UPSC Static Quiz – History : 24 June 2025
Kartavya Desk Staff
UPSC Static Quiz – History : 24 June 2025 We will post 5 questions daily on static topics mentioned in the UPSC civil services preliminary examination syllabus. Each week will focus on a specific topic from the syllabus, such as History of India and Indian National Movement, Indian and World Geography, and more.We are excited to bring you our daily UPSC Static Quiz, designed to help you prepare for the UPSC Civil Services Preliminary Examination. Each day, we will post 5 questions on static topics mentioned in the UPSC syllabus. This week, we are focusing on Indian and World Geography.
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Participating in daily quizzes helps reinforce your knowledge and identify areas that need improvement. Regular practice will enhance your recall abilities and boost your confidence for the examination. By covering various topics throughout the week, you ensure a comprehensive revision of the syllabus.
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• Question 1 of 5 1. Question Consider the following statements regarding the Palaeolithic period in India: The use of hand axes and cleavers, characteristic of the Acheulian tradition, is primarily associated with the Lower Palaeolithic phase. The Middle Palaeolithic period is marked by a significant shift towards smaller, lighter tools based on flakes, such as scrapers and borers. Bone tools have been found in abundance across all major Upper Palaeolithic sites in India, indicating a widespread bone-tool industry. How many of the statements given above are correct? (a) Only one (b) Only two (c) All three (d) None Correct Solution: B The Palaeolithic or Old Stone Age in India is divided into three distinct phases, each characterized by specific tool technologies and cultural developments. Statement 1 is correct. The Lower Palaeolithic phase (c. 600,000 – 150,000 BC) is defined by the use of heavy, core tools like hand axes, cleavers, and choppers. These tools, belonging to the Soanian and Acheulian traditions, were used for heavy-duty tasks like chopping and digging. Major sites like Attirampakkam in Tamil Nadu and Hunsgi in Karnataka have yielded a rich collection of Acheulian tools. Statement 2 is correct. The Middle Palaeolithic phase (c. 150,000 – 35,000 BC) witnessed a significant technological shift. The focus moved from large core tools to smaller, lighter tools made from flakes struck from cores. This period is characterized by the predominance of tools like scrapers, borers, and points, which allowed for more refined tasks. This culture is often referred to as the Nevasian culture, named after the site of Nevasa in Maharashtra. Statement 3 is incorrect. While the Upper Palaeolithic period (c. 35,000 – 10,000 BC) is marked by further innovation, including the appearance of blades and burins, the evidence for a widespread bone-tool industry in India is limited. Bone tools have been found conspicuously only at the Kurnool caves in Andhra Pradesh. Their absence at most other Upper Palaeolithic sites suggests that bone tool technology was not as ubiquitous in India as it was in other parts of the world during the same period. Incorrect Solution: B The Palaeolithic or Old Stone Age in India is divided into three distinct phases, each characterized by specific tool technologies and cultural developments. Statement 1 is correct. The Lower Palaeolithic phase (c. 600,000 – 150,000 BC) is defined by the use of heavy, core tools like hand axes, cleavers, and choppers. These tools, belonging to the Soanian and Acheulian traditions, were used for heavy-duty tasks like chopping and digging. Major sites like Attirampakkam in Tamil Nadu and Hunsgi in Karnataka have yielded a rich collection of Acheulian tools. Statement 2 is correct. The Middle Palaeolithic phase (c. 150,000 – 35,000 BC) witnessed a significant technological shift. The focus moved from large core tools to smaller, lighter tools made from flakes struck from cores. This period is characterized by the predominance of tools like scrapers, borers, and points, which allowed for more refined tasks. This culture is often referred to as the Nevasian culture, named after the site of Nevasa in Maharashtra. Statement 3 is incorrect. While the Upper Palaeolithic period (c. 35,000 – 10,000 BC) is marked by further innovation, including the appearance of blades and burins, the evidence for a widespread bone-tool industry in India is limited. Bone tools have been found conspicuously only at the Kurnool caves in Andhra Pradesh. Their absence at most other Upper Palaeolithic sites suggests that bone tool technology was not as ubiquitous in India as it was in other parts of the world during the same period.
