Stone Age – Edutreaty

PRE-HISTORIC PERIOD (30,00,000 BC – 600 BC)

It consists of five periods- Paleolithic, Mesolithic, Neolithic, Chalcolithic & Iron Age.
Archaeological remains from this period are stone tools, pottery, artefacts, and metal implements used by prehistoric people.
Robert Bruce Foote discovered what was probably the first Paleolithic tool discovered in India — the Pallavaram handaxe.
Robert Bruce Foote is known as the father of Prehistoric Archaeology.

PALEOLITHIC OR OLD STONE AGE (30,00,000 BC – 10000 BC)

The Palaeolithic Age is the earliest period of the Stone Age, which developed in the Pleistocene period or the Ice Age.
There was no knowledge of agriculture, house building, pottery, or any metal.
It spread in practically all parts of India except the alluvial plains of the Indus and Ganga
Quartzite men: Since the stone tools were made of a hard rock called quartzite, Palaeolithic men are therefore also called Quartzite men in India.
Chopper-chopping pebble culture: The implements of this culture were found first from Sohan river valley of west Punjab (Pakistan), also called as Sohan Culture.
Hand Axe culture: The implements of this culture were found first in Badmadurai and Attirampakkam of Madras, so also called as Madrasian Culture.

Famous sites of Old Stone Age:

Soan valley on Potwar plateau
Siwalik hills in the north India
Bhimbetka in Madhya Pradesh
Adamgarh Hills in Narmada Valley
Kurnool in Andhra Pradesh
Attirampakkam near Chennai

A. Lower Paleolithic Age (5,00,000 to 50,000 BC) (Homoeractus)

Evolution: Learned to control fire for roasting meat and warding off animals. Hunting and food gathering. Lived in trees and in caves.
Tools: chopper-chopping, Hand Axes and Cleavers.
Sites: Soan and Sohan river valley (now in Pakistan), Didwana, (Rajasthan), Hiran Valley (Gujarat), rock shelters of Bhimbetka (MP), and Belan Valley of Mirzapur (UP).

B. Middle Paleolithic Age(50,000 – 40,000 BC) (Neanderthal)

Evolution: Language was invented in this period. Men remained hunters and food gatherers.
Tools: It is also known as Flake culture due to excessiveness of implements made from flakes. Refined and lighter tools made of harder stone material like flint were used. Diversified tools based on flakes were used, for example, blades, pointers, scrapers and borers.
Sites: Soan, Narmada and Tungabhadra river valleys, Potwar plateau (between Indus and Jehlum), Sanghao Cave (near Peshawar, Pakistan).

C. Upper Paleolithic Age (40,000 – 10,000 BC) (Homo Sapiens)

Evolution: Other hominin species were eliminated by this time. Homo sapiens first appeared at the end of this phase. There is evidence of art in the form of paintings.
Tools: It is also known as Flake-Blade culture due to excessiveness of implements made from Flake-Blade. Even more refined and light tools. These were backed blades with two cutting edges. Blades, scrapers, and burins could be fitted in handles; Bone tools like needles, harpoons were also found.
Sites: Found in Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Maharashtra, Central MP, Southern UP and Chota Nagpur Plateau. Bone tools found only at cave sites of Kurnool and Muchchatla Chintamani Gavi in Andhra Pradesh.

MESOLITHIC OR MIDDLE STONE AGE (9000 BC – 4000 BC)

This is the transitional phase between the Palaeolithic and Neolithic ages.
No snakes are depicted in Mesolithic Paintings.
In India, the credit of discovery of Mesolithic archaeological material goes to John Evan.
Evolution: It was the transitional period between the Paleolithic and Neolithic Age. People used bow and arrow and hence, big animals were hunted down easily. First burials are reported and use of stone-ornaments also appears. Domestication of animals like sheep and goats is found. The first human colonization of the Ganga Plains happened during this period.
Tools: Microlith tools i.e., tools made of micro-sized stones which were very refined. Bow and arrow and other microliths in various shapes like moon, triangular, square, rectangle, crescents and arrowhead.
Sites: Bhimbetka, Mahadaha, Sarai Nahar Rai, Adamgarh (MP), Langhnaj (Gujarat), etc. Earliest cave paintings are found at Bhimbetka (UNESCO World Heritage Site).

