Prehistoric India: 35+ GK Questions With Answers(MCQs)
Important Prehistoric periods, sites and their characteristics:
| Period | Characteristics | Key Sites and Findings |
|---|---|---|
| Paleolithic Age | - Use of rough stone tools | - Soan Valley, Bhimbetka, Belan Valley |
| (Old Stone Age) | - Hunting and gathering lifestyle | - Earliest stone tools, cave paintings |
| Mesolithic Age | - Transition to agriculture and fishing | - Bagor, Adamgarh, Rock art at Bhimbetka |
| (Late Stone Age) | - Use of microliths for hunting | - Domestication of animals |
| Neolithic Age | - Introduction of agriculture | - Koldihwa, Mehrgarh, Kayatha |
| (New Stone Age) | - Use of pottery for food storage | - Growth of settled communities |
| Chalcolithic Age | - Use of copper tools along with stone | - Ahar, Daimabad, Malwa, Navdatoli |
| (Stone Copper Age) | Tools | - Copper artifacts and pottery |
| Iron Age | - Arrival of the Aryans | - Varanasi, Rajgir, Patna (Vedic period) |
| - Emergence of Jainism and Buddhism | - Mauryan Empire (Mauryan civilization) | |
| - Rise of Mahajanapadas | - Key centers of early Indian history |
1. Which period in history is represented by events that occurred before the invention of writing?
[A] Proto-history
[B] Chalcolithic Age
[C] Neolithic Period
[D] Pre-history
Answer: [D] Pre-history
Explanation: Pre-history refers to events that occurred before the invention of writing. This period is primarily known through archaeological excavations and non-literary sources as there were no written records during this time.
2. Which type of sources help in reconstructing history by providing information about ancient Indian currency?
[A] Coins
[B] Inscriptions
[C] Foreign accounts
[D] Archaeology
Answer: [A] Coins
Explanation: Coins are a valuable source for reconstructing history as they provide information about ancient Indian currency. Coins often bear inscriptions and symbols that can reveal details about the ruling dynasties, economic history, and cultural aspects of the time.
3. What is the primary characteristic tool of the Mesolithic Age?
[A] Microliths
[B] Hand axes
[C] Pottery
[D] Celts
Answer: [A] Microliths
Explanation: The primary characteristic tool of the Mesolithic Age is microliths, which are miniature stone tools used for hunting smaller animals and birds. These microliths played a crucial role in the technology and subsistence base of this period.
4. In which period did the people of India begin to cultivate land and grow fruits and grains, domesticating cattle and sheep?
[A] Neolithic Period
[B] Palaeolithic Age
[C] Iron Age
[D] Chalcolithic Age
Answer: [A] Neolithic Period
Explanation: The Neolithic Period marks the transition from food gathering to food production. People began to cultivate land, grow fruits and grains, and domesticated cattle and sheep during this period.
5. Which of the following is not a characteristic feature of the Palaeolithic Age in India?
[A] Use of unpolished, rough stones for tools
[B] Belonging to the 'Negrito' race
[C] Knowledge of agriculture and pottery
[D] Existence in the Pleistocene period
Answer: [C] Knowledge of agriculture and pottery
Explanation: The Palaeolithic Age is characterized by the use of unpolished, rough stones for tools, belonging to the 'Negrito' race, and the absence of knowledge of agriculture and pottery. People in this age were primarily hunters and food gatherers.
6. In which prehistoric age did the people of India begin to use copper for tools and weapons?
[A] Mesolithic Period
[B] Neolithic Period
[C] Iron Age
[D] Chalcolithic Age
Answer: [D] Chalcolithic Age
Explanation: The Chalcolithic Age marked the emergence of the use of copper, making it the primary metal for tools and weapons. This age follows the Neolithic Period and precedes the Iron Age in India.
7. What type of literature provides information about the social, economic, and cultural conditions of ancient India?
[A] Literary sources
[B] Non-literary sources
[C] Religious literature
[D] Secular literature
Answer: [A] Literary sources
Explanation: Literary sources, including religious literature and secular literature, provide valuable insights into the social, economic, and cultural conditions of ancient India. Epics, sutras, and texts from various traditions contribute to our understanding of this historical period.