#### 1. Question
Consider the following statements regarding the Palaeolithic period in India:
• The use of hand axes and cleavers, characteristic of the Acheulian tradition, is primarily associated with the Lower Palaeolithic phase.
• The Middle Palaeolithic period is marked by a significant shift towards smaller, lighter tools based on flakes, such as scrapers and borers.
• Bone tools have been found in abundance across all major Upper Palaeolithic sites in India, indicating a widespread bone-tool industry.
How many of the statements given above are correct?
• (a) Only one
• (b) Only two
• (c) All three
Solution: B
The Palaeolithic or Old Stone Age in India is divided into three distinct phases, each characterized by specific tool technologies and cultural developments.
• Statement 1 is correct. The Lower Palaeolithic phase (c. 600,000 – 150,000 BC) is defined by the use of heavy, core tools like hand axes, cleavers, and choppers. These tools, belonging to the Soanian and Acheulian traditions, were used for heavy-duty tasks like chopping and digging. Major sites like Attirampakkam in Tamil Nadu and Hunsgi in Karnataka have yielded a rich collection of Acheulian tools.
• Statement 2 is correct. The Middle Palaeolithic phase (c. 150,000 – 35,000 BC) witnessed a significant technological shift. The focus moved from large core tools to smaller, lighter tools made from flakes struck from cores. This period is characterized by the predominance of tools like scrapers, borers, and points, which allowed for more refined tasks. This culture is often referred to as the Nevasian culture, named after the site of Nevasa in Maharashtra.
• Statement 3 is incorrect. While the Upper Palaeolithic period (c. 35,000 – 10,000 BC) is marked by further innovation, including the appearance of blades and burins, the evidence for a widespread bone-tool industry in India is limited. Bone tools have been found conspicuously only at the Kurnool caves in Andhra Pradesh. Their absence at most other Upper Palaeolithic sites suggests that bone tool technology was not as ubiquitous in India as it was in other parts of the world during the same period.
Solution: B
The Palaeolithic or Old Stone Age in India is divided into three distinct phases, each characterized by specific tool technologies and cultural developments.
• Statement 1 is correct. The Lower Palaeolithic phase (c. 600,000 – 150,000 BC) is defined by the use of heavy, core tools like hand axes, cleavers, and choppers. These tools, belonging to the Soanian and Acheulian traditions, were used for heavy-duty tasks like chopping and digging. Major sites like Attirampakkam in Tamil Nadu and Hunsgi in Karnataka have yielded a rich collection of Acheulian tools.
• Statement 2 is correct. The Middle Palaeolithic phase (c. 150,000 – 35,000 BC) witnessed a significant technological shift. The focus moved from large core tools to smaller, lighter tools made from flakes struck from cores. This period is characterized by the predominance of tools like scrapers, borers, and points, which allowed for more refined tasks. This culture is often referred to as the Nevasian culture, named after the site of Nevasa in Maharashtra.
• Statement 3 is incorrect. While the Upper Palaeolithic period (c. 35,000 – 10,000 BC) is marked by further innovation, including the appearance of blades and burins, the evidence for a widespread bone-tool industry in India is limited. Bone tools have been found conspicuously only at the Kurnool caves in Andhra Pradesh. Their absence at most other Upper Palaeolithic sites suggests that bone tool technology was not as ubiquitous in India as it was in other parts of the world during the same period.
