Test: Prehistoric Period & Sources of Ancient History - UPSC MCQ

All three statements given are correct:

1. The first discovery of rock paintings in India was indeed made in 1867-68 by Archaeologist Archibold Carlleyle. This predates the discovery of similar paintings in Altamira, Spain, by twelve years.

2. Bhimbetka Caves were discovered in 1957-58, and they do exhibit nearly 400 painted rock shelters in five clusters, showcasing a long span of human occupation and artistic expression from 100,000 B.C to 1000 A.D.

3. The Upper Palaeolithic period is marked by the proliferation of artistic activities, including depictions of simple human figures, various activities, geometric designs, and symbols, indicating the development of early human artistic expression.

Thus, the correct answer is Option D

Answer: (b)

• Microliths were the primary tools of the Late Stone Age, marking Statement-I as correct.
• Statement-II provides the climatic context of the Mesolithic Age, explaining the emergence of microliths.
• Statement-III highlights archaeological continuity but does not directly explain the tools.
• Thus, both Statements II and III are correct, but only Statement-II explains Statement-I.

The Correct Option is B: Iron Age

Explanation of the Iron Age
The Iron Age is a historical period that follows the Chalcolithic or Copper-Stone Age. This age is characterized by the widespread use of iron or steel.
Significance of Iron

• Iron, the metal central to this age, is mentioned frequently in the Vedas, ancient Indian scriptures. The Vedas describe its use in various tools, weapons, and ceremonial items.
• Iron's prevalence during this age indicates a shift in human society and technology. The discovery and mastering of iron smelting (the process of extracting iron from its ore) allowed for significant advancements in tool and weapon production.

Transition from Chalcolithic Age

• The Iron Age follows the Chalcolithic or Copper-Stone Age in the three-age system, a system of classifying archaeological periods into Stone Age, Bronze Age, and Iron Age. This system is often used in human prehistory and protohistory.
• The transition from the Chalcolithic Age to Iron Age is marked by the change in the material used for making tools and weapons, from copper and stone to iron.

Features of the Iron Age

• The Iron Age is not a specific period that occurred at the same time worldwide. Instead, its onset varies depending on geographical location and cultural context. For instance, Iron Age in the Middle East began around 1200 BC, while in India, it started around 1200 to 1000 BC.
• During the Iron Age, societies were typically organized into city-states or kingdoms. There was a marked increase in the complexity of social structures, trade networks, and warfare tactics.
• In terms of art and culture, the Iron Age saw the rise of literate civilizations, the spread of alphabetic scripts, and the development of philosophical and religious thoughts.

Why not the other options?

• The Palaeolithic Age, Copper-Stone Age, and Later Stone Age are not the correct answers because these periods are characterized by the use of stone and copper for tool production, not iron.

Statement I correctly describes features of the Mesolithic Period Art, emphasizing the depiction of hunters in groups armed with specific tools for hunting. Statement II accurately portrays aspects of the Chalcolithic Period Art, highlighting the presence of pottery and metal tools in the paintings, along with connections to settled agricultural communities. While both statements are factually correct in their respective contexts, they address different periods and themes within prehistoric art, hence not explaining each other. Thus, the correct answer is option (b), where both statements are correct but not interrelated in explanatory terms.

Statement-I: "The ancient Indian literature, including the Puranas and epics, provides reliable glimpses of the culture and civilization of the ancient times."

This statement is correct. Ancient Indian literature such as the Puranas and epics like the Mahabharata and Ramayana indeed provide valuable insights into the culture, society, and civilization of ancient India.

Statement-II: "Literary works such as Vishakhadatta's Mudrarakshasa and Kalidasa's Malavikagnimitram offer insights into ancient Indian society, culture, and historical events."

This statement is also correct. Vishakhadatta's Mudrarakshasa and Kalidasa's Malavikagnimitram are significant literary works that provide details about ancient Indian society, culture, and historical events.

Since both statements are correct and Statement-II provides specific examples that support the broader assertion made in Statement-I, the correct answer is: Both Statement-I and Statement-II are correct and Statement-II explains Statement-I

Answer: (a)

• Palaeolithic tools were rough stone tools primarily used for hunting and gathering, which links Statement-I with the development of Palaeolithic culture during the Pleistocene period (Statement-II) and the use of caves as seasonal camps (Statement-III).
• Both Statements II and III correctly explain the context of Statement-I.

The Correct Answer is D: 1,2 and 3

Neolithic and Chalcolithic Periods

• The Neolithic period, also known as the New Stone Age, was a period in human history characterized by the development of agriculture and the domestication of animals. It is believed to have started around 10,000 BCE and lasted until around 4,000 BCE. During this period, humans transitioned from a hunter-gatherer lifestyle to settled farming communities.
• The Chalcolithic period, also known as the Copper Age, followed the Neolithic period and marked the transitional phase between the use of stone tools and the use of metals. It is believed to have started around 4,000 BCE and lasted until around 3,000 BCE.