8. The stone age is divided into three primary categories based on the tools used. What are these three categories?
[A] Palaeolithic, Mesolithic, and Neolithic
[B] Old Stone Age, Middle Stone Age, and New Stone Age
[C] Iron Age, Chalcolithic Age, and Bronze Age
[D] Upper Palaeolithic, Lower Palaeolithic, and Middle Palaeolithic
Answer: [B] Old Stone Age, Middle Stone Age, and New Stone Age
Explanation: The Stone Age is categorized into three main periods: the Old Stone Age (Palaeolithic), the Middle Stone Age (Mesolithic), and the New Stone Age (Neolithic). Each of these periods is characterized by specific tool technologies and cultural developments.
9. Which ancient Indian civilization remains undeciphered but is considered part of proto-history?
[A] Harappan civilization
[B] Vedic civilization
[C] Indus Valley civilization
[D] Mauryan civilization
Answer: [A] Harappan civilization
Explanation: The Harappan civilization, also known as the Indus Valley civilization, remains undeciphered as its script has not been fully understood. However, it is considered part of proto-history and is known for its advanced urban centers and complex infrastructure.
10. What is the primary source of information for the prehistoric period, as there was no development of script during this time?
[A] Archaeological excavations
[B] Written records
[C] Oral traditions
[D] Inscriptions
Answer: [A] Archaeological excavations
Explanation: The primary source of information for the prehistoric period is archaeological excavations. Since there was no development of writing during this time, archaeology plays a crucial role in reconstructing the history of this period by studying artifacts, tools, and remains.
11. What is the study of ancient inscriptions, especially those engraved on hard surfaces like stone and metals, called?
[A] Epigraphy
[B] Numismatics
[C] Archaeology
[D] Anthropology
Answer: a) Epigraphy
Explanation: Epigraphy is the study of ancient inscriptions, particularly those carved or engraved on hard surfaces like stone and metals. These inscriptions often provide valuable historical, linguistic, and cultural information.
12. Which ancient Greek ambassador provided valuable information about the Mauryan society and administration in his work "Indica"?
[A] Megasthenes
[B] Fa-Hein
[C] Hsuan-Tsang
[D] Ptolemy
Answer: a) Megasthenes
Explanation: Megasthenes, an ancient Greek ambassador to the court of the Mauryan emperor Chandragupta Maurya, provided valuable insights into Mauryan society and administration in his work "Indica." His accounts are valuable historical sources for understanding ancient India.
13. What term is used to describe the period between pre-history and history, during which a culture or organization had not developed yet but is mentioned in the written records of a contemporary literate civilization?
[A] Proto-history
[B] Palaeolithic Age
[C] Mesolithic Period
[D] Iron Age
Answer: a) Proto-history
Explanation: Proto-history refers to the period between pre-history (before the invention of writing) and recorded history when a culture or organization had not yet fully developed but is mentioned in the written records of contemporary literate civilizations. It's a transitional phase between pre-history and history.
14. Which ancient Indian texts, written in Pali language, are commonly known as Tripitaka (three baskets) and provide valuable insights into the social and economic conditions of their era?
[A] The Four Vedas
[B] Upanishads
[C] Buddhist religious texts
[D] Sutras
Answer: c) Buddhist religious texts
Explanation: The Buddhist religious texts, commonly known as Tripitaka or the "Three Baskets," were written in the Pali language. These texts provide valuable insights into the social, economic, and philosophical conditions of the time when Buddhism was emerging and developing.
15. What type of literature contains ritual instructions for various aspects of life, including sacrifices, royal coronation, and domestic rituals like birth and marriage?
[A] Jainism literature
[B] Dharmashastras
[C] The Four Vedas
[D] The Mahabharata
Answer: b) Dharmashastras
Explanation: Dharmashastras are a category of ancient Indian texts that contain ritual instructions and guidelines for various aspects of life, including religious rituals, royal coronation ceremonies, and domestic rituals like birth and marriage. They also provide insights into the moral and ethical principles of the time.
16. The works of the great poet Kalidasa, such as "Abhijnanasakuntalam," provide insight into the social and cultural life of which historical period in India?
[A] Neolithic Period
[B] Chalcolithic Age
[C] Mauryan era
[D] Age of the Guptas
Answer: d) Age of the Guptas
Explanation: The works of the renowned poet Kalidasa, such as "Abhijnanasakuntalam," provide valuable insights into the social and cultural life of the historical period known as the "Age of the Guptas." This era, associated with the Gupta Empire, is often regarded as a golden age in Indian history.
17. In which period did the people of India begin to use metal, specifically copper, for tools and weapons?
[A] Palaeolithic Age
[B] Neolithic Period
[C] Mesolithic Period
[D] Chalcolithic Age
Answer: d) Chalcolithic Age
Explanation: The Chalcolithic Age, also known as the Copper Age, marked the emergence of the use of metal, specifically copper, alongside stone tools. This transition from the exclusive use of stone tools to the use of copper tools and weapons is a significant feature of this period.