• Question 2 of 5 2. Question With reference to the Mesolithic period in India, consider the following statements: The period is characterized by a shift in stone tool technology towards microliths, which were tiny stone tools. Mesolithic rock art primarily depicts religious symbols and deities, with very few scenes of daily life like hunting or dancing. The domestication of animals is completely absent in Mesolithic sites, a feature that only appears in the subsequent Neolithic period. How many of the statements given above are correct? (a) Only one (b) Only two (c) All three (d) None Correct Solution: A The Mesolithic or Middle Stone Age (c. 10,000 – 6,000 BCE) was a transitional phase between the Palaeolithic and Neolithic periods, marked by significant climatic and cultural changes. Statement 1 is correct. The most defining characteristic of the Mesolithic tool kit is the presence of microliths—tiny stone tools, typically a few centimeters in length, made from materials like chert and chalcedony. These were not used as standalone tools but were hafted onto bone or wooden handles to create composite tools like saws, sickles, and barbed spearheads, indicating a significant technological advancement over the preceding era. Statement 2 is incorrect. Mesolithic rock art, found extensively in sites like Bhimbetka (Madhya Pradesh), provides a vibrant window into the life of the people. Contrary to the statement, the art is dominated by dynamic scenes of daily life. It depicts a wide range of activities including hunting, fishing, food gathering, dancing, and social events. While some scenes may have ritualistic significance, the focus is overwhelmingly on the cultural and economic aspects of their existence, not on abstract religious symbols or formal deities. Statement 3 is incorrect. While full-scale agriculture was a Neolithic development, the beginnings of animal domestication can be traced to the Mesolithic period. Archaeological evidence from sites like Bagor in Rajasthan and Adamgarh in Madhya Pradesh shows the presence of bones of domesticated animals like sheep and goats alongside wild animals, indicating a transition from a purely hunting-gathering economy to one that included pastoralism. This marks the first step towards a food-producing economy. Incorrect Solution: A The Mesolithic or Middle Stone Age (c. 10,000 – 6,000 BCE) was a transitional phase between the Palaeolithic and Neolithic periods, marked by significant climatic and cultural changes. Statement 1 is correct. The most defining characteristic of the Mesolithic tool kit is the presence of microliths—tiny stone tools, typically a few centimeters in length, made from materials like chert and chalcedony. These were not used as standalone tools but were hafted onto bone or wooden handles to create composite tools like saws, sickles, and barbed spearheads, indicating a significant technological advancement over the preceding era. Statement 2 is incorrect. Mesolithic rock art, found extensively in sites like Bhimbetka (Madhya Pradesh), provides a vibrant window into the life of the people. Contrary to the statement, the art is dominated by dynamic scenes of daily life. It depicts a wide range of activities including hunting, fishing, food gathering, dancing, and social events. While some scenes may have ritualistic significance, the focus is overwhelmingly on the cultural and economic aspects of their existence, not on abstract religious symbols or formal deities. Statement 3 is incorrect. While full-scale agriculture was a Neolithic development, the beginnings of animal domestication can be traced to the Mesolithic period. Archaeological evidence from sites like Bagor in Rajasthan and Adamgarh in Madhya Pradesh shows the presence of bones of domesticated animals like sheep and goats alongside wild animals, indicating a transition from a purely hunting-gathering economy to one that included pastoralism. This marks the first step towards a food-producing economy.
#### 2. Question
With reference to the Mesolithic period in India, consider the following statements:
• The period is characterized by a shift in stone tool technology towards microliths, which were tiny stone tools.
• Mesolithic rock art primarily depicts religious symbols and deities, with very few scenes of daily life like hunting or dancing.
• The domestication of animals is completely absent in Mesolithic sites, a feature that only appears in the subsequent Neolithic period.
How many of the statements given above are correct?
• (a) Only one
• (b) Only two
• (c) All three
Solution: A
The Mesolithic or Middle Stone Age (c. 10,000 – 6,000 BCE) was a transitional phase between the Palaeolithic and Neolithic periods, marked by significant climatic and cultural changes.
• Statement 1 is correct. The most defining characteristic of the Mesolithic tool kit is the presence of microliths—tiny stone tools, typically a few centimeters in length, made from materials like chert and chalcedony. These were not used as standalone tools but were hafted onto bone or wooden handles to create composite tools like saws, sickles, and barbed spearheads, indicating a significant technological advancement over the preceding era.
