90. The controlled use of fire by prehistoric humans is generally associated with which broad phase?
[SSC CHSL – 2024]
A. Palaeolithic
B. Neolithic
C. Chalcolithic
D. Iron Age
Answer: A. Palaeolithic
Explanation: Human use of fire long predates farming and metallurgy. It provided warmth and protection and eventually became important for cooking and other activities.
89. Which type of stone tool is most characteristic of the Mesolithic Age?
[SSC MTS – 2024]
A. Microlith
B. Large polished celt
C. Iron axe
D. Copper harpoon
Answer: A. Microlith
Explanation: Mesolithic communities produced tiny blades, triangles, points and lunates called microliths, often fitted into wood or bone handles to form composite tools.
88. During which phase did settled life and permanent habitation become increasingly important?
[SSC CPO – 2024]
A. Lower Palaeolithic
B. Middle Palaeolithic
C. Neolithic
D. Early Palaeolithic only
Answer: C. Neolithic
Explanation: Cultivation encouraged communities to remain near their fields and stored food. Permanent villages therefore became an important feature of Neolithic society.
87. Which period is closely associated with the invention and expanded use of the wheel?
[SSC GD – 2024]
A. Palaeolithic
B. Mesolithic
C. Neolithic
D. Early Iron Age
Answer: C. Neolithic
Explanation: Neolithic technological developments accompanying settled life included pottery, weaving and increasing application of the wheel for pottery and transport.
86. **Consider the following archaeological sites:
- Inamgaon — Maharashtra — Chalcolithic site
- Mangadu — Kerala — Megalithic site
Which of the above are correctly matched?**
[UPSC CSE Prelims – 2024]
A. 1 only
B. 2 only
C. Both 1 and 2
D. Neither 1 nor 2
Answer: C. Both 1 and 2
Explanation: Inamgaon represents an important Chalcolithic settlement of Maharashtra, while Mangadu is associated with the megalithic archaeological tradition of Kerala.
85. Which characteristic most clearly distinguishes the Neolithic from the earlier Stone Age phases?
[SSC – 2024]
A. Exclusive dependence on hunting
B. Beginning of agriculture and settled life
C. Introduction of iron weapons
D. Development of urban empires
Answer: B. Beginning of agriculture and settled life
Explanation: Neolithic communities increasingly produced food through cultivation and animal domestication. Permanent settlements and polished stone tools accompanied this major economic transformation.
84. The Levallois technique is associated with:
[UPSC CDS-II – 2023]
A. Perforated Harappan pottery
B. Manufacture of predetermined stone flakes
C. Iron smelting
D. Polishing Neolithic celts
Answer: B. Manufacture of predetermined stone flakes
Explanation: Levallois was a sophisticated stone-working technique in which a core was carefully prepared before flakes of planned size and shape were detached.
83. **Consider the following statements:
- Isampur in Karnataka was an important Palaeolithic stone-tool manufacturing centre.
- A blade is a flake whose length is generally more than twice its width.
Which is/are correct?**
[UPSC CDS-II – 2023]
A. 1 only
B. 2 only
C. Both 1 and 2
D. Neither 1 nor 2
Answer: C. Both 1 and 2
Explanation: Isampur was an important Acheulian workshop. In archaeological terminology, a blade is an elongated flake generally measuring more than twice as long as it is wide.
82. Match the following prehistoric sites with their present locations: Nevasa, Isampur, Didwana and Gudiyam Cave. Which sequence is correct?
[UPPSC/UPPCS – 2023]
A. Maharashtra, Karnataka, Rajasthan, Tamil Nadu
B. Karnataka, Maharashtra, Rajasthan, Tamil Nadu
C. Maharashtra, Rajasthan, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu
D. Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Rajasthan, Maharashtra
Answer: A. Maharashtra, Karnataka, Rajasthan, Tamil Nadu
Explanation: Nevasa lies in Maharashtra, Isampur in Karnataka, Didwana in Rajasthan and Gudiyam caves in Tamil Nadu. All have yielded significant prehistoric evidence.
81. Correctly match:
[Chhattisgarh PSC – 2023]
A. Soan Valley — Bhimbetka — Burzahom — Banas Valley
B. Bhimbetka — Burzahom — Soan Valley — Banas Valley
C. Soan Valley — Burzahom — Bhimbetka — Banas Valley
D. Bhimbetka — Banas Valley — Burzahom — Soan Valley
Answer: A. Soan Valley — Bhimbetka — Burzahom — Banas Valley
Explanation: Soan represents Palaeolithic traditions, Bhimbetka has major Mesolithic evidence, Burzahom is a classic Neolithic settlement and the Banas region contains Chalcolithic sites.
