Prehistoric Assam: Archaeological Background
Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs) with Answers & Explanations
Subject: Assam History
Section: Prehistoric & Proto-Historic Assam
Topic: Prehistoric Assam – Archaeological Background
MCQ 1
Which period marks the earliest evidence of human activity in Assam?
A. Neolithic Period
B. Chalcolithic Period
C. Paleolithic Period
D. Iron Age
Correct Answer: C
Explanation:
The Paleolithic Period represents the earliest phase of human activity, identified by crude stone tools used by hunter-gatherers in Assam.
MCQ 2
Prehistoric studies of Assam are mainly based on which source?
A. Literary texts
B. Coins and inscriptions
C. Archaeological findings
D. Oral traditions
Correct Answer: C
Explanation:
Since written records are absent, the reconstruction of prehistoric Assam relies primarily on archaeological evidence such as stone tools, habitation sites, and burial remains.
MCQ 3
Which type of tools are commonly associated with Paleolithic Assam?
A. Polished stone tools
B. Microliths
C. Crude stone tools
D. Iron implements
Correct Answer: C
Explanation:
Paleolithic tools were rough and unpolished, made mainly for hunting and food gathering.
MCQ 4
Most Paleolithic sites in Assam are found near:
A. Hilltops
B. River valleys
C. Coastal plains
D. Desert regions
Correct Answer: B
Explanation:
Early humans preferred river valleys due to water availability, food sources, and ease of movement.
MCQ 5
Which river system played a crucial role in early human settlements in Assam?
A. Ganga
B. Indus
C. Brahmaputra
D. Godavari
Correct Answer: C
Explanation:
The Brahmaputra River system provided fertile land, water, and natural resources, encouraging early settlements.
MCQ 6
Neolithic culture in Assam is characterized by:
A. Nomadic lifestyle
B. Polished stone tools
C. Exclusive hunting practices
D. Absence of pottery
Correct Answer: B
Explanation:
Neolithic culture marks the use of polished stone tools, indicating technological advancement.
MCQ 7
The transition from hunting-gathering to agriculture occurred during which period?
A. Paleolithic
B. Mesolithic
C. Neolithic
D. Iron Age
Correct Answer: C
Explanation:
The Neolithic Period witnessed the beginning of agriculture and permanent settlements.
MCQ 8
Which activity is NOT associated with Neolithic Assam?
A. Pottery making
B. Domestication of animals
C. Use of polished tools
D. Extensive iron smelting
Correct Answer: D
Explanation:
Iron smelting belongs to a later phase; Neolithic Assam relied mainly on stone tools.
MCQ 9
Proto-historic Assam refers to a phase where:
A. Written records are abundant
B. Stone tools disappear completely
C. Early metal use begins
D. Agriculture is absent
Correct Answer: C
Explanation:
Proto-history marks the early use of metals, especially copper and iron, though writing was still absent.
MCQ 10
Which metal was first introduced in Proto-Historic Assam?
A. Gold
B. Silver
C. Copper
D. Zinc
Correct Answer: C
Explanation:
Copper was among the earliest metals used before the widespread adoption of iron.
MCQ 11
Early human habitation in prehistoric Assam mainly occurred in:
A. Urban centers
B. Cave and riverine areas
C. Fortified towns
D. Mountain peaks
Correct Answer: B
Explanation:
Caves and riverbanks offered natural shelter and easy access to food resources.
MCQ 12
Megalithic culture in Assam is associated with:
A. Stone burial structures
B. Brick temples
C. Rock paintings
D. Cave dwellings
Correct Answer: A
Explanation:
Megaliths are large stone structures, often linked with burial practices.
MCQ 13
Which practice suggests social organization in prehistoric Assam?
A. Random tool usage
B. Cave painting
C. Burial customs
D. Nomadic movement
Correct Answer: C
Explanation:
Burial practices indicate belief systems and social structure.
MCQ 14
Which factor influenced early settlements in Assam the most?
A. Climate and water availability
B. Trade routes
C. Foreign invasions
D. Coin circulation
Correct Answer: A
Explanation:
Climate and access to water were crucial for survival and settlement.