• Statement 2 is incorrect. Mesolithic rock art, found extensively in sites like Bhimbetka (Madhya Pradesh), provides a vibrant window into the life of the people. Contrary to the statement, the art is dominated by dynamic scenes of daily life. It depicts a wide range of activities including hunting, fishing, food gathering, dancing, and social events. While some scenes may have ritualistic significance, the focus is overwhelmingly on the cultural and economic aspects of their existence, not on abstract religious symbols or formal deities.
• Statement 3 is incorrect. While full-scale agriculture was a Neolithic development, the beginnings of animal domestication can be traced to the Mesolithic period. Archaeological evidence from sites like Bagor in Rajasthan and Adamgarh in Madhya Pradesh shows the presence of bones of domesticated animals like sheep and goats alongside wild animals, indicating a transition from a purely hunting-gathering economy to one that included pastoralism. This marks the first step towards a food-producing economy.
Solution: A
The Mesolithic or Middle Stone Age (c. 10,000 – 6,000 BCE) was a transitional phase between the Palaeolithic and Neolithic periods, marked by significant climatic and cultural changes.
• Statement 1 is correct. The most defining characteristic of the Mesolithic tool kit is the presence of microliths—tiny stone tools, typically a few centimeters in length, made from materials like chert and chalcedony. These were not used as standalone tools but were hafted onto bone or wooden handles to create composite tools like saws, sickles, and barbed spearheads, indicating a significant technological advancement over the preceding era.
• Statement 2 is incorrect. Mesolithic rock art, found extensively in sites like Bhimbetka (Madhya Pradesh), provides a vibrant window into the life of the people. Contrary to the statement, the art is dominated by dynamic scenes of daily life. It depicts a wide range of activities including hunting, fishing, food gathering, dancing, and social events. While some scenes may have ritualistic significance, the focus is overwhelmingly on the cultural and economic aspects of their existence, not on abstract religious symbols or formal deities.
• Statement 3 is incorrect. While full-scale agriculture was a Neolithic development, the beginnings of animal domestication can be traced to the Mesolithic period. Archaeological evidence from sites like Bagor in Rajasthan and Adamgarh in Madhya Pradesh shows the presence of bones of domesticated animals like sheep and goats alongside wild animals, indicating a transition from a purely hunting-gathering economy to one that included pastoralism. This marks the first step towards a food-producing economy.
• Question 3 of 5 3. Question Consider the following pairs: Burzahom : Evidence of pit-dwellings and joint burial of humans with domestic dogs. Mehrgarh : Earliest evidence of cotton cultivation in the Indian subcontinent. Chirand : Predominance of tools and weapons made of polished stone only. Koldihwa : Oldest evidence of rice cultivation in the world. How many of the above pairs are correctly matched? (a) Only one (b) Only two (c) Only three (d) All four Correct Solution: C Pair 1 is correctly matched. Burzahom, a Neolithic site in Kashmir, is famous for its unique pit-dwellings, which were dug into the ground to provide shelter from the cold. Another distinct feature of this site is the evidence of burials where domestic dogs were buried along with their masters, suggesting a close human-animal relationship. Pair 2 is correctly matched. Mehrgarh, located in Balochistan (present-day Pakistan), is one of the earliest Neolithic sites in the subcontinent, showing a transition from hunting-gathering to settled agriculture. It provides the earliest known evidence of cotton cultivation in the region, alongside the cultivation of wheat and barley. Pair 3 is incorrectly matched. Chirand, a Neolithic site in Bihar, is particularly noted for its extensive bone tool industry. While polished stone tools were also used, as is characteristic of the Neolithic period, the site’s standout feature is the large number of tools and weapons made of bone and antlers, which is unusual for Neolithic sites in the Gangetic valley. Pair 4 is correctly