Use of Copper and Bronze

• During the Chalcolithic period, the use of copper and bronze started to emerge. Copper, a soft and malleable metal, was the first metal to be used extensively by humans. It was easily accessible and could be shaped into tools and weapons. Bronze, an alloy of copper and tin, was also introduced during this period. Bronze was stronger and more durable than copper, making it a valuable material for tools, weapons, and other artifacts.

The Technology of Smelting Metal Ore

• Smelting, the process of extracting metal from its ore by heating and melting it, was a significant technological advancement during the Chalcolithic period. Smelting allowed humans to obtain pure copper and tin from their respective ores, enabling the production of bronze. This advancement revolutionized metalworking and had a profound impact on human civilization.

Crafting Metal Artifacts

• With the introduction of copper and bronze, humans in the Chalcolithic period began crafting various metal artifacts. These included tools, weapons, jewelry, and decorative items. The ability to work with metal opened up new possibilities for human creativity and craftsmanship.

Conclusion
In summary, the Chalcolithic period was characterized by the use of copper and bronze, the technology of smelting metal ore, and the crafting of metal artifacts. Therefore, the correct answer is option D: 1, 2, and 3.

The Correct Answer is D: Banawali

Explanation of the Harappan Sites Location

• Surkotada: This Harappan site is located in the Kutch district of Gujarat, India. It is notable for the discovery of horse remains dated c. 2000 BCE; however, the interpretation of these findings is disputed.
• Lothal: Lothal is one of the most prominent cities of the ancient Indus valley civilization. It is located in the Bhal region of the modern state of Gujarat and dates from 2400 BCE.
• Dholavira: Dholavira is an archaeological site in the Kutch district of Gujarat. It represents a ruin of an ancient city of the Harappan civilization that was inhabited over a period of 1,200 years from 3000 BCE to 1800 BCE.
• Banawali: Contrarily, Banawali is an archaeological site belonging to the Indus Valley Civilization period in Fatehabad district, Haryana, India, and is not located in Gujarat. It was a fortified town that flourished from 2600 BCE to 1900 BCE.

So, among the given options, Banawali is the Harappan site not located in Gujarat.

- Statement-I is correct as Paleolithic art is characterized by simple, stick-like representations of humans, along with animals and geometric designs, often found in cave paintings.
- Statement-II is also correct. Rock paintings in India were discovered in the Bhimbetka caves around 1867-68, showcasing early human creativity.
- However, Statement-II does not explain Statement-I; rather, it provides historical context specific to India.
- Therefore, the correct answer is B: Both statements are correct, but Statement-II does not explain Statement-I.

The Correct Answer is Copper
The First Metal Used by Man: Copper
Copper is believed to be the first metal used by humans. It played a significant role in the development of human civilization and marked a major turning point in human history. Below is a detailed explanation of why copper is considered the first metal used by man.
I. Introduction to Copper

• Copper is a chemical element with the symbol Cu and atomic number 29.
• It is a reddish-brown metal that has good electrical conductivity, excellent malleability, and high corrosion resistance.
• Copper is commonly found in nature as copper ores, such as chalcopyrite, bornite, and malachite.

II. Historical Significance of Copper

• Copper holds great historical significance as it marked the transition from the Stone Age to the Copper Age.
• The advent of metallurgy, the science of extracting metals from ores and using them for practical purposes, began with copper.
• The discovery and utilization of copper led to the development of tools, weapons, and other technological advancements.

III. Early Uses of Copper

• The earliest evidence of copper usage dates back to around 9000 BCE in the Middle East.
• Copper was initially used to make simple tools and ornaments, such as beads and pendants.
• As humans learned to extract and shape copper, it became a valuable material for making more complex tools, including axes, knives, and spearheads.

IV. Advantages of Copper

• Copper possesses several key properties that made it ideal for early human applications:
• Electrical conductivity: Copper is an excellent conductor of electricity, making it suitable for electrical wiring and other electrical applications.
• Malleability: Copper is highly malleable, allowing it to be easily shaped into various forms.
• Corrosion resistance: Copper resists corrosion, ensuring its durability and longevity.

V. Copper's Role in the Bronze Age

• Copper's significance further increased during the Bronze Age, which followed the Copper Age.
• Bronze, an alloy of copper and tin, was developed during this period, providing even greater strength and versatility.
• The advancement from using pure copper to bronze marked a major technological leap, leading to the development of more sophisticated tools, weapons, and architectural structures.

Conclusion
In conclusion, copper was the first metal used by humans due to its abundance in nature, ease of extraction, and favorable properties. Its early usage paved the way for the development of metallurgy, transforming human society and creating new possibilities for technological advancement.