NEOLITHIC AGE OR NEW STONE AGE (7000 BC – 1000 BC)

In India, the credit of discovery of Neolithic archaeological material goes to Dr. Primrose.
Neolithic revolution: V. Gordon Childe termed the Neolithic phase as Neolithic Revolution. It introduced a lot of important changes in man’s social and economic life. The Neolithic age saw man turning into a food producer from food gatherer.
Man lived in huts, reared cattle, developed agriculture (wheat, barley, cotton, rice etc.), used earthenware (both handmade and wheel-made).
Domestication of animals: cattle, sheep and goats was also done.
People of Neolithic age lived in rectangular or circular houses which were made of mud and reeds.
Tools: Sharper, symmetrical and polished stone tools for not only hunting but agriculture also. Daggers, digging sticks, celts, grinding stones, sickle, saw, sling-stones etc. (continuous rubbing was done to smoothen the tools).

Sites:

Kashmir valley, Chirand (Bihar), Daojali Hading, Belan valley (UP), and Maski etc.
Chopani–Mando, Belan valley: earliest evidence of use of pottery
Burzahom: unique rectangular chopper, domestic dogs buried with their masters.
Koldihwa and Mahagara: earliest evidence of rice cultivation in the world.
South India: Maski, Brahmagiri, Hallur and Kodekal in Karnataka, Paiyampalli in TN and Utnur in Andhra Pradesh.
Koldihwa (Belan valley): Presence of a three-fold Neolithic, Chalcolithic and Iron Age settlements
Mehrgarh (Pakistan): Earliest Neolithic site known as the Breadbasket of Balochistan.

CHALCOLITHIC (COPPER) AGE 3500 BC – 1000 BC

The first metal age of India is called Chalcolithic Age. It was also called the Stone-Copper Age.

Chaloclithic age is divided into 3 Stages
Pre-Harappan Age	3500 BC-2500 BC
Harappan Age	2500 BC-1750 BC
Post-Harappan Age	2000 BC-1000 BC

Chalcolithic: Chalco + Lithic was derived from the Greek words khalkos + líthos which means copper and stone or Copper Age
Chalcolithic cultures had grown in river valleys. Harappan culture is considered part of Chalcolithic culture.
The Chalcolithic culture corresponds to the farming communities: Kayatha, Ahar or Banas, Malwa, and Jorwe.

Evolution:

Settled & community life.
Crops cultivated were: barley, wheat, lentil, bajra, jowar, ragi millets, green pea, green and black gram and cotton.
Rice and Fish was used as food.
Technically separate but Harappan civilization evolved out of the Chalcolithic Culture.
Unaware of: Iron, horse and script.
Marks the beginning of use metal in place of stone yet burnt brick was generally absent.
High Child Mortality is indicated by a large number of child burials.

Tools/ Idols:

Knives, axes, fishing hooks, chisels, pins, and rods were made of copper and its alloys.
Beads of semi-precious stones and the Terracotta image of Mother Goddess are reported.
Dead were buried in urns; at times with tools and objects.

Crafts and Pots:

Copper and stone tools were used simultaneously.
The chalcolithic people were expert coppersmiths. Weavers were present.
Used Black and Red Ware. Painted pottery, in black pigment; decorated with different shapes.

Sites:

In India it was mainly found in South-Eastern Rajasthan, Western part of Madhya Pradesh and Maharashtra, and in South and East India.
Several bronze and copper objects, terracotta figurines and pottery were found at Paiyampalli in Tamil Nadu.
Important sites: Navdatoli, Jorwe, Daimabad, Ahar Banas, Malwa, Inamgaon, Songaon, Nashik, Mehgam, Kausambi, Alamgirpur, Ropar etc.

Chalcolithic Cultures	Sites
Ahara Culture	Aahar (Rajasthan), Balathal, Gilund etc. The distinctive feature is black and red ware.
Kayatha Culture	Located in Chambal and its tributaries, the sturdy red slipped ware with chocolate designs is the main feature.
Malwa Culture	Narmada & its tributaries in Gujarat. One of the largest Chalcolithic settlements.
Savalda Culture	Dhulia district of Maharashtra.
Prabhas & Rangpur Culture	Both are derived from the Harappa culture. The polished red ware is the hallmark of this culture.

IRON AGE (1,000BC – 500 BC)

The Chalcolithic age is followed by the Iron Age.
Iron is frequently referred to in the Vedas.
The Iron Age of the southern peninsula is often related to megalithic burials. Megalith means large stone.
The burial pits covered with these stones are extensively found in South India.