matched. Koldihwa, located in the Belan valley of Uttar Pradesh, has provided archaeological evidence of rice cultivation that has been dated to around 6500 BC. This is considered among the oldest evidence of rice cultivation not just in India but anywhere in the world, making it a site of global archaeological significance. Incorrect Solution: C Pair 1 is correctly matched. Burzahom, a Neolithic site in Kashmir, is famous for its unique pit-dwellings, which were dug into the ground to provide shelter from the cold. Another distinct feature of this site is the evidence of burials where domestic dogs were buried along with their masters, suggesting a close human-animal relationship. Pair 2 is correctly matched. Mehrgarh, located in Balochistan (present-day Pakistan), is one of the earliest Neolithic sites in the subcontinent, showing a transition from hunting-gathering to settled agriculture. It provides the earliest known evidence of cotton cultivation in the region, alongside the cultivation of wheat and barley. Pair 3 is incorrectly matched. Chirand, a Neolithic site in Bihar, is particularly noted for its extensive bone tool industry. While polished stone tools were also used, as is characteristic of the Neolithic period, the site’s standout feature is the large number of tools and weapons made of bone and antlers, which is unusual for Neolithic sites in the Gangetic valley. Pair 4 is correctly matched. Koldihwa, located in the Belan valley of Uttar Pradesh, has provided archaeological evidence of rice cultivation that has been dated to around 6500 BC. This is considered among the oldest evidence of rice cultivation not just in India but anywhere in the world, making it a site of global archaeological significance.
#### 3. Question
Consider the following pairs:
• Burzahom : Evidence of pit-dwellings and joint burial of humans with domestic dogs.
• Mehrgarh : Earliest evidence of cotton cultivation in the Indian subcontinent.
• Chirand : Predominance of tools and weapons made of polished stone only.
• Koldihwa : Oldest evidence of rice cultivation in the world.
How many of the above pairs are correctly matched?
• (a) Only one
• (b) Only two
• (c) Only three
• (d) All four
Solution: C
• Pair 1 is correctly matched. Burzahom, a Neolithic site in Kashmir, is famous for its unique pit-dwellings, which were dug into the ground to provide shelter from the cold. Another distinct feature of this site is the evidence of burials where domestic dogs were buried along with their masters, suggesting a close human-animal relationship.
• Pair 2 is correctly matched. Mehrgarh, located in Balochistan (present-day Pakistan), is one of the earliest Neolithic sites in the subcontinent, showing a transition from hunting-gathering to settled agriculture. It provides the earliest known evidence of cotton cultivation in the region, alongside the cultivation of wheat and barley.
• Pair 3 is incorrectly matched. Chirand, a Neolithic site in Bihar, is particularly noted for its extensive bone tool industry. While polished stone tools were also used, as is characteristic of the Neolithic period, the site’s standout feature is the large number of tools and weapons made of bone and antlers, which is unusual for Neolithic sites in the Gangetic valley.
• Pair 4 is correctly matched. Koldihwa, located in the Belan valley of Uttar Pradesh, has provided archaeological evidence of rice cultivation that has been dated to around 6500 BC. This is considered among the oldest evidence of rice cultivation not just in India but anywhere in the world, making it a site of global archaeological significance.
Solution: C
• Pair 1 is correctly matched. Burzahom, a Neolithic site in Kashmir, is famous for its unique pit-dwellings, which were dug into the ground to provide shelter from the cold. Another distinct feature of this site is the evidence of burials where domestic dogs were buried along with their masters, suggesting a close human-animal relationship.
• Pair 2 is correctly matched. Mehrgarh, located in Balochistan (present-day Pakistan), is one of the earliest Neolithic sites in the subcontinent, showing a transition from hunting-gathering to settled agriculture. It provides the earliest known evidence of cotton cultivation in the region, alongside the cultivation of wheat and barley.
