UPSC Prelims MCQs on Stone Age in India with Short Notes (NCERT Based)

UPSC Prelims MCQs on Stone Age in India with Short Notes (NCERT Based)

 Introduction: 

The Stone Age, a critical period of human pre-history, marks the earliest phase of human tool-making and survival strategies. Essential for UPSC Prelims, it covers Palaeolithic, Mesolithic, and Neolithic phases. This NCERT-based blog post offers 10 MCQs to test your knowledge, paired with concise notes for quick revision. Boost your ancient history prep! (Ref: NCERT Class 6, Our Pasts I, Chapters 2 & 3; Class 12, Themes in Indian History Part I, Chapter 1)

MCQs on Stone Age in India :

1. The Stone Age is primarily divided into how many phases?

a) Two

b) Three

c) Four

d) Five

Answer: b) Three

Explanation: The Stone Age comprises Palaeolithic (Old Stone Age), Mesolithic (Middle Stone Age), and Neolithic (New Stone Age), based on tool technology and lifestyle. (Ref: NCERT Class 6, Our Pasts I, Chapter 2)

2. Which of the following characterizes the Palaeolithic period?

a) Agriculture and domestication

b) Hunting and gathering

c) Use of iron tools

d) Urban settlements

Answer: b) Hunting and gathering

Explanation: The Palaeolithic period involved a nomadic lifestyle with hunting and gathering, using crude stone tools. (Ref: NCERT Class 6, Our Pasts I, Chapter 2)

3. Which Indian site is known for Palaeolithic tools dating back over 1 million years?

a) Bhimbetka

b) Attirampakkam

c) Mehrgarh

d) Bagor

Answer: b) Attirampakkam

Explanation: Attirampakkam in Tamil Nadu has evidence of Lower Palaeolithic hand axes, dated to ~1.5 million years. (Ref: Archaeological Survey of India)

4. What type of tools were primarily used in the Mesolithic period?

a) Polished stone tools

b) Microliths

c) Copper tools

d) Iron tools

Answer: b) Microliths

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

5. The Neolithic period in India is associated with which major development?

a) Invention of writing

b) Agriculture and animal domestication

c) Use of bronze

d) Development of cities

Answer: b) Agriculture and animal domestication

Explanation: The Neolithic period (~7,000 BCE) introduced farming and domestication, marking a shift from nomadic life. (Ref: NCERT Class 6, Our Pasts I, Chapter 3)

6. Which Indian site is a key example of Neolithic culture?

a) Harappa

b) Mehrgarh

c) Lothal

d) Dholavira

Answer: b) Mehrgarh

Explanation: Mehrgarh in Balochistan shows early evidence of farming and animal domestication from ~7,000 BCE. (Ref: NCERT Class 12, Themes in Indian History Part I, Chapter 1)

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

a) New Stone

b) Old Stone

c) Middle Stone

d) Ancient Writing

Answer: b) Old Stone

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

8. Which environmental factor triggered the transition to the Mesolithic period?

a) Rise of urban centers

b) Post-Ice Age climatic changes

c) Invention of writing

d) Use of metal

Answer: b) Post-Ice Age climatic changes

Explanation: Climatic changes around 10,000 BCE led to new tools and lifestyles in the Mesolithic period. (Ref: NCERT Class 12, Themes in Indian History Part I, Chapter 1)

9. Which tools were characteristic of the Upper Palaeolithic period?

a) Hand axes

b) Blades and burins

c) Microliths

d) Polished stone tools

Answer: b) Blades and burins

Explanation: Upper Palaeolithic tools were more refined, including blades and burins for cutting and engraving. (Ref: NCERT Class 12, Themes in Indian History Part I, Chapter 1)

10. The Neolithic period in India began around which time?

a) 10,000 BCE

b) 7,000 BCE

c) 4,000 BCE

d) 2,000 BCE

Answer: b) 7,000 BCE

Explanation: The Neolithic period, with agriculture and domestication, began around 7,000 BCE, as seen at Mehrgarh. (Ref: NCERT Class 6, Our Pasts I, Chapter 3)

Short Notes on Stone Age in India:

Overview: The Stone Age, spanning millions of years, is divided into Palaeolithic, Mesolithic, and Neolithic periods, based on tools and lifestyle changes.

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

Mesolithic (Middle Stone Age): Emerged ~10,000 BCE with microliths; sites include Bagor and Langhnaj. Marked by adaptation to post-Ice Age climate.

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

UPSC Relevance: Questions focus on periods, tools, and sites like Attirampakkam and Mehrgarh.

Advanced Insight: Recent studies confirm Attirampakkam’s tools (~1.5 million years) as evidence of early human presence in India. (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: 

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