Important Megalithic sites

Hallur and Maski in Karnataka, Nagarjunakondain Andhra Pradesh and Adichchanallur in Tamil Nadu.

Bihar Special

Pre-Historic Period or Paleolithic Age in Bihar
Weapons related to the Stone Age: The weapons associated with this period include stone knives, axes and spears, etc. Their remains have been found in Munger and Nalanda districts and from many places in undivided Bihar (present day Jharkhand).
In the Middle Stone Age, samples of tools are also found along with weapons because by that time primitive man had attained greater proficiency in the use of stones. The weapons and tools of this period are made of small stones. They have a better shape and have a ghat and a tip. Their samples have also been found from Munger and Nalanda, which gives evidence of the continuous sequence of development of human life at these places.
The remains of the Neolithic age have been obtained from the places located in the plains. Among these Chirand (Saran), Chechar or Shwetpur (Vaishali), Senuar (Rohtas), Maner (Patna) are the main centres. Not only very small tools made of stone (microliths) but also tools and weapons made of bone have been obtained from here. It is important that all these places are situated on the banks of rivers.
Cave Paintings: Another important source of information about the Stone Age are Cave Paintings. Such paintings have been received from Kaimur hills, Nawada and Jamui in Bihar. There is a lot of similarity in the cave paintings found in Central India. Scenes of human activities like hunting, dance etc. are also seen in these paintings along with natural objects. From these, the life style of early humans can be understood.
Chalcolithic remains are found in Sonpur and Taradih (Gaya), Chirand (Saran), Chechar (Vaishali), Maner (Patna) and Senuar (Rohtas).
Types of tools of Early Pre-Stone Age and Middle and Late Pre-Stone Age found in Bihar: Axes made of rough stone, knives and scabbards.
Types of Neolithic tools in Bihar: Small size stone and bone tools

Chalcolithic Age in Bihar

Chalcolithic remains are found in Sonpur and Taradih (Gaya), Chirand (Saran), Chechar (Vaishali), Maner (Patna) and Senuar (Rohtas)

QUESTIONS

1. The earliest evidence of animal husbandry and agriculture has been found in India

(a) Figs (b) Arrogantly

Ans :- (d) Mehargarh

2. Which of the following is also called the Chalcolithic Age?

(a) Palaeolithic (b) Neolithic age

Ans :- (c) Chalcolithic Age

3. The people of which of the following period were called Quartzite Man?

(a) Chalcolithic period (b) Paleolithic period

Ans :- (b) Paleolithic period

4. From where have the evidences of pre stone age been found in Bihar?

(a) Chirand (Saran) (b) Rohtas

(e) None of the above/More than one of the above

Ans :- (e) None of the above/More than one of the above

5. To which of the following period Malwa culture is related?

(a) Neolithic age (b) Iron Age

Ans :- (d) Chalcolithic period

Robert Bruce Foote, who discovered fi rst Palaeolithic tool in India, was a/an –

(a) Geologist (b) Archaeologist

Ans. (a Geologist & b Archaeologist)

Robert Bruce Foote was a British geologist and archaeologist. He is considered as the father of Indian pre-history. He was associated with the Geological Survey of India and documented the antiquities of the stone age.

7. The three-age system, divided into stone, bronze and iron from the collection of Copenhagen museum was coined by –

(a) Thomson (b) Lubbock

Ans. (a) Thomson

The three age system- Stone, Bronze and Iron from the collection of Copenhagen museum was coined by Christian Jurgensen Thomsen.

8. With reference to the Indian History, Alexander Rea, A. H. Longhurst, Robert Sewell, James Burgess and Walter Elliot were associated with

(a) Archaeological excavations (b) Establishment of English Press in Colonial India

Ans. (a) Archaeological excavations

Alexander Rea, A.H. Longhurst, Robert Sewell, James Burgess and Walter Elliot were associated with archaeological excavations. They primarily worked in the field of South Indian history.

9. According to the excavated evidence, the domestication of animal began in –

(a) Lower Palaeolithic period (b) Middle Palaeolithic period

Ans. (d) Mesolithic period

According to the excavated evidence, the domestication of animals began in the Mesolithic period. The earliest pieces of evidence of domestication of animals in India have been found at Adamgarh (Narmadapuram, M.P.) and Bagor (Bhilwara, Rajasthan).