• Pair 3 is incorrectly matched. Chirand, a Neolithic site in Bihar, is particularly noted for its extensive bone tool industry. While polished stone tools were also used, as is characteristic of the Neolithic period, the site’s standout feature is the large number of tools and weapons made of bone and antlers, which is unusual for Neolithic sites in the Gangetic valley.
• Pair 4 is correctly matched. Koldihwa, located in the Belan valley of Uttar Pradesh, has provided archaeological evidence of rice cultivation that has been dated to around 6500 BC. This is considered among the oldest evidence of rice cultivation not just in India but anywhere in the world, making it a site of global archaeological significance.
• Question 4 of 5 4. Question With reference to Chalcolithic cultures of India, consider the following statements: These cultures were exclusively rural and did not exhibit any signs of urban development. The people of these cultures were the first to use painted pottery in the subcontinent. They practiced agriculture and cultivated a variety of crops, including barley, wheat, and lentils. How many of the statements given above are correct? (a) Only one (b) Only two (c) All three (d) None Correct Solution: A The Chalcolithic (Stone-Copper) Age marks the first use of metal (copper) alongside stone tools. These cultures were primarily non-Harappan and existed in various parts of India between approximately 2500 BCE and 700 BCE. Statement 1 is incorrect. While Chalcolithic cultures were predominantly rural, some settlements showed signs of nascent urbanization. Sites like Daimabad and Inamgaon in Maharashtra had large mud houses with ovens and circular pit houses, and some settlements were fortified. Sites like Jakhera represent a fairly-evolved proto-urban stage. Statement 2 is incorrect. While Chalcolithic cultures are well-known for their distinct painted pottery, such as the Black-and-Red Ware and Malwa Ware, they were not the first to use it. The practice of painting pottery can be traced back to the preceding Neolithic period. For instance, Neolithic sites like Mehrgarh have yielded evidence of painted pottery well before the Chalcolithic phase. Statement 3 is correct. Agriculture was a cornerstone of the Chalcolithic economy. People cultivated a wide range of crops depending on the region. Evidence from various sites shows the cultivation of barley, wheat, lentil, bajra, jowar, ragi, green pea, and gram. In western India, barley and wheat were prominent, while rice was cultivated in eastern India. They supplemented their diet with animal husbandry and hunting. Incorrect Solution: A The Chalcolithic (Stone-Copper) Age marks the first use of metal (copper) alongside stone tools. These cultures were primarily non-Harappan and existed in various parts of India between approximately 2500 BCE and 700 BCE. Statement 1 is incorrect. While Chalcolithic cultures were predominantly rural, some settlements showed signs of nascent urbanization. Sites like Daimabad and Inamgaon in Maharashtra had large mud houses with ovens and circular pit houses, and some settlements were fortified. Sites like Jakhera represent a fairly-evolved proto-urban stage. Statement 2 is incorrect. While Chalcolithic cultures are well-known for their distinct painted pottery, such as the Black-and-Red Ware and Malwa Ware, they were not the first to use it. The practice of painting pottery can be traced back to the preceding Neolithic period. For instance, Neolithic sites like Mehrgarh have yielded evidence of painted pottery well before the Chalcolithic phase. Statement 3 is correct. Agriculture was a cornerstone of the Chalcolithic economy. People cultivated a wide range of crops depending on the region. Evidence from various sites shows the cultivation of barley, wheat, lentil, bajra, jowar, ragi, green pea, and gram. In western India, barley and wheat were prominent, while rice was cultivated in eastern India. They supplemented their diet with animal husbandry and hunting.
#### 4. Question
With reference to Chalcolithic cultures of India, consider the following statements:
• These cultures were exclusively rural and did not exhibit any signs of urban development.
• The people of these cultures were the first to use painted pottery in the subcontinent.
• They practiced agriculture and cultivated a variety of crops, including barley, wheat, and lentils.
How many of the statements given above are correct?
