UPSC Prelims MCQs on Sources of Pre-History with Short Notes (NCERT Based)

 Introduction:

Pre-History, the period before written records, is a crucial topic for UPSC Prelims, offering insights into early human life. Understanding its sources—archaeological remains, artifacts, and fossils—lays the foundation for ancient history. This NCERT-based blog post provides 10 MCQs to test your knowledge, along with concise notes for quick revision. Perfect for UPSC aspirants! (Ref: NCERT Class 6, Our Pasts I, Chapter 2; Class 12, Themes in Indian History Part I, Chapter 1)

MCQs on Sources of Pre-History:

What is the primary source of information for studying pre-historic times?

a) Written records

b) Archaeological remains

c) Oral traditions

d) Paintings

Answer: b) Archaeological remains

Explanation: Pre-History refers to the period before writing was invented. Archaeological remains like tools, pottery, and bones are the primary sources to study this era. (Ref: NCERT Class 6, Our Pasts I, Chapter 2)

Which of the following is an example of an archaeological source?

a) Vedas

b) Stone tools

c) Puranas

d) Inscriptions

Answer: b) Stone tools

Explanation: Stone tools, found at sites like Bhimbetka, are key archaeological sources for pre-historic studies, unlike written texts like Vedas. (Ref: NCERT Class 12, Themes in Indian History Part I, Chapter 1)

The term ‘Palaeolithic’ is derived from Greek words meaning:

a) Old Stone

b) New Stone

c) Middle Stone

d) Ancient Writing

Answer: a) Old Stone

Explanation: ‘Palaeolithic’ comes from ‘palaeo’ (old) and ‘lithic’ (stone), referring to the Old Stone Age when early humans used crude stone tools. (Ref: NCERT Class 6, Our Pasts I, Chapter 2)

Which site in India is famous for pre-historic rock paintings?

a) Harappa

b) Bhimbetka

c) Lothal

d) Dholavira

Answer: b) Bhimbetka

Explanation: Bhimbetka in Madhya Pradesh is renowned for its pre-historic rock shelters with paintings depicting hunting and daily life. (Ref: NCERT Class 12, Themes in Indian History Part I, Chapter 1)

Fossils are primarily found in which type of rock?

a) Igneous

b) Sedimentary

c) Metamorphic

d) Volcanic

Answer: b) Sedimentary

Explanation: Fossils, the preserved remains of plants or animals, are mainly found in sedimentary rocks formed by layered deposits. (Ref: NCERT Class 11, Fundamentals of Physical Geography, Chapter 2)

Which of the following is NOT a source of pre-historic information?

a) Pottery

b) Coins

c) Bones

d) Cave paintings

Answer: b) Coins

Explanation: Coins belong to historical periods with writing and trade systems, not pre-historic times. Pottery, bones, and paintings are pre-historic sources. (Ref: NCERT Class 6, Our Pasts I, Chapter 2)

The Mesolithic period is characterized by the use of:

a) Polished stone tools

b) Microliths

c) Copper tools

d) Iron tools

Answer: b) Microliths

Explanation: The Mesolithic period saw the use of small stone tools called microliths, marking a transition from the Palaeolithic to Neolithic. (Ref: NCERT Class 12, Themes in Indian History Part I, Chapter 1)

Which pre-historic site in India is associated with early human fossils?

a) Hathnora

b) Mohenjo-Daro

c) Kalibangan

d) Rakhigarhi

Answer: a) Hathnora

Explanation: Hathnora in the Narmada Valley is known for early human (Homo erectus) fossils, a key pre-historic archaeological site. (Ref: Advanced archaeological sources)

What is the significance of stratigraphy in studying pre-history?

a) It analyzes ancient texts

b) It studies layers of earth

c) It decodes inscriptions

d) It examines modern tools

Answer: b) It studies layers of earth

Explanation: Stratigraphy involves studying earth’s layers to date artifacts and fossils, helping reconstruct pre-historic timelines. (Ref: NCERT Class 12, Themes in Indian History Part I, Chapter 1)

Which of the following indicates the transition to 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 marked by agriculture and animal domestication, unlike writing or iron use, which came later. (Ref: NCERT Class 6, Our Pasts I, Chapter 3)

Short Notes on Sources of Pre-History :

Definition: Pre-History is the period before written records, studied through archaeological sources like tools, fossils, pottery, and paintings.

Archaeological Sources: Stone tools (Palaeolithic, Mesolithic, Neolithic), bones, and cave paintings (e.g., Bhimbetka) provide insights into early human life.

Key Sites: Bhimbetka (rock paintings), Hathnora (Homo erectus fossils), and Mehrgarh (early agriculture) are significant in India.

Methods: Stratigraphy (studying earth layers) and carbon dating help date artifacts and fossils.

Periods:

Palaeolithic: Old Stone Age, crude tools, hunting-gathering.

Mesolithic: Microliths, transitional phase.

Neolithic: Polished tools, agriculture, animal domestication.

UPSC Relevance: Questions focus on sources, sites, and period characteristics. Advanced insight: The Narmada Valley’s Hathnora fossil (Homo erectus) is a landmark discovery. (Ref: NCERT Class 6, Our Pasts I, Chapter 2; Class 12, Themes in Indian History Part I, Chapter 1; Archaeological Survey of India reports)

Conclusion 

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