10. In Mesolithic context, evidence of animal domestication has been found at :

(a) Langhnaj (b) Birbhanpur

Ans. (c) Adamgarh

11. From which one of the following sites bone implements have been found ?

(a) Chopani-Mando (b) Kakoria

Ans. (c Mahadaha & d Sarai Nahar Rai)

A large number of implements made of bones and horns have been found from the Mesolithic site, Mahadaha and Sarai Nahar Rai (located in Pratapgarh district of U.P.). The book titled ‘Puratattva Vimarsh ‘ written by Dr. Jai Narayan Pandey describes various pointed objects and ornaments made of bones which have been reported from Sarai Nahar Rai, Damdama and Mahadaha.

Bone ornaments in the Mesolithic context in India have been obtained from –

(a) Sarai Nahar Rai (b) Mahadaha

Ans. (a Sarai Nahar Rai & b Mahadaha)

13. Arrange the following Mesolithic sites geographically in order from west to east –

1. Paisra 2. Lekhahia

3. Birbhanpur 4. Mahadaha

Select the correct answer from the code given below :

Code :

(a) 4, 2, 3 and 1 (b) 1, 4, 3 and 2

Ans. (c) 4, 2, 1 and 3

Mesolithic sites in order from west to east geographically :– Mahadaha (Pratapgarh, UP), Lekhahia (Mirzapur, UP), Paisra (Bihar) and Birbhanpur (W. Bengal)

14. Three human skeletons in a single grave were recovered at –

(a) Sarai Nahar Rai (b) Damdama

Ans. (b) Damdama

Damdama is a Mesolithic site in Pratapgarh district Uttar Pradesh. In Damdama, 41 human graves were found. Out of these graves, 5 are double burial. One triple burial grave is also found here. A grave with four human skeletons has been found at Sarai Nahar Rai.

15. The cultivation of cereals first started in –

(a) Neolithic Age (b) Mesolithic Age

Ans. (a) Neolithic Age

Grains were fi rst ever produced in Neolithic Age. It was the time when people were introduced to agriculture. Koldihwa and Mehrgarh were the two Neolithic archaealogical sites from where clear pieces of evidence of rice and wheat have been found.

16. The earliest evidence of man in India is found in

(a) Nilgiri Hills (b) Shiwalik Hills

Ans. (d) Narmada Valley

In India, the first evidence of man was found in Narmada valley region of Madhya Pradesh. It was discovered in 1982.

17. The first Human Fossil was found from which River Valley of India?

(a) Ganga Valley (b) Yamuna Valley

Ans. (c) Narmada Valley

18. The first cereal used by man was :

(a) Wheat (b) Rice

Ans. (c) Barley

There are mainly eight types of food grains consumed by modern human society, namely barley, wheat, maize, millet, sorghum, mustard, oat and rice. These plants were present in the form of weed in different areas, which were later grown as seed by a human being at different places, in different times. Although, barley was the first grain to be cultivated by human beings during 8000 B.C. in western Asian countries located between the northeast Mediterranean Sea and Iran. Later, in the same area, wheat was also cultivated around 8000 B.C.

19. The earliest evidence of agriculture in Indian subcontinent comes from –

(a) Koldihwa (b) Lahuradeva

Ans. (b) Lahuradeva

According to the latest research, the earliest evidence of agriculture in Indian sub-continent has been reported from the Lahuradeva site in Sant Kabir Nagar district, Uttar Pradesh. The evidence of human activity and beginning of rice cultivation at this site dates back to around 9000-7000 B.C. Significantly before this research, the earlier evidence of wheat was found at Mehrgarh (located in Balochistan, Pakistan) belonging to around 7000 B.C. and the earliest evidence of rice is known to be near the bank of the river Belan, district Prayagraj, from where rice bran was found dating back to 6500 B.C. With above reference, if Lahuradeva is one option, then it will be the correct answer, but if Lahuradeva is not an option, then Mehrgarh would be the right answer.

20. The earliest evidence of agriculture in the Indian Subcontinent has been obtained from –

(a) Brahmagiri (b) Burzahom

Ans. (d) Mehrgarh

21. The earliest evidence of animal domestication and agriculture in India has come from

(a) Anjira (b) Damb Sadat

Ans. (d) Mehrgarh

22. With reference to the cultural heritage of Uttar Pradesh, which of the following statement/s is/are correct?

(1) The oldest evidence of agriculture in the global context has been obtained from many excavated sites in this region.

