30. In the north-western region of the Indian subcontinent, early evidence for the rise of agriculture during the Neolithic period is associated with:
[Chhattisgarh PSC – 2017]
A. Mundigak
B. Mehrgarh
C. Balakot
D. Amri
Answer: B. Mehrgarh
Explanation: Mehrgarh in the Kachi plain provides very early evidence of settled agriculture, including cultivation of wheat and barley and the keeping of domesticated animals.
29. Which development most dramatically changed human life during the Neolithic Age?
[SSC CPO – 2017]
A. Agriculture and permanent settlement
B. Gunpowder
C. Iron cannon
D. Writing in Brahmi
Answer: A. Agriculture and permanent settlement
Explanation: Food production encouraged population growth, storage of surpluses and permanent villages, fundamentally transforming economic and social organisation.
28. Mehrgarh is located in present-day:
[Competitive Examination – 2017]
A. Balochistan
B. Kashmir
C. Madhya Pradesh
D. Bihar
Answer: A. Balochistan
Explanation: Mehrgarh is located on the Kachi plain of present-day Balochistan near the Bolan region and represents a major early farming settlement.
27. Which type of tools is strongly characteristic of the Mesolithic culture?
[SSC – 2017]
A. Microlithic blades
B. Iron swords
C. Bronze statues
D. Punch-marked coins
Answer: A. Microlithic blades
Explanation: Mesolithic industries specialised in small blades and geometrical microliths that could be inserted into handles to create efficient composite tools and weapons.
26. Which development is NOT characteristic of the Palaeolithic Age?
[PSC – 2017]
A. Hunting
B. Food gathering
C. Crude stone implements
D. Fully developed agriculture
Answer: D. Fully developed agriculture
Explanation: Systematic cultivation became prominent much later during the Neolithic transition. Palaeolithic communities principally survived through hunting, scavenging and gathering.
25. Which description most accurately defines the Mesolithic period?
[UPSC CDS – 2016]
A. Era of large handaxes alone
B. Transitional period characterised by microliths
C. Period of urban civilisation
D. Period of extensive iron metallurgy
Answer: B. Transitional period characterised by microliths
Explanation: Mesolithic lifestyles bridged mobile Palaeolithic hunting-gathering communities and more settled Neolithic food producers, with microlithic technology being especially characteristic.
24. Three human skeletons placed together in a single grave were recovered from:
[UPPSC – 2016]
A. Sarai Nahar Rai
B. Damdama
C. Mahadaha
D. Langhnaj
Answer: B. Damdama
Explanation: Damdama in Uttar Pradesh has produced an important Mesolithic burial assemblage, including a remarkable grave containing three individuals.
23. From which Vindhyan rock-shelter site has a particularly large number of prehistoric human skeletons been recovered?
[UPPSC – 2016]
A. Morahana Pahar
B. Ghagharia
C. Baghahi Khor
D. Lekhahia
Answer: D. Lekhahia
Explanation: Lekhahia in the Vindhyan region contains Mesolithic archaeological deposits and is particularly notable for the large number of human burials discovered there.
22. Bhimbetka caves are located in:
[RRB NTPC – 2016]
A. Uttar Pradesh
B. Madhya Pradesh
C. Andhra Pradesh
D. Himachal Pradesh
Answer: B. Madhya Pradesh
Explanation: Bhimbetka lies in Raisen district of Madhya Pradesh near the Vindhyan hills and contains extensive Stone Age habitation evidence and paintings.
21. The Bhimbetka caves were considered in the examination to be approximately how old?
[RRB NTPC – 2016]
A. 1,000 years
B. 5,000 years
C. 30,000 years
D. 300 years
Answer: C. 30,000 years
Explanation: The question refers to the great antiquity of Bhimbetka’s prehistoric remains. Human occupation of the wider complex extends considerably earlier than many surviving paintings.
