70. Which of the following best characterises Palaeolithic society?
[PSC – 2022]
A. Urban traders
B. Nomadic hunter-gatherers
C. Iron-producing agriculturalists
D. Maritime merchants
Answer: B. Nomadic hunter-gatherers
Explanation: Palaeolithic communities survived through hunting, scavenging and gathering plants and usually moved according to the seasonal availability of food and other resources.
69. Which description of the Mesolithic period is correct?
[UPSC NDA – 2021]
A. Age of large handaxes only
B. Age of fully developed iron technology
C. Transitional phase characterised by microliths
D. Urban phase characterised by planned cities
Answer: C. Transitional phase characterised by microliths
Explanation: Mesolithic society formed a transition between Palaeolithic hunting-gathering and Neolithic food production, with microliths representing its most distinctive technological feature.
68. Which is the correct chronological sequence of major Stone Age periods?
[RRB NTPC – 2021]
A. Palaeolithic → Mesolithic → Neolithic
B. Mesolithic → Palaeolithic → Neolithic
C. Neolithic → Palaeolithic → Mesolithic
D. Neolithic → Mesolithic → Palaeolithic
Answer: A. Palaeolithic → Mesolithic → Neolithic
Explanation: The Old Stone Age preceded the Middle Stone Age, which was subsequently followed by the New Stone Age.
67. Which of the following does NOT form one of the three principal Stone Age divisions?
[RRB NTPC – 2021]
A. Palaeolithic
B. Neolithic
C. Copper-Stone Age
D. Mesolithic
Answer: C. Copper-Stone Age
Explanation: Palaeolithic, Mesolithic and Neolithic form the traditional Stone Age divisions. The Chalcolithic or Copper-Stone Age represents a later phase involving metal use.
66. Where in India are famous rock paintings dating to the Stone Age found?
[RRB NTPC – 2021]
A. Nalanda
B. Bhimbetka
C. Elephanta
D. Bagh
Answer: B. Bhimbetka
Explanation: Bhimbetka is India’s most celebrated prehistoric rock-art complex and contains representations of animals, hunting, dancing and other aspects of community life.
65. The Bhimbetka caves were brought to archaeological prominence in:
[RRB NTPC – 2021]
A. 1955–56
B. 1957–58
C. 1954–55
D. 1953–54
Answer: B. 1957–58
Explanation: Archaeologist V. S. Wakankar recognised the archaeological significance of the Bhimbetka rock shelters during 1957–58, initiating systematic attention to the complex.
64. **Consider the following statements:
- Belan Valley preserves Palaeolithic, Mesolithic and Neolithic phases in sequence.
- Koldihwa and Mahagara are associated with very early rice cultivation.
Which is/are correct?**
[UPSC CSE Prelims – 2021]
A. 1 only
B. 2 only
C. Both 1 and 2
D. Neither 1 nor 2
Answer: C. Both 1 and 2
Explanation: The Belan Valley preserves a valuable prehistoric cultural sequence. Koldihwa and Mahagara are important Neolithic sites traditionally connected with early evidence of rice cultivation.
63. **Consider the following statements about the Ahar culture:
- Copper smelting was known.
- Metalworking formed part of the economy.
- Black-and-red pottery decorated with white designs occurred.
Which are correct?**
[RPSC RAS – 2021]
A. 1 and 2 only
B. 1, 2 and 3
C. 2 and 3 only
D. 1 only
Answer: B. 1, 2 and 3
Explanation: The Ahar-Banas Chalcolithic culture of Rajasthan practised copper working and is especially recognised for distinctive black-and-red ware decorated with white designs.
62. The Mesolithic site of Bagor is situated on the bank of which river?
[RPSC Assistant Professor – 2021]
A. Banas
B. Gambhiri
C. Khari
D. Kothari
Answer: D. Kothari
Explanation: Bagor is located beside the Kothari River in Rajasthan’s Bhilwara region and is one of western India’s most significant Mesolithic settlements.
61. Which site is associated with early evidence of rice cultivation?
[SSC CHSL – 2021]
A. Koldihwa
B. Harappa
C. Dholavira
D. Taxila
Answer: A. Koldihwa
Explanation: Koldihwa in the Belan Valley of Uttar Pradesh has traditionally been associated with some of the earliest archaeological evidence for rice cultivation.
