CHAPTER 2: On The Trail of The Earliest People (Date : 07-08-2018)

Question 1:

Which of the following archaeological sites does not provide the evidence of hunter-gatherers?

Bhimbetka
Hunsgi
Chirand
Kurnool caves

Correct Answer : C

Explanation

The Caves of Bhimbetka, Hunsgi and Kurnool are the sites from which archaeologists have found evidence of hunter-gatherers. These three are palaeolithic archaeological sites, while Chirand is the Neolithic site.
Bhimbetka caves are situated close to the river Narmada and Hunsgi and Kurnool caves are situated on the banks of Tungabhadra River.

Question 2:

Which of the following sites is/are Neolithic archaeological site?

Mehrgarh
Burzahom
Mahagara
Koldihwa
Daojali Hading

Select the correct answer using the code given below:

1 and 2 only
4 and 5 only
3 and 4 only
1, 2, 3, 4 and 5

Correct Answer : D

Explanation

All the above mentioned sites are Neolithic archaeological sites.

Question 3:

In the context of the construction of archaeological stone tools, consider the following statements —

Places where these stone tools were made are known as factory sites.
The technique used in the manufacture of these stone tools was called 'pressure flaking'.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

1 only
2 only
Both 1 and 2
Neither 1 nor 2

Correct Answer : C

Explanation

Both the statements are correct.

Places where stone was found and where people made tools are known as factory sites. Sometimes, people lived here for longer spells of time. These sites are called habitation-cum-factory sites.
Stone tools were probably made using two different techniques:
1. The first is called stone-on-stone. Here, the stone from which the tool was to be made (also called the core) was held in one hand. Another stone, which was used as a hammer was held in the other hand. The second stone was used to strike off flakes from the first, till the required shape was obtained.
2. Pressure flaking: Here the core was placed on a firm surface. The hammer stone was used on a piece of bone or stone that was placed on the core, to remove flakes that could be shaped into tools.

Question 4:

Traces of ash have been found in which of the following archaeological sites?

Caves of Bhimbetka
Kurnool Cave
Koldihwa
Hunsgi

Correct Answer : B

Explanation

Traces of ash have been found in the Kurnool caves. This suggests that people were familiar with the use of fire. Fire could have been used for many things: as a source of light, to cook meat, and to scare away animals.

Question 5:

In the context of the new changes that came from climatic change in the Middle Ages, consider the following statements:

In many areas, increasing temperature led to the development of grasslands.
Fishing also became important.
Grains like wheat, barley and rice grew naturally.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

1 only
2 only
2 and 3 only
1, 2 and 3 only

Correct Answer : D

Explanation

All the above three statements are correct

Around 12,000 years ago, there were major changes in the climate of the world, with a shift to relatively warm conditions.
In many areas, this led to the development of grasslands. This in turn led to an increase in the number of deer, antelope, goat, sheep and cattle, i.e. animals that survived on grass.
Fishing also became important.
This was also a time when several grain bearing grasses, including wheat, barley and rice grew naturally in different parts of the subcontinent. Men, women and children probably collected these grains as food, and learnt where they grew, and when they ripened.

Question 6:

The earliest period of human civilization (prehistoric time) has been divided into three parts for the sake of convenience. Which of the following does not come under those three periods?

Palaeolithic period
Mesolithic period
Neolithic period
Megalithic period

Correct Answer : D

Explanation

The earliest period of human civilization, i.e. prehistoric times, has been divided into three parts - Palaeolithic period, Mesolithic period and Neolithic period. The megalithic phase is related to the monolithic stones in southern India.
The Palaeolithic period extends from 2 million years ago to about 12,000 years ago. This long stretch of time is divided into the Lower, Middle and Upper Palaeolithic. This long span of time covers 99% of human history.
The period when we find environmental changes, beginning about 12,000 years ago till about 10,000 years ago is called the Mesolithic (middle stone).
The next stage, from about 10,000 years ago, is known as the Neolithic.

Question 7:

Which of the following is famous for prehistoric rock painting?

Amravati
Bhimbetka
Tiger Caves
Ajanta

Correct Answer : B

Explanation

Bhimbetka is presently located in Raisen district of Madhya Pradesh. Some beautiful examples of prehistoric rock paintings are found here.
These paintings show wild animals, drawn with great accuracy and skill.

Question 8:

Match the list-I with list-II and select the correct answer using the code given below.

List I	List II
A. Paleolithic period	1. Beginning 10,000 years ago
B. Mesolithic period	2. From 2 million years ago to 12,000 years ago
C. Megalithic period	3. Beginning about 12,000 years ago and lasting till about 10,000 years ago
D. Neolithic period	4. From 2,500 years ago to 1,900 years ago

A B C D

2 3 4 1
A B C D

3 2 4 1
A B C D

2 4 3 1
A B C D

2 4 1 3

Correct Answer : A

Explanation

The Palaeolithic period extends from 2 million years ago to about 12,000 years ago.
The period when we find environmental changes, beginning about 12,000 years ago till about 10,000 years ago is called the Mesolithic (middle stone).
The next stage, from about 10,000 years ago, is known as the Neolithic.
The period when the megalithic monuments were constructed is known as the Megalithic period, extending between 2,500 to 1,900 years.

Question 9:

Consider the following:

Paleolithic period
Mesolithic period
Neolithic period

Tools of which of the above mentioned periods are called 'microliths' or 'small stone'?

1 only
2 only
3 only
1, 2 and 3

Correct Answer : B

Explanation

The period when we find environmental changes, beginning about 12,000 years ago till about 10,000 years ago is called the Mesolithic (middle stone).
Stone tools found during this period are generally tiny, and are called microliths.
Microliths were probably stuck on to handles of bone or wood to make tools such as saws and sickles.

Question 10:

In the context of Hunsgi, consider the following statements —

Hunsgi has received many evidence of early Palaeolithic sites.
Most tools were made from sandstone.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

1 only
2 only
Both 1 and 2
Neither 1 nor 2

Correct Answer : A

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct. Hunsgi is the Palaeolithic site located in Karnataka. At some sites, a large number of tools, used for all sorts of activities, were found.
Statement 2 is not correct. Most tools were made from limestone, which was locally available.

Question 11:

In the context of the evidences of ostriches found in India, consider the following statements —

The oldest evidence of the existence of ostrich in India has been obtained from the Neolithic period.
Evidences of ostrich egg shells were found in Patne in Andhra Pradesh.
Designs were engraved on some pieces, while beads were also made out of them.

Which of the above statements is/are correct?

1 only
1 and 2 only
3 only
1, 2 and 3

Correct Answer : C

Explanation

Statement 1 is not correct. Ostriches were found in India during the Palaeolithic period.
Statement 2 is not correct. Large quantities of ostrich egg shells were found at Patne in Maharashtra.
Statement 3 is correct. Designs were engraved on some pieces, while beads were also made out of them.