Prehistoric India: Paleolithic, Mesolithic & Neolithic Cultures MCQs

India General Knowledge – Ancient Indian History MCQs

MODULE 1: Prehistoric India

Topic: Paleolithic, Mesolithic & Neolithic Cultures

Sub-Topic A: Introduction to Prehistoric India

Q1. The term “Prehistoric period” refers to the time in human history

A. Before the use of metals
B. Before the development of agriculture
C. Before the invention of writing
D. Before the domestication of animals

Correct Answer: C

Explanation:
The prehistoric period is defined as the time before written records. Knowledge of this period is derived mainly from archaeological findings such as tools, fossils, and cave paintings.

Q2. The study of prehistoric human life is primarily based on

A. Literary sources
B. Epigraphic records
C. Archaeological remains
D. Numismatic evidence

Correct Answer: C

Explanation:
Since no written records exist for prehistoric times, historians depend on archaeological evidence like stone tools, bones, and habitation sites.

Sub-Topic B: Paleolithic Age (Old Stone Age)

Q3. The Paleolithic Age is also known as the

A. New Stone Age
B. Old Stone Age
C. Copper Age
D. Bronze Age

Correct Answer: B

Explanation:
The Paleolithic Age is called the Old Stone Age because humans used rough, unpolished stone tools.

Q4. Paleolithic humans mainly depended on

A. Agriculture and trade
B. Pastoralism
C. Hunting and gathering
D. Industrial activities

Correct Answer: C

Explanation:
Paleolithic people survived by hunting animals and gathering wild fruits, roots, and nuts, as agriculture had not yet begun.

Q5. The most commonly used tools of the Paleolithic Age were

A. Polished stone tools
B. Microliths
C. Hand axes and choppers
D. Iron implements

Correct Answer: