Prehistoric — Set 1
Indian History · प्रागैतिहासिक काल · Questions 1–10 of 40
Who is considered the 'Father of Indian Prehistory'?
Correct Answer: C. Robert Bruce Foote
Robert Bruce Foote was the first to discover a Paleolithic tool in India in 1863. He found this stone hand axe at Pallavaram near Chennai. His discovery laid the foundation for prehistoric studies in India.
The Paleolithic Age in India is divided into three phases based on what factor?
Correct Answer: D. Nature of stone tools
The Paleolithic Age is divided into Lower, Middle, and Upper phases based on the nature of stone tools. This division also reflects changes in the climate and environment over time. The tools evolved from crude hand axes to finer flakes and blades.
What term is used for the small stone tools characteristic of the Mesolithic Age?
Correct Answer: B. Microliths
Microliths are tiny stone tools, usually less than 5 cm in length, from the Mesolithic period. These small tools were often hafted onto wood or bone handles to make composite tools. They represent a technological shift towards hunting smaller animals.
Which site provides early evidence of animal domestication in the Mesolithic period?
Correct Answer: A. Adamgarh
Adamgarh in Madhya Pradesh provides some of the earliest evidence of animal domestication in India. Similar evidence was also found at Bagor in Rajasthan during the Mesolithic phase. This marked the beginning of a shift from hunting to herding.
Which major change defines the transition to the Neolithic Age?
Correct Answer: D. Beginning of Agriculture
The beginning of agriculture is the primary characteristic that defines the Neolithic Age. This period saw humans settling down to cultivate crops like wheat and barley. It led to the development of village communities.
Which was the first metal used by humans in India?
Correct Answer: D. Copper
Copper was the first metal to be discovered and used by humans. This development led to the Chalcolithic period, meaning 'Copper-Stone' age. Iron came into use much later, during the Vedic period.
Ochre Coloured Pottery (OCP) is primarily associated with which cultural phase?
Correct Answer: A. Chalcolithic
Ochre Coloured Pottery (OCP) is generally associated with the Chalcolithic culture of the upper Ganga valley. Archaeologists have found this pottery in layers preceding the Iron Age. It reflects a specific regional culture of the copper-using period.
The famous prehistoric rock shelters of Bhimbetka are located in which state?
Correct Answer: D. Madhya Pradesh
Bhimbetka is located in the Raisen district of Madhya Pradesh. It is famous for its rock paintings that span from the Paleolithic to the Mesolithic periods. The site is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Modern humans (Homo sapiens) first appeared during which phase of the Stone Age?
Correct Answer: B. Upper Paleolithic
Homo sapiens, or modern humans, appeared during the Upper Paleolithic phase. This period is the last stage of the Old Stone Age. It coincided with the final phase of the Ice Age.
Which Neolithic site is famous for 'pit dwellings'?
Correct Answer: C. Burzahom
Burzahom in Kashmir is famous for its unique pit dwellings. These were circular pits dug into the ground, likely to provide shelter from the cold. Steps were often cut into the sides to allow entry.