• (a) Only one
• (b) Only two
• (c) All three
Solution: A
The Chalcolithic (Stone-Copper) Age marks the first use of metal (copper) alongside stone tools. These cultures were primarily non-Harappan and existed in various parts of India between approximately 2500 BCE and 700 BCE.
• Statement 1 is incorrect. While Chalcolithic cultures were predominantly rural, some settlements showed signs of nascent urbanization. Sites like Daimabad and Inamgaon in Maharashtra had large mud houses with ovens and circular pit houses, and some settlements were fortified. Sites like Jakhera represent a fairly-evolved proto-urban stage.
• Statement 2 is incorrect. While Chalcolithic cultures are well-known for their distinct painted pottery, such as the Black-and-Red Ware and Malwa Ware, they were not the first to use it. The practice of painting pottery can be traced back to the preceding Neolithic period. For instance, Neolithic sites like Mehrgarh have yielded evidence of painted pottery well before the Chalcolithic phase.
• Statement 3 is correct. Agriculture was a cornerstone of the Chalcolithic economy. People cultivated a wide range of crops depending on the region. Evidence from various sites shows the cultivation of barley, wheat, lentil, bajra, jowar, ragi, green pea, and gram. In western India, barley and wheat were prominent, while rice was cultivated in eastern India. They supplemented their diet with animal husbandry and hunting.
Solution: A
The Chalcolithic (Stone-Copper) Age marks the first use of metal (copper) alongside stone tools. These cultures were primarily non-Harappan and existed in various parts of India between approximately 2500 BCE and 700 BCE.
• Statement 1 is incorrect. While Chalcolithic cultures were predominantly rural, some settlements showed signs of nascent urbanization. Sites like Daimabad and Inamgaon in Maharashtra had large mud houses with ovens and circular pit houses, and some settlements were fortified. Sites like Jakhera represent a fairly-evolved proto-urban stage.
• Statement 2 is incorrect. While Chalcolithic cultures are well-known for their distinct painted pottery, such as the Black-and-Red Ware and Malwa Ware, they were not the first to use it. The practice of painting pottery can be traced back to the preceding Neolithic period. For instance, Neolithic sites like Mehrgarh have yielded evidence of painted pottery well before the Chalcolithic phase.
• Statement 3 is correct. Agriculture was a cornerstone of the Chalcolithic economy. People cultivated a wide range of crops depending on the region. Evidence from various sites shows the cultivation of barley, wheat, lentil, bajra, jowar, ragi, green pea, and gram. In western India, barley and wheat were prominent, while rice was cultivated in eastern India. They supplemented their diet with animal husbandry and hunting.
• Question 5 of 5 5. Question Consider the following statements. Statement I: The people of the Malwa Chalcolithic culture generally avoided settling on the main river arteries and preferred the tributaries. Statement II: The black cotton soil of the Malwa region, while fertile, did not require the use of heavy ploughs, and the settlement pattern was designed to mitigate the risks of flooding from major rivers. Which one of the following is correct in respect of the above statements? (a) Both Statement-I and Statement-II are correct and Statement-II is the correct explanation for Statement-I (b) Both Statement-I and Statement-II are correct and Statement-II is not the correct explanation for Statement-I (c) Statement-I is correct but Statement-II is incorrect (d) Statement-I is incorrect but Statement-II is correct Correct Solution: A Statement I is correct. Archaeological surveys have shown that the settlements of the Malwa culture (c. 1900-1400 BC), one of the most prominent Chalcolithic cultures of Central India, are mostly located on the banks of the tributaries of the Narmada River, rather than on the main river itself. Sites like Navdatoli, Nagda, and Eran follow this pattern. This indicates a deliberate choice in settlement location. Statement II is correct. The reasoning provided in this statement accurately explains the pattern mentioned in Statement I. The Malwa region is characterized by black cotton soil, which is highly fertile and retains moisture, making it suitable for agriculture without the need for deep ploughing with heavy implements. The light ploughs available to Chalcolithic people would have been sufficient. Furthermore, settling along major rivers like the Narmada would have exposed these early farming communities to the constant and destructive threat of floods. By choosing to settle along the smaller, more predictable