IAS Prelims-History(4)
IAS Prelims : Ancient History
1. Handaxe and cleavers were characteristic tools of
a. Lower Paleolithic Age
b. Middle Paleolithic Age
c. Upper Paleolithic Age
d. Iron Age
Ans: a
Explanation: Handaxe, cleavers and choppers were characteristic stone tools of Lower Paleolithic Age. These tools were used for chopping, digging and skinning. In India such tools have been excavated from many sites such as Belan valley in Mirzapur in Uttar Pradesh, Didwana in Rajasthan, Bhimbetka in Madhya Pradesh, etc. Tools made on flakes were predominantly used during Middle Paleolithic. Upper Paleolithic Age was characterized by
use of tools made on blades and flakes.
2. Chalcolithic Age is also known as
a. Iron Age
b. Stone Age
c. Copper Age
d. Neolithic Age
Ans: c
Explanation: Chalco and lithic have been derived from greek words which mean Copper and stone respectively. People in this phase used copper tools along with stone tools; hence it is given such name. Chalcolithic Age is considered to be a transition between Stone Age and Bronze Age.
3. Mature phase of Harappan civilisation is dated between
a. 3000 BC to 2000 BC
b. 4000 BC to 3000 BC
c. 1500 BC to 1000 BC
d. 2600 BC to 1900 BC
Ans: d
Explanation: Named after Harappa, the first site where this unique culture was discovered,the civilisation is dated between 2600 BC and 1900 BC. There were earlier and later cultures, often called Early Harappan and Late Harappan, in the same area. The Harappan civilisation is sometimes called the Mature Harappan culture to distinguish it from these cultures.
4. Chirand in Bihar is a
a. Lower Paleolithic site
b. Mesolithic site
c. Middle Paleolithic site
d. Neolithic site
Ans: d
Explanation: Chirand is situated on the banks of river Ganga in saran district of Bihar.Archaeological evidences of circular huts and small scale cultivation of wheat, rice, peas,etc have been found here. These evidences suggest that it is a Neolithic site. One of the
peculiar characteristics of this site is abundance of bone tools.
5. Which of the following is also known as Microlithic period?
a. Paleolithic
b. Mesolithic
c. Neolithic
d. Chalcolithic
Ans: b
Explanation: In Mesolithic period, small stone tools were made. These were used as composite tools and were hafted in woods, bones, etc. Due to small size of the tools, Mesolithic period is also known as Microlithic period. Such small tools were an adaptation
to new environment where small animals, birds and fishes were abundant.
6. Which of the following is correct about Indus Valley Civilisation?
1. The cities were planned
2. Non- standardized weights were used
3. There was elaborate water drainage system
Select using following codes:
a. 1 only
b. 2 only
c. 1 and 3 only
d. 3 only
Ans: c
Explanation: Indus valley civilization is known for its city planning, extensive drainage system, grid pattern of settlements, sophisticated system of waste disposal, etc. Besides,standard weights are seen to have been used throughout the region. The weights that have been recovered have shown a remarkable accuracy.
7. At which of the following Indus Valley Civilization yarns of spun cotton have been found?
a. Harappa
b. Mohenjodaro
c. Lothal
d. Kalibangan
Ans: b
Explanation: Mohenjodaro is an archeological site in the province of Sindh, Pakistan. Built around 2600 BCE, it was one of the largest settlements of the ancient Indus Valley Civilization. Important archaeological findings of Mohenjodaro include Great Bath, Dancing Girl, Yarns of spun cotton, etc.
8. Which of the following deity was not worshipped in Indus valley civilization?
a. Vishnu
b. Peepal tree
c. Pashupati
d. Mother goddess
Ans: a
Explanation: Archaeological evidences from Indus Valley Civilisation such as seals and figurines suggest that people worshipped Peepal tree, Neem tree, Pashupati , Mother
Goddess, animals like bull and buffalo. Evidence of worshipping of Vishnu has not been found.
9. The most common motif found on the seals of Indus Valley Civilisation is
a. Elephant
b. Bull
c. Unicorn
d. Rhinoceros
Ans: c
Explanation: Unicorn is the most common motif found on the seals of Indus Valley civilization. It is a mythological animal and is also depicted in other cultures.
10. Agricultural Revolution took place in
a. Paleolithic Age
b. Mesolithic Age
c. Neolithic Age
d. Iron Age
Ans: c
Explanation: Neolithic Age was the last phase of Stone Age. The beginning of Neolithic Age is characterized by crop farming and cultivation. This significant change in subsistence resulted in far reaching changes in socio-economic life of people.
People transformed their nomadic life into sedentary and settled life. Such changes took relatively less time. This is why the farming practice of that time is called Agricultural Revolution.
