19th April Static Quiz 2021 (History)

Solution: (a)
Statement 1: In the caves, the continuity of human evolution from the Lower Palaeolithic Period is noticed by the smaller size of stone tools in the following Middle Palaeolithic Period besides new tools like scrapers. During the Upper Palaeolithic Period newer tool types like: blades, borers and burins had also emerged. However, it is in the Mesolithic Period that there is a clear change in the materials and tool typology. Earlier, the tools were largely made of quartzite and sandstone, whereas the tools being made in the Mesolithic Period were most often of chalcedony. The Mesolithic culture at Bhimbetka continued much longer as understood by the presence of Chalcolithic potteries in otherwise Mesolithic contexts. By the Early Historic times it appears that interaction with the surrounding cultures became more pronounced. This is evidenced by the presence of rock-cut beds in a rock shelter on the top portion of an inselberg like outcrop not far from the later built temple at this site.

Statement 2: Shankhalipi or “shell-script” is a term used by scholars to describe ornate spiral Brahmi characters that resemble conch shells (or shankhas). They are found in inscriptions across various parts of India except the far south and date to between the 4th and 8th centuries CE.

Solution: (b)

The Chalcolithic age is followed by Iron Age. Iron is frequently referred to in the Vedas. The Iron Age of the southern peninsula is often related to Megalithic Burials. Megalith means Large Stone. The burial pits were covered with these stones. Such graves are extensively found in South India. The early period of the age is characterized by the widespread use of iron or steel. The adoption of these materials coincided with other changes in society, including differing agricultural practices, religious beliefs and artistic style

Solution: (b)

Statement 1: Located in present day UP, this site represents three occupational levels: the Neolithic, Chalcolithic, and Iron Age phases.

Statement 2: Mehrgarh is located near the Bolan Pass, to the west of the Indus River valley and between the now Pakistani cities of Quetta, Kalat and Sibi. Mehrgarh is supposedly the most sophisticated, ingenuous and best planned ancient farm villages of ancient India.

Statement 3: It is known for the excavation remains of neolithic and megalithic periods.

Solution: (a)

Several rock shelters and caves used by the Paleolithic people are scattered across the subcontinent. Some of the famous sites of Old Stone Age in India are:
1. The Soan valley and Potwar Plateau in northwest India.
2. The Siwalik hills on north India.
3. Bhimpetka in Madhya Pradesh.
4. Azamgarh hill in Narmada valley.
5. Kurnool in Andhra Pradesh and Attirampakkam near Chennai.

If you notice, most of these sites are near water sources, eg. Soan valley, Siwalik hills (starting from Indus), Azamgarh hill in Narmada valley. A reason can be that water formed a subsistence base for Palaeolithic civilization, which is why major artworks are found near these water sources

Solution: (d)

Despite the use of copper and bronze, the use of stone tools was not given up. Some of the microlithic tools continued to be essential items. People began to travel for a long distance to obtain metal ores. This led to a network of Chalcolithic cultures and the Chalcolithic cultures were found in many parts of India.