18. Which period in Indian history marked the emergence of the use of metal, specifically copper, along with stone tools?
[A] Iron Age
[B] Chalcolithic Age
[C] Neolithic Period
[D] Mesolithic Period
Answer: b) Chalcolithic Age
Explanation: The Chalcolithic Age, also known as the Copper Age, marked the period when the use of metal, specifically copper, became prevalent alongside stone tools. This transitional period is characterized by the coexistence of stone and copper tools.
19. What are the major types of non-literary sources used for reconstructing history in India?
[A] Coins and epigraphy
[B] Archaeology and foreign accounts
[C] Literary sources and inscriptions
[D] Coins and material remains
Answer: d) Coins and material remains
Explanation: Non-literary sources used for reconstructing history in India include coins and material remains. Coins provide valuable insights into economic history, while material remains, including artifacts, tools, and archaeological findings, offer information about the material culture and lifestyle of ancient societies.
20. What type of stone tools were primarily used in the Lower Palaeolithic Age?
[A] Microliths
[B] Blades and scrapers
[C] Hand axes and choppers
[D] Borers and cleavers
Answer: c) Hand axes and choppers
Explanation: In the Lower Palaeolithic Age, the primary stone tools used were hand axes and choppers. These tools were simple in design and were used for various purposes, including cutting, chopping, and butchering animals. The Lower Palaeolithic is characterized by the use of such basic stone tools.
21. Which ancient site in Rajasthan is known for evidence of circular huts and the cultivation of rice, considered the oldest evidence of rice in the world?
[A] Mohenjo-Daro
[B] Kalibangan
[C] Koldihwa
[D] Bagor
Answer: B. Kalibangan
Explanation:Kalibangan is an ancient site in Rajasthan known for its circular huts and the cultivation of rice, which is considered the oldest evidence of rice in the world.
22. The earliest evidence of rice cultivation in India has been found at which archaeological site?
[A] Harappa
[B] Lothal
[C] Kalibangan
[D] Mohenjo-Daro
Answer: C. Kalibangan
Explanation:Kalibangan in Rajasthan provides evidence of the earliest rice cultivation in India.
23. Which ancient civilization is associated with cities like Varanasi, Rajgir, and Patna during the Iron Age in India?
[A] Harappan Civilization
[B] Vedic Civilization
[C] Mauryan Empire
[D] Gupta Empire
Answer: C. Mauryan Empire
Explanation:Cities like Varanasi, Rajgir, and Patna were prominent during the Mauryan Empire, which existed during the Iron Age in India.
24. What is the name of the oldest and largest chalcolithic settlement on the banks of the Narmada River in India?
[A] Navdatoli
[B] Ahar
[C] Daimabad
[D] Chirand
Answer: A. Navdatoli
Explanation:Navdatoli is one of the largest chalcolithic settlements on the banks of the Narmada River, known for its rich archaeological findings.
25. Which ancient site in Madhya Pradesh is famous for the recovery of bronze goods, including a two-wheeled chariot with a rider?
[A] Mohenjo-Daro
[B] Mehrgarh
[C] Daimabad
[D] Kayatha
Answer: C. Daimabad
Explanation:Daimabad, located in Maharashtra, is known for the recovery of bronze goods, including a two-wheeled chariot with a rider.
26. The chalcolithic culture of Malwa is characterized by the presence of what type of pottery?
[A] Greyware
[B] Redware
[C] Blackware
[D] Whiteware
Answer: A. Greyware
Explanation:The chalcolithic culture of Malwa is known for its greyware pottery.
27. The Neolithic people of the Indian subcontinent are believed to have domesticated which animal first?
[A] Cows
[B] Sheep
[C] Goats
[D] Horses
Answer: D. Dogs
Explanation:The earliest domesticated animal in the Neolithic period in the Indian subcontinent was the wild ancestor of the dog.
28. Which ancient site in Madhya Pradesh is famous for its rock art and is known for depicting hunting scenes, dancing, and food collection in paintings?
[A] Harappa
[B] Mohenjo-Daro
[C] Bhimbetka
[D] Kalibangan
Answer: C. Bhimbetka
Explanation:Bhimbetka in Madhya Pradesh is famous for its rock art, which depicts hunting scenes, dancing, and food collection, providing insights into the ancient way of life.
29. Which prehistoric age coincided with the last phase of the Ice Age and is marked by the emergence of Homo sapiens in India?
[A] Palaeolithic Age
[B] Mesolithic Period
[C] Neolithic Age
[D] Iron Age
Answer: a) Palaeolithic Age
Explanation: The Palaeolithic Age, also known as the Old Stone Age, coincided with the last phase of the Ice Age. This period is marked by the emergence of Homo sapiens (early humans) in India and is characterized by the use of primitive stone tools for hunting, gathering, and survival.
30. Which Indian site is one of the biggest and best-documented Mesolithic sites, providing evidence of circular huts and the cultivation of rice?
[A] Ahar
[B] Bagor
[C] Adamgarh
[D] Koldihwa
Answer: b) Bagor
Explanation: Bagor is one of the biggest and best-documented Mesolithic sites in India. It has provided evidence of circular huts and the cultivation of rice, shedding light on the lifestyle and activities of the people during the Mesolithic Period.
31. In the Chalcolithic Age, what type of pottery was widely prevalent and popularly used by the people of that era?
[A] Black-burnished ware
[B] Red pottery
[C] Ochre-coloured pottery
[D] Handmade pottery
Answer: a) Black-burnished ware
Explanation: In the Chalcolithic Age, black-burnished ware pottery was widely prevalent and popularly used by the people of that era. This type of pottery was characterized by its dark color and a polished surface.
32. What was the primary source of information for the prehistoric period in India since there was no development of script during this time?
[A] Oral traditions
[B] Inscriptions
[C] Literary sources
[D] Archaeological excavations
Answer: d) Archaeological excavations
Explanation: The primary source of information for the prehistoric period in India is archaeological excavations. Since there was no development of script during this time, archaeological findings, including artifacts, tools, and structures, provide valuable insights into the material culture and lifestyle of ancient societies.
33. Which region in India is known for its pit dwelling, stone tools, and graveyards, and is an important Chalcolithic site?
[A] Malwa
[B] Kayatha
[C] Navdatoli
[D] Bagor
Answer: b) Kayatha
Explanation: Kayatha, located in India, is known for its pit dwellings, stone tools, and graveyards. It is an important Chalcolithic site that has provided archaeological evidence of the culture and practices of people during that period.
34. What type of literature throws light on the social, economic, and cultural conditions of the ancient Indian period and includes texts like the Mahabharata and Ramayana?
[A] Religious literature
[B] Secular literature
[C] Epics
[D] Sutras
Answer: c) Epics
Explanation: Epics are a type of literature that sheds light on the social, economic, and cultural conditions of ancient India. Texts like the Mahabharata and Ramayana are examples of epics that provide insights into the values, beliefs, and narratives of the time.
35. What was the first metal to be used by people in the Chalcolithic Age in India?
[A] Bronze
[B] Iron
[C] Copper
[D] Silver
Answer: c) Copper
Explanation: Copper was the first metal to be used by people during the Chalcolithic Age in India. The Chalcolithic Age, as the name suggests, is characterized by the use of both stone and copper tools and objects.
36. Which prehistoric age is known for the use of microliths, miniature stone tools used for hunting smaller animals and birds?
[A] Neolithic Age
[B] Mesolithic Period
[C] Chalcolithic Age
[D] Iron Age
Answer: b) Mesolithic Period
Explanation: The Mesolithic Period is known for the use of microliths, which are miniature stone tools used for hunting smaller animals and birds. These tools were more specialized and finely crafted compared to the larger stone tools of the Palaeolithic Age.
37. Which ancient Indian civilization is famous for its undeciphered script but is considered part of proto-history, and is known for its well-planned cities and advanced infrastructure?
[A] Vedic civilization
[B] Mauryan civilization
[C] Harappan civilization
[D] Gupta civilization
Answer: c) Harappan civilization
Explanation: The Harappan civilization, also known as the Indus Valley civilization, is famous for its undeciphered script and is considered part of proto-history. It is known for its well-planned cities, advanced infrastructure, and the use of symbols and script that have not been fully deciphered yet.
38. Which Greek visitor left valuable accounts of trade and ports between India and the Roman empire in his works "The Periplus of the Erythrean Sea" and "Ptolemy's Geography"?
[A] Fa-Hein
[B] Hsuan-Tsang
[C] Ptolemy
[D] Megasthenes
Answer: c) Ptolemy Explanation: Ptolemy, the Greek visitor, left valuable accounts of trade and ports between India and the Roman Empire in his works "The Periplus of the Erythrean Sea" and "Ptolemy's Geography." These works provide significant historical information about ancient trade routes and geography.
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