80. Bhimbetka, a noted Palaeolithic site, is located in which state?
[SSC CGL Tier-II – 2023]
A. Bihar
B. Uttar Pradesh
C. Rajasthan
D. Madhya Pradesh
Answer: D. Madhya Pradesh
Explanation: Bhimbetka is situated in Raisen district of Madhya Pradesh and preserves archaeological evidence extending through numerous prehistoric cultural stages.
79. The early prehistoric stage in which humans principally used crude stone implements is commonly called the:
[SSC MTS – 2023]
A. Old Stone Age
B. Mesolithic Age
C. Iron Age
D. New Stone Age
Answer: A. Old Stone Age
Explanation: The Old Stone Age is another name for the Palaeolithic Age. Characteristic implements include handaxes, cleavers, choppers and other flaked stone tools.
78. Pottery is generally associated with the beginning of which phase of Indian prehistory?
[SSC Selection Post – 2023]
A. Chalcolithic only
B. Palaeolithic
C. Neolithic
D. Lower Palaeolithic
Answer: C. Neolithic
Explanation: Settled agricultural communities required containers for storing, preparing and cooking food, making pottery an increasingly important component of Neolithic life.
77. With which period is the large-scale practice of erecting megaliths in India generally associated?
[SSC MTS – 2023]
A. Approximately the last three millennia
B. Lower Palaeolithic
C. Early Mesolithic only
D. Gupta period exclusively
Answer: A. Approximately the last three millennia
Explanation: Most Indian megalithic monuments belong broadly to the Iron Age and early historical transition, especially in peninsular India, and frequently served funerary purposes.
76. Which period witnessed the emergence of agriculture as an important means of subsistence?
[SSC MTS – 2023]
A. Palaeolithic
B. Neolithic
C. Lower Palaeolithic
D. Iron Age
Answer: B. Neolithic
Explanation: Intentional cultivation of crops transformed human communities from food collectors toward food producers and became one of the defining features of Neolithic life.
75. Which prehistoric site is especially famous for rock paintings showing hunting, dancing and animals?
[SSC GD – 2023]
A. Bhimbetka
B. Taxila
C. Pataliputra
D. Sarnath
Answer: A. Bhimbetka
Explanation: Bhimbetka contains hundreds of rock shelters, many carrying paintings that depict hunting, animals, dancing and communal activities of prehistoric societies.
74. Which statement best describes the Neolithic Revolution?
[UPSC CAPF – 2023]
A. An instantaneous adoption of agriculture throughout India
B. Shift from food gathering towards food production and settled life
C. Complete replacement of stone by iron
D. Decline of animal domestication
Answer: B. Shift from food gathering towards food production and settled life
Explanation: The Neolithic transformation involved farming, livestock domestication, permanent settlements, pottery and polished stone technology and occurred gradually across different regions.
73. Which of the following site-feature pairs is NOT correctly associated?
[UPSC CDS – 2022]
A. Mehrgarh — early Neolithic settlement
B. Bhimbetka — prehistoric rock paintings
C. Bagor — major evidence of early grain agriculture
D. Sarai Nahar Rai — Mesolithic burial site
Answer: C. Bagor — major evidence of early grain agriculture
Explanation: Bagor is noted particularly for Mesolithic occupation and early animal domestication rather than being a principal centre for evidence of early cereal cultivation.
72. A ‘celt’ of the Neolithic period refers to a:
[SSC CGL – 2022]
A. Coin
B. Polished stone axe or chisel
C. Painted pottery vessel
D. Copper ornament
Answer: B. Polished stone axe or chisel
Explanation: Celts are ground and polished stone implements, particularly axes and adzes. Their smooth polished surfaces are highly characteristic of Neolithic tool technology.
71. Which characteristic tool is associated with the Mesolithic period?
[SSC – 2022]
A. Microlith
B. Iron ploughshare
C. Copper sword
D. Large bronze statue
Answer: A. Microlith
Explanation: Microliths were small stone blades and geometrical pieces that could be mounted into wooden or bone shafts to create composite implements.