(2) The oldest cultivated food grains are barley and paddy.

Select the correct answer using the codes given below –

Code –

(a) Only 1 (b) Only 2

Ans (c) Both 1 and 2

Uttar Pradesh has been blessed with a rich cultural heritage since prehistoric times. It is noteworthy that Koldihwa situated in the Belan river valley region of the state, has been considered to be the oldest evidence of paddy cultivation in the world for a long time. Similarly, Lahuradev, which currently presents the oldest evidence of paddy cultivation, is also a part of Sant Kabir Nagar district of Uttar Pradesh. Hence statement (1) is correct. Evidence of the oldest agriculture grains barley and paddy has been found from many excavated sites of Uttar Pradesh, evidence of barley and paddy has been found from Mahagada and evidence of paddy has been found from Koldihwa.

23. Name the site which has revealed the earliest evidence of settled life ?

(a) Dholavira (b) Kile Gul Mohammad

Ans. (d) Mehrgarh

Among the given options, the oldest evidence of permanent life has been found for the fi rst time from Mehrgarh located in Kachhi plains of Balochistan, whose authentic date is around 7000 B.C., while the oldest date of Kile Gul Muhammad and Kalibangan is 4000 B.C. and 3500 B.C. respectively.

24. Which among the following sites provides evidence of domestication of animals in the Mesolithic period?

(a) Odai (b) Bori

Ans. (c) Bagor

The earlest pieces of evidence of domestication of animals in India have been found at Adamgarh (Narmadapuram, M.P.) and Bagor (Bhilwara, Rajasthan).

25. Which one of the following periods is also known as Chalcolithic Age?

(a) Old Stone Age (b) New Stone Age

Ans. (c) Copper Age

Copper Age is also known as the Chalcolithic age. The age in which instruments of copper were used in addition to stone, is called as Copper Age.

26. Consider the following statements pertaining to the Ahar Civilization –

A. The natives of Ahar knew copper smelting

B. Rice was unknown to them

C. Metal work was one of the means of economy of the Ahar

D. Black – Red coloured pottery have been found here, on which generally white coloured geometrical designs have been carved.

Choose the correct option –

(a) A, C and D are correct (b) A and B are correct

Ans :- (a) A, C and D are correct

Ahar civilization belonged to chalcolithic period and flourished around the Mewar region of Rajasthan. They used copper tools and evidence of copper smelting is present too. Hence (A) and (C) statements are correct. Rice was known to them hence (B) is wrong. Mostly black-red coloured pottery decorated with white geometric design have been found here. Hence (D) is also correct.

27. The cultural remains from Stone Age to Harappan Civilization have been obtained from which one of the following ancient sites?

(a) Amri (b) Mehrgarh

Ans. (b) Mehrgarh

The cultural remains from Stone Age to Harappan Civilization have been obtained from Mehrgarh located in Balochistan (Pakistan).

28. Excavation at Navadatoli was conducted by –

(a) K.D.Bajpai (b) V.S. Wakankar

Ans. (c) H.D. Sankalia

Navdatoli has revealed excellent evidence of both round and rectangular residential structures which are located near Khargone (Madhya Pradesh). The former measures about 3m in diameter and the latter 2m × 2.2m. The roofs were probably made of hay, branches and leaves and were supported on massive wooden posts, 22cm in diameter, raised at regular intervals around the huts. The open spaces between the posts were provided with mud-plastered bamboo screens. The house floors were made up of silt clay and river gravel, with the surface coated with lime. The huts were provided with one or two-mouthed ‘chulhas’ as well as storage jars and other earthen vessels. This site was excavated by Mr. H.D. Sankalia, Professor of Deccan College, Pune. This site was the most extensive excavated Chalcolithic site of Indian sub-continent, which is determined to be between 1500 B.C. and 1300 B.C.

29. In which state, the Navdatoli is located ?

(a) Gujarat (b) Maharashtra

Ans. (d) Madhya Pradesh

30. Megaliths have been identified as-

(a) Caves for hermits (b) Burial sites

Ans. (b) Burial sites

The megaliths usually refer to the burials made up of large stones in graveyards away from the habitation area. A large fraction of these is assumed to be associated with burial or post-burial rituals including memorials for those whose remains may or may not be available. Few types of these are; Chamber tomb, Dolmens, Stone alignment, Stone circle (cromlech), Pit-circles, etc.

