20. The earliest wheels were primarily made of:
[RRB NTPC – 2016]
A. Rubber
B. Glass
C. Wood
D. Iron
Answer: C. Wood
Explanation: Early wheels were constructed from wood and eventually transformed transport, pottery production and several other human economic activities.
19. The Chalcolithic Age is also known as the:
[SSC CGL – 2016]
A. Copper-Stone Age
B. Old Stone Age
C. Middle Stone Age
D. Iron Age
Answer: A. Copper-Stone Age
Explanation: Chalcolithic communities used copper alongside traditional stone tools, which explains the alternative name Copper-Stone Age.
18. Chopani Mando, an important prehistoric settlement, is located in:
[SSC CHSL – 2016]
A. Uttar Pradesh
B. Rajasthan
C. Gujarat
D. Kashmir
Answer: A. Uttar Pradesh
Explanation: Chopani Mando lies in the Belan Valley of Uttar Pradesh and is important for understanding the transition from Mesolithic communities toward early food production.
17. Robert Bruce Foote, associated with India’s first recognised Palaeolithic tool discovery, was primarily a:
[UP Lower Subordinate – 2015]
A. Geologist
B. Literary historian
C. Political scientist
D. Astronomer
Answer: A. Geologist
Explanation: Robert Bruce Foote was a geologist who became a pioneer of Indian prehistory after identifying a Palaeolithic handaxe at Pallavaram in 1863.
16. **Consider the following statements regarding Bhimbetka:
- It preserves evidence of human occupation extending across several prehistoric stages.
- Its archaeological importance is confined exclusively to the historical period.
Which is correct?**
[UPSC CSE Prelims – 2015]
A. 1 only
B. 2 only
C. Both
D. Neither
Answer: A. 1 only
Explanation: Bhimbetka preserves a long sequence beginning in the Stone Age and extending into later times, so its significance is certainly not restricted to the historical period.
15. Where are Palaeolithic, Mesolithic and Neolithic cultures found in a broad archaeological sequence?
[WBCS/WBPSC Mains – 2015]
A. Belan Valley
B. Krishna Valley
C. Godavari Valley
D. Kashmir Valley
Answer: A. Belan Valley
Explanation: The Belan Valley is archaeologically important because sites there document long-term cultural change from early stone-tool traditions to Neolithic food production.
14. The Soan Valley is especially associated with which prehistoric tools?
[SSC CGL – 2015]
A. Choppers and chopping tools
B. Iron swords
C. Bronze axes
D. Polished Neolithic celts only
Answer: A. Choppers and chopping tools
Explanation: The Soanian Lower Palaeolithic tradition is especially noted for pebble-based choppers, chopping tools and related stone implements.
13. Which Stone Age site is famous for the burial of dogs in association with humans?
[Competitive Examination – 2015]
A. Burzahom
B. Adamgarh
C. Langhnaj
D. Didwana
Answer: A. Burzahom
Explanation: Burzahom’s unusual human-animal burials indicate a close relationship between its Neolithic inhabitants and domesticated dogs.
12. Who discovered the prehistoric rock shelters of Bhimbetka?
[UPSC NDA – 2014]
A. H. D. Sankalia
B. V. S. Wakankar
C. Mortimer Wheeler
D. Robert Bruce Foote
Answer: B. V. S. Wakankar
Explanation: Vishnu Shridhar Wakankar recognised the prehistoric importance of Bhimbetka’s rock shelters during the late 1950s, bringing the complex to archaeological attention.
11. The largest concentration of painted prehistoric rock shelters among the following is found at:
[WBCS/WBPSC Mains – 2014]
A. Bhaja
B. Bhimbetka
C. Bagor
D. Ajanta
Answer: B. Bhimbetka
Explanation: Bhimbetka is an extensive natural rock-shelter complex containing numerous layers of prehistoric paintings and archaeological remains of exceptional importance.