MCQ 15
Stone tools found in Assam indicate:
A. Advanced metallurgy
B. Primitive technology
C. Urban culture
D. Scripted language
Correct Answer: B
Explanation:
Stone tools reflect early technological stages of human development.
MCQ 16
Which period shows evidence of pottery in Assam?
A. Paleolithic
B. Neolithic
C. Mesolithic
D. Early Historic
Correct Answer: B
Explanation:
Pottery emerged with settled agricultural life during the Neolithic period.
MCQ 17
Which occupation dominated prehistoric Assam?
A. Trade
B. Agriculture only
C. Hunting and gathering
D. Administration
Correct Answer: C
Explanation:
Early humans depended mainly on hunting, fishing, and gathering.
MCQ 18
Proto-historic Assam represents a transition between:
A. Ancient and medieval periods
B. Prehistory and history
C. Medieval and modern periods
D. Neolithic and Paleolithic
Correct Answer: B
Explanation:
Proto-history bridges the gap between prehistory and recorded history.
MCQ 19
Which evidence helps date prehistoric sites?
A. Coins
B. Inscriptions
C. Tool typology
D. Manuscripts
Correct Answer: C
Explanation:
The type and style of tools help archaeologists determine the period.
MCQ 20
Early agriculture in Assam was closely linked with:
A. Coastal plains
B. Desert lands
C. River floodplains
D. Plateau regions
Correct Answer: C
Explanation:
Floodplains provided fertile soil for early farming.
MCQ 21
Which lifestyle change marks Neolithic Assam?
A. Permanent settlements
B. Complete nomadism
C. Decline of tools
D. Absence of food storage
Correct Answer: A
Explanation:
Neolithic people began settled village life.
MCQ 22
The use of iron tools indicates:
A. Paleolithic stage
B. Neolithic stage
C. Proto-historic stage
D. Mesolithic stage
Correct Answer: C
Explanation:
Iron usage marks the proto-historic development of society.
MCQ 23
Which discipline studies prehistoric Assam?
A. Sociology
B. Archaeology
C. Political science
D. Economics
Correct Answer: B
Explanation:
Archaeology reconstructs prehistoric life through material remains.
MCQ 24
Stone tools in Assam were mainly used for:
A. Writing
B. Rituals only
C. Hunting and cutting
D. Trade exchange
Correct Answer: C
Explanation:
Tools were primarily functional, used for hunting and food processing.
MCQ 25
Which settlement pattern was common in prehistoric Assam?
A. Grid-planned towns
B. Fortified cities
C. Small scattered settlements
D. Industrial centers
Correct Answer: C
Explanation:
Prehistoric communities lived in small, scattered groups.
MCQ 26
Which feature distinguishes proto-historic Assam from prehistoric Assam?
A. Complete urbanization
B. Use of metals
C. Presence of writing
D. Foreign trade
Correct Answer: B
Explanation:
The introduction of metals differentiates proto-history from prehistory.
MCQ 27
Which environmental feature supported early Assam settlements?
A. Arid climate
B. Dense forests and rivers
C. Snow-covered mountains
D. Volcanic soil
Correct Answer: B
Explanation:
Forests and rivers provided food, shelter, and resources.
MCQ 28
Megalithic remains suggest belief in:
A. Democracy
B. Afterlife
C. Trade economy
D. Urban governance
Correct Answer: B
Explanation:
Burial structures often reflect beliefs in life after death.
MCQ 29
Which tool improvement reflects technological progress?
A. Crude stone flakes
B. Polished stone axes
C. Wooden sticks
D. Bone needles
Correct Answer: B
Explanation:
Polished tools show advanced craftsmanship.
MCQ 30
Why is prehistoric Assam important for history studies?
A. It explains colonial administration
B. It provides written records
C. It reveals the origins of human culture in Assam
D. It focuses on modern politics
Correct Answer: C
Explanation:
Prehistoric Assam helps us understand the earliest human activities and cultural roots of the region.
✅ Prepared strictly as per APSC CCE syllabus
✅ Suitable for all competitive exams requiring Assam History
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