31. Ash mound is associated with the Neolithic site at –

(a) Budihal (b) Sangana Kallu

Ans. (b) Sangana Kallu

The ‘Ash mounds’ have been found from a Neolithic site Sangana Kallu located in Bellari district in Karnataka. They have also been found in Piklihal and Utnur. These ash mounds are the burnt relics of seasonal camps of Neolithic herdsmen community.

32. ‘Bhimbetka’ is famous for –

(a) Rock Paintings (b) Buddhist Statues

Ans. (a) Rock Paintings

The rock shelters of Bhimbetka are located in Raisen (M.P.). UNESCO has included the shell pictures of Bhimbetka in the list of its world heritage site. These caves exhibit the earliest traces of human life on the Indian subcontinent and include the pictures of an elephant, sambhar, deer, etc. There are 500 pictures in approx. 700 rock shelters.

33. Which one of the following places is famous for pre- historic paintings ?

(a) Ajanta (b) Bhimbetka

Ans. (b) Bhimbetka

34. Where are the caves of Bhimbetka situated?

(a) Bhopal (b) Pachmarhi

Ans. (d) Abdullahganj-Raisen

35. In India, from which rock-shelter, pictures has been found the most ?

(a) Ghagharia (b) Bhimbetka

Ans. (b) Bhimbetka

36. Which of the following Indian Archaeologists first visited ‘Bhimbetka Caves’ and discovered prehistoric significance of its rock paintings?

(a) Madho Swaroop Vatsa (b) H.D. Sankalia

Ans. (c) V.S. Wakankar

‘Bhimbetka Caves’ are located in Raisen District of MP. They are best example of Rock Painting of prehistoric era. It was discovered by V.S. Wakankar in 1957. It is a UNESCO world heritage site for its prominent prehistoric Rock Paintings.

37. Bhimbetka was discovered by

(a) Dr. H.D. Sankhalia (b) Dr. Shyam Sundar Nigam

Ans (c) Dr. Vishnu S. Wakankar

38. The Ochre-coloured Pottery (O.C.P.) was christened at:

(a) Hastinapur (b) Ahichhatra

Ans. (a) Hastinapur

Discovery and Naming (Christen) of OCP was done by B.B. Lal in 1950-52 at Hastinapur. Ochre-Coloured Pottery (known to archaeologists as OCP) as the name implies, its main distinguishing feature was its ochre colour, which gives it a first appearance of being badly fi red. Other characteristics are its porous character and the fact that it is invariably worn out at the edges.

39. In the Chalcolithic period people of Maharashtra buried their dead under the fl oor of their houses in the following orientation:

(a) North to South position (b) East to West position

Ans. (a) North to South position

The people of Jorwe culture lived in large rectangular houses with wattle and daub walls and thatched roof. They believed in life after death and therefore buried the dead inside the houses under the fl oor. Children were buried in two urns that were joined mouth-to-mouth and set horizontally in the pit, while adults were placed in a supine position with the head towards the north (north to south). These sites were found in Daimabad, Inamgaon, Chandoli, Nevasa, etc.

40. Which of the following sites has yielded skeleton of the dog along with human skeleton in burial ?

(a) Brahmagiri (b) Burzahom

Ans. (b) Burzahom

The Burzahom site is a prehistoric settlement in the village of the same name in Kashmir valley. Both human and animal skeletons were found here with trepanning (bored hole) marks. In many pits, bones of dogs and antlered deer were found along with human skeletons. The skeletons of humans were found in the burial pits in a sitting position along with bones of animals. The first excavation at the Burzahom site was carried out by Helmut de Terra and Dr. Thomas Paterson in the year 1935.

41. The evidence of burying the dog with human body is found from which of the following places ?

(a) Burzahom (b) Koldihwa

Ans. (a) Burzahom

42. The evidence of pit dwelling has been obtained from –

(a) Burzahom (b) Koldihwa

Ans. (a) Burzahom

43. Correctly match the following :

(I) (II)

A. Paleolithic Age (i) Bhimbetka Caves

B. Mesolithic Age (ii) Burzahom

C. Neolithic Age (iii) Banas Valley

D. Chalcolithic Age (iv) Sohan/Soan River Valley

Code :

A B C D

(a) (i) (ii) (iv) (iii) (b) (iv) (i) (ii) (iii)

Ans. (b) (iv) (i) (ii) (iii)