1. Alexander Cunningham: Discovery of Indus Valley Civilisation - Incorrect - Alexander Cunningham is known as the Father of Indian Archaeology and was responsible for the excavation of pre-Aryan culture. However, the discovery of the Indus Valley Civilisation is credited to Daya Ram Sahni and his team in 1921.

2. R.D. Banerjee: Excavation of Mohenjodaro - Correct - R.D. Banerjee played a significant role in the excavation of Mohenjodaro in 1922, confirming its status as a pre-Aryan civilisation of great antiquity.

3. James Prinsep: Decipherment of Brahmi Script - Correct - James Prinsep, Secretary of the Asiatic Society of Bengal, successfully deciphered the Brahmi script, which was a significant breakthrough in understanding ancient Indian inscriptions.

4. Samudragupta: Issued coins depicting Ashwamedha - Correct - Samudragupta issued coins depicting events such as the Ashwamedha, reflecting his ambitions and achievements.

Hence, three pairs are correctly matched.

Statement-I correctly reflects the process through which archaeological evidence is gathered, emphasizing the importance of examining building monuments and works of art in archaeological studies. On the other hand, Statement-II is incorrect as it inaccurately presents inscriptions as the primary source of archaeological evidence, rather than being a specific type of evidence within the broader field of archaeology. While inscriptions are indeed valuable sources of historical information, they are not synonymous with all archaeological evidence. Therefore, Statement-I is correct in describing the general process of obtaining archaeological evidence, while Statement-II is incorrect in its assertion about the primary nature of inscriptions in this context.

The Correct Answer  is A: 1 Only

Explanation for the Correct Answer:
The Bhimbetka rock shelters are an archaeological site in central India that spans the prehistoric Paleolithic and Mesolithic periods, as well as the historic period. It exhibits the earliest traces of human life on the Indian subcontinent and evidence of Stone Age habitation starting at the site in Acheulian times.
1. Evidence of Use of Tools and Implements:

• Bhimbetka caves indeed demonstrate the continuity of human evolution from the Lower Paleolithic period to the Mesolithic period to the Chalcolithic period. This is primarily because these caves contain a rich collection of archaeological findings.
• The site has yielded tools and implements from all these periods, providing concrete evidence of human evolution and progress in tool-making techniques and survival strategies.
• The artifacts found here include tools from the Old Stone Age (Lower Palaeolithic), tools from the Middle Stone Age (Mesolithic), as well as tools from the New Stone Age (Chalcolithic).
• This shows a clear progression and continuity of human activities and evolution over a long period of time, which is why statement 1 is correct.

2. Presence of Shankhalipi Inscriptions:

• While the Bhimbetka caves do contain ancient inscriptions, the presence of "Shankhalipi" inscriptions specifically is not a significant factor in demonstrating the continuity of human evolution from the Lower Paleolithic period to the Mesolithic period to the Chalcolithic period.
• Shankhalipi, also known as shell-script, is a unique and lesser-known script found in India, and it is not associated with the Paleolithic, Mesolithic, or Chalcolithic periods.
• Therefore, the presence of Shankhalipi inscriptions in the Bhimbetka caves does not directly support the evidence of continuity of human evolution over these periods. This is why statement 2 is not correct.

So, the correct answer to the question is option A: 1 only.

1. The Puranas and the epics provide definite dates for events and kings in ancient Indian history.

- This statement is incorrect. The ancient Indian literature, including the Puranas and the epics, mostly contains religious narratives and lacks definite dates for historical events and kings.

2. Kalidasa's Malavikagnimitram offers insights into ancient Indian society, culture, and historical events.

- This statement is correct. Kalidasa's works, such as Malavikagnimitram, are valuable sources of information on ancient Indian society, culture, and historical events.

3. Panini's grammar provides information on ancient Indian astronomy.

- This statement is incorrect. Panini's grammar primarily provides insights into ancient Indian linguistics and grammar, not astronomy. Ancient Indian astronomy is more accurately reflected in works like the Gargi Samhita.

Therefore, the correct answer is Option D: 2 Only.

1. Paleolithic Age Art - Depiction of complex human activities and advanced tools.

- Incorrect. Paleolithic Age Art mainly depicted simple human figures, activities, geometric designs, and symbols, not complex human activities and advanced tools.

2. Bhimbetka Caves - Located in Madhya Pradesh.

- Correct. Bhimbetka Caves are indeed located in Madhya Pradesh.

3. First Discovery of Rock Paintings - Discovered in India by Archaeologist Archibold Carlleyle in 1867-68.

- Correct. The first discovery of rock paintings in India was made by Archaeologist Archibold Carlleyle in 1867-68.

4. Upper Paleolithic Art - Green paintings depicting dances.

- Incorrect. Upper Paleolithic Art predominantly filled with geometric patterns; green paintings depict dances but this is more characteristic of the Mesolithic period art.

Thus, pairs 2 and 3 are correctly matched.