60. Pottery became a prominent feature during which Stone Age stage?
[SSC MTS – 2021]
A. Lower Palaeolithic
B. Middle Palaeolithic
C. Neolithic
D. Early Palaeolithic
Answer: C. Neolithic
Explanation: Settled food-producing communities needed durable containers for cooking and storage, encouraging widespread pottery production during the Neolithic period.
59. Which early prehistoric site provides evidence of the burial of humans together with dogs?
[Competitive Examination – 2021]
A. Burzahom
B. Langhnaj
C. Koldihwa
D. Nevasa
Answer: A. Burzahom
Explanation: Burzahom in Kashmir has yielded unusual burials involving domesticated animals, including dogs, along with pit dwellings and an important bone-tool industry.
58. Which one of the following is NOT a Neolithic site?
[UPSC CSE Prelims – 2020]
A. Burzahom
B. Chirand
C. Mehrgarh
D. Langhnaj
Answer: D. Langhnaj
Explanation: Langhnaj in Gujarat is principally associated with Mesolithic hunter-gatherers, whereas Burzahom, Chirand and Mehrgarh have important Neolithic cultural remains.
57. Bhimbetka is located in which Indian state?
[SSC CGL – 2020]
A. Rajasthan
B. Madhya Pradesh
C. Bihar
D. Maharashtra
Answer: B. Madhya Pradesh
Explanation: Bhimbetka lies in Madhya Pradesh near the Vindhyan hills and preserves a remarkably long sequence of prehistoric habitation and artistic activity.
56. The term ‘Neolithic Revolution’ primarily refers to:
[SSC CHSL – 2020]
A. Beginning of iron smelting
B. Transition from food gathering to food production
C. Emergence of imperial states
D. Development of writing
Answer: B. Transition from food gathering to food production
Explanation: Farming and livestock domestication fundamentally altered human subsistence and encouraged permanent villages, food storage and major changes in social organisation.
55. The first human fossil discovered in India is associated with which river valley?
[BPSC Re-Examination – 2020]
A. Ganga
B. Yamuna
C. Narmada
D. Tapi
Answer: C. Narmada
Explanation: The famous fossil hominin skullcap from Hathnora was discovered in the Narmada Valley and is commonly referred to as the Narmada hominin.
54. Which technique is particularly associated with Middle Palaeolithic flake-tool production?
[Competitive Examination – 2020]
A. Lost-wax method
B. Levallois technique
C. Punch-marking
D. Iron casting
Answer: B. Levallois technique
Explanation: The Levallois method involved carefully preparing a stone core so that flakes of predetermined form and size could be removed efficiently.
53. Which prehistoric site in Kashmir is well known for subterranean or pit dwellings?
[SSC – 2020]
A. Burzahom
B. Bagor
C. Adamgarh
D. Nevasa
Answer: A. Burzahom
Explanation: Early inhabitants of Burzahom constructed underground pits, possibly because subterranean houses provided greater insulation against Kashmir’s cold climatic conditions.
52. Humans began producing rather than merely collecting food mainly during the:
[PSC – 2020]
A. Palaeolithic
B. Neolithic
C. Lower Palaeolithic
D. Iron Age
Answer: B. Neolithic
Explanation: Cultivation and livestock management established a food-producing economy and transformed settlement patterns, demography and social organisation.
51. Which type of tool distinguishes Neolithic stone technology?
[SSC – 2020]
A. Rough pebble chopper only
B. Polished stone axe
C. Iron sickle
D. Bronze sword
Answer: B. Polished stone axe
Explanation: Grinding and polishing produced sharper and more durable stone axes or celts, useful particularly for woodworking and clearing vegetation.