Paleolithic Age :- Sohan/Soan River Valley

Mesolithic Age :- Bhimbetka Caves

Neolithic Age :- Burzahom

Chalcolithic Age :- Banas Valley

44. Match list-I with list-II and choose the correct answer using the code given below the lists –

List-I List-II

(Archaeological site) (Present location)

A. Nevasa (1) Rajasthan

B. Isampur (2) Tamil Nadu

C. Didwana (3) Maharashtra

D. Gudiyam cave (4) Karnataka

Code –

(a) A-(4), B-(3), C-(1), D-(2) (b) A-(3), B-(2), C-(4), D-(1)

Ans. (c) A-(3), B-(4), C-(1), D-(2)

Archaelogical site Present location

Nevasa – Maharashtra

Isampur – Karnataka

Didwana – Rajasthan

Gudiyam cave – Tamil Nadu

45. Consider the following pairs :

(Historical place) (Well-known for)

1. Burzahom Rock-cut shrines

2. Chandra-ketugarh Terracotta art

3. Ganeshwar Copper artefacts

Which of the pairs given above is/are correctly matched?

(a) 1 only (b) 1 and 2

Ans (d) 2 and 3

Burzahom is a Neolithic site in Kashmir valley. The site is famous for pit dwelling and neolithic tool industry and not for rock cut shrines. Hence pair 1 is not correctly matched.
Chandraketugarh is located in the Ganga delta in West Bengal. In early historic times, Chandraketugarh was connected to the Ganga by the Vidyadhari river, and must have been an important centre of trade, and possibly also a political centre. Chandraketugarh was a major centre of terracotta craft. Various kinds of artefacts have been found at the site over the years, including coins, pottery, seals andsealings and figurines made of ivory, wood and bronze. Hence pair 2 is correctly matched.
The Ganeshwar-Jodhpura culture was located in Rajasthan. Hundreds of copper objects have been found at this site. Hence pair 3 is correctly matched.

46. From which rock shelter of Vindhyas, a maximum number of human skeletons have been found?

(a) Morahana Pahar (b) Ghagharia

Ans. (d) Lekhahia

According to ‘Puratatva Vimarsh’ by J.N. Pandey 17 human skletons were obtained from rock shelter 1 of Lekhahiya in the Vindhya region. Some of these were in relatively pristine condition while most of the others were warped. According to John R. Lucas of University of Oregon (USA), remnants of 27 human skletons were found in Lekhahiya.

47. Given below are two statements, one is labelled as Assertion (A) and other as Reason (R).

Assertion (A) : The stone age people of the Vindhyas migrated to the Ganga Valley in terminal Pleistocene period.

Reason (R) : Due to climatic change, it was dry phase in this period.

Choose the correct answer from the code given below.

Code :

(a) Both (A) and (R) are true and (R) is the correct explanation of (A)

(b) Both (A) and (R) are true and (R) is not the correct explanation of (A)

(d) (A) is false but (R) is true

Ans. (a) Both (A) and (R) are true and (R) is the correct explanation of (A)

Stone age people of the Vindhyas migrated to the Ganga Valley in terminal Pleistocene period because of climatic change Vindhyan Valley had become dry.

48. Which of these departments/ministries deals with Archaeological Survey of India as an accessory office ?

(a) Culture (b) Tourism

Ans. (a) Culture

The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI), under the Ministry of Culture, is a premier organization for the archaeological researches and protection of the cultural heritage of the nation. In 1871, the Archaeological Survey was established as a separate department, and Alexander Cunningham was appointed as its first Director-General. In 1901, during the tenure of Lord Curzon, it was centralized and designated as Archaeological Survey of India. In 1902 John Marshall assumed office of its Director General.

49. Who is called the ‘Father of Indian Archaeology’?

(a) Alexander Cunningham (b) John Marshall

Ans. (a) Alexander Cunningham

Alexander Cunningham (1814-1893 AD) was appointed as British army offi cer with Bengal Engineer Group. He is known as ‘Father of Indian Archaeology’.

50. Where is National Human Museum situated ?

(a) Guwahati (b) Bastar

Ans. (c) Bhopal

National Museum of Mankind known as Indira Gandhi Rastriya Manav Sangrahalaya is located in Bhopal (M.P.). It is an autonomous organization under the Ministry of Culture.

51. Country’s biggest museum showing history of human development, The Indira Gandhi Rastriya Manav Snagrahalaya is located at which place?

(a) Bhopal (b) New Delhi

Ans. (a) Bhopal

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