinent. Archaeological evidence from early Neolithic sites such as Mehrgarh in present-day Pakistan confirms the cultivation of wheat and barley. Maize was domesticated much later in Mesoamerica, and millets, though early in parts of India and Africa, appeared after wheat and barley in the global sequence of cereal

Sol. The largest belt of painted rock-shelters from the prehistoric period has been discovered at Bhimbetka and Jaora, both located in Madhya Pradesh. Bhimbetka, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, contains over 700 rock shelters with paintings dating from the Mesolithic to the early historic periods. Jaora also features prehistoric rock art, though less extensive than Bhimbetka. Bhaja and Ajanta, on the other hand, are known for their later Buddhist caves and artistic heritage, not for prehistoric rock art. Therefore, only Bhimbetka and Jaora are relevant in the context of prehistoric painted rock-shelters.

Sol. Mesolithic Period: While Mesolithic people created art, primarily in the form of rock paintings, their pottery, when present, was generally crude and undecorated or had very simple markings. Painted pottery is not a defining characteristic of this period.

Chalcolithic Period: This period, characterized by the use of copper and stone tools, saw a significant advancement in pottery technology and decoration. Chalcolithic cultures in various regions, including the Indus Valley Civilization and other contemporary cultures in the Indian subcontinent, the Near East, and Europe, produced a wide range of painted pottery with diverse designs.
Neolithic Period: The Neolithic period marks the beginning of settled agricultural life and the widespread use of pottery. While some Neolithic pottery was decorated with incised patterns or simple washes, extensive and elaborate painted decoration became more prominent in the later Neolithic and especially the Chalcolithic periods. Early Neolithic pottery often focused on functional aspects.
Iron Age: The Iron Age followed the Chalcolithic and Bronze Ages. By this time, pottery painting traditions were already well-established in many cultures.

Therefore, while the very earliest forms of pottery decoration might predate it, the Chalcolithic cultures are recognized for the widespread and significant practice of painting their pottery with diverse and often elaborate designs. This period represents a notable development in ceramic art.

Final Answer: The final answer is Chalcolithic​

Sol. Fossils, hand axes, and remains of bones are primary sources of information for reconstructing the prehistoric period in India. Fossils provide insight into the types of flora and fauna that existed and help in understanding human evolution. Hand axes are typical stone tools from the Palaeolithic age, indicating early human technology and behavior. Remains of bones help identify dietary patterns, domestication of animals, and burial practices. While pottery is an important artifact, it appears mainly from the Neolithic period onward and is not characteristic of the earlier phases of prehistory like the Palaeolithic and Mesolithic periods.