tributaries, they could access water for agriculture while avoiding the risk of their settlements being washed away, ensuring greater stability for their agrarian way of life. Incorrect Solution: A Statement I is correct. Archaeological surveys have shown that the settlements of the Malwa culture (c. 1900-1400 BC), one of the most prominent Chalcolithic cultures of Central India, are mostly located on the banks of the tributaries of the Narmada River, rather than on the main river itself. Sites like Navdatoli, Nagda, and Eran follow this pattern. This indicates a deliberate choice in settlement location. Statement II is correct. The reasoning provided in this statement accurately explains the pattern mentioned in Statement I. The Malwa region is characterized by black cotton soil, which is highly fertile and retains moisture, making it suitable for agriculture without the need for deep ploughing with heavy implements. The light ploughs available to Chalcolithic people would have been sufficient. Furthermore, settling along major rivers like the Narmada would have exposed these early farming communities to the constant and destructive threat of floods. By choosing to settle along the smaller, more predictable tributaries, they could access water for agriculture while avoiding the risk of their settlements being washed away, ensuring greater stability for their agrarian way of life.
#### 5. Question
Consider the following statements.
Statement I: The people of the Malwa Chalcolithic culture generally avoided settling on the main river arteries and preferred the tributaries.
Statement II: The black cotton soil of the Malwa region, while fertile, did not require the use of heavy ploughs, and the settlement pattern was designed to mitigate the risks of flooding from major rivers.
Which one of the following is correct in respect of the above statements?
• (a) Both Statement-I and Statement-II are correct and Statement-II is the correct explanation for Statement-I
• (b) Both Statement-I and Statement-II are correct and Statement-II is not the correct explanation for Statement-I
• (c) Statement-I is correct but Statement-II is incorrect
• (d) Statement-I is incorrect but Statement-II is correct
Solution: A
• Statement I is correct. Archaeological surveys have shown that the settlements of the Malwa culture (c. 1900-1400 BC), one of the most prominent Chalcolithic cultures of Central India, are mostly located on the banks of the tributaries of the Narmada River, rather than on the main river itself. Sites like Navdatoli, Nagda, and Eran follow this pattern. This indicates a deliberate choice in settlement location.
• Statement II is correct. The reasoning provided in this statement accurately explains the pattern mentioned in Statement I. The Malwa region is characterized by black cotton soil, which is highly fertile and retains moisture, making it suitable for agriculture without the need for deep ploughing with heavy implements. The light ploughs available to Chalcolithic people would have been sufficient. Furthermore, settling along major rivers like the Narmada would have exposed these early farming communities to the constant and destructive threat of floods. By choosing to settle along the smaller, more predictable tributaries, they could access water for agriculture while avoiding the risk of their settlements being washed away, ensuring greater stability for their agrarian way of life.
Solution: A
• Statement I is correct. Archaeological surveys have shown that the settlements of the Malwa culture (c. 1900-1400 BC), one of the most prominent Chalcolithic cultures of Central India, are mostly located on the banks of the tributaries of the Narmada River, rather than on the main river itself. Sites like Navdatoli, Nagda, and Eran follow this pattern. This indicates a deliberate choice in settlement location.
• Statement II is correct. The reasoning provided in this statement accurately explains the pattern mentioned in Statement I. The Malwa region is characterized by black cotton soil, which is highly fertile and retains moisture, making it suitable for agriculture without the need for deep ploughing with heavy implements. The light ploughs available to Chalcolithic people would have been sufficient. Furthermore, settling along major rivers like the Narmada would have exposed these early farming communities to the constant and destructive threat of floods. By choosing to settle along the smaller, more predictable tributaries, they could access water for agriculture while avoiding the risk of their settlements being washed away, ensuring greater stability for their agrarian way of life.
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