UPSC Prelims MCQs on Periodization of Indian Pre-History with Short Notes (NCERT Based

UPSC Prelims MCQs on Periodization of Indian Pre-History with Short Notes (NCERT Based):

Introduction:

The periodization of Indian Pre-History helps us understand the evolution of early human societies before written records. Divided into Palaeolithic, Mesolithic, and Neolithic periods, it’s a key topic for UPSC Prelims. This NCERT-based blog post offers 10 MCQs to test your knowledge, paired with concise notes for quick revision. Perfect for aspirants aiming to master ancient history! (Ref: NCERT Class 6, Our Pasts I, Chapters 2 & 3; Class 12, Themes in Indian History Part I, Chapter 1)

MCQs on Periodization of Indian Pre-History:

The Pre-Historic period in India is primarily divided into how many major phases?

a) Two

b) Three

c) Four

d) Five

Answer: b) Three

Explanation: Indian Pre-History is divided into Palaeolithic (Old Stone Age), Mesolithic (Middle Stone Age), and Neolithic (New Stone Age) periods. (Ref: NCERT Class 6, Our Pasts I, Chapter 2)

Which period is known as the Old Stone Age?

a) Neolithic

b) Mesolithic

c) Palaeolithic

d) Chalcolithic

Answer: c) Palaeolithic

Explanation: The Palaeolithic period, or Old Stone Age, is characterized by the use of crude stone tools and a hunting-gathering lifestyle. (Ref: NCERT Class 6, Our Pasts I, Chapter 2)

The Palaeolithic period in India is further subdivided into how many phases?

a) Two

b) Three

c) Four

d) None

Answer: b) Three

Explanation: The Palaeolithic period is divided into Lower, Middle, and Upper Palaeolithic based on tool complexity and environmental changes. (Ref: NCERT Class 12, Themes in Indian History Part I, Chapter 1)

Which Indian site is associated with Lower Palaeolithic tools?

a) Bhimbetka

b) Mehrgarh

c) Attirampakkam

d) Lothal

Answer: c) Attirampakkam

Explanation: Attirampakkam in Tamil Nadu is known for Lower Palaeolithic tools, dating back over 1 million years. (Ref: Archaeological Survey of India reports)

The Mesolithic period is marked by the use of:

a) Polished stone tools

b) Microliths

c) Copper tools

d) Iron tools

Answer: b) Microliths

Explanation: The Mesolithic period saw small, sharp stone tools called microliths, used for hunting and fishing. (Ref: NCERT Class 6, Our Pasts I, Chapter 2)

Which of the following is a feature of the Neolithic period?

a) Use of fire

b) Domestication of animals

c) Invention of writing

d) Use of iron

Answer: b) Domestication of animals

Explanation: The Neolithic period is characterized by agriculture, domestication of animals, and polished stone tools. Writing and iron came later. (Ref: NCERT Class 6, Our Pasts I, Chapter 3)

Which Indian site is considered a key Neolithic site?

a) Harappa

b) Mehrgarh

c) Dholavira

d) Kalibangan

Answer: b) Mehrgarh

Explanation: Mehrgarh in Balochistan is one of the earliest Neolithic sites in India, showing evidence of farming and animal domestication. (Ref: NCERT Class 12, Themes in Indian History Part I, Chapter 1)

The transition from Palaeolithic to Mesolithic was influenced by:

a) Development of writing

b) Climatic changes

c) Use of bronze

d) Urbanization

Answer: b) Climatic changes

Explanation: Post-Ice Age climatic changes around 10,000 BCE led to the Mesolithic period’s smaller tools and adaptive lifestyles. (Ref: NCERT Class 12, Themes in Indian History Part I, Chapter 1)

Which tool type is associated with the Upper Palaeolithic period?

a) Hand axes

b) Blades and burins

c) Microliths

d) Polished tools

Answer: b) Blades and burins

Explanation: The Upper Palaeolithic period saw finer tools like blades and burins, reflecting improved technology. (Ref: NCERT Class 12, Themes in Indian History Part I, Chapter 1)

The Neolithic period in India began around:

a) 10,000 BCE

b) 7,000 BCE

c) 2,000 BCE

d) 1,000 BCE

Answer: b) 7,000 BCE

Explanation: The Neolithic period in India, marked by agriculture, began around 7,000 BCE, as seen in sites like Mehrgarh. (Ref: NCERT Class 6, Our Pasts I, Chapter 3)

Short Notes on Periodization of Indian Pre-History:

Overview: Indian Pre-History is divided into three periods: Palaeolithic, Mesolithic, and Neolithic, based on tool technology and lifestyle.

Palaeolithic (Old Stone Age): Subdivided into Lower (hand axes, Attirampakkam), Middle (flakes), and Upper (blades, burins). Lifestyle: Hunting-gathering.

Mesolithic (Middle Stone Age): Marked by microliths (small stone tools), post-Ice Age adaptation (10,000–7,000 BCE). Sites: Bagor, Langhnaj.

Neolithic (New Stone Age): Began ~7,000 BCE with agriculture, animal domestication, and polished tools. Key site: Mehrgarh (early farming).

UPSC Relevance: Questions focus on period characteristics, sites, and tool types.

Advanced Insight: Attirampakkam’s tools (1.5 million years old) indicate early human presence in India, supported by recent archaeological studies. (Ref: NCERT Class 6, Our Pasts I, Chapters 2 & 3; Class 12, Themes in Indian History Part I, Chapter 1; Archaeological Survey of India)

Conclusion:

Tested your knowledge on Pre-History periodization? Comment your score below and share your thoughts! Follow our blog for more UPSC MCQs and notes to boost your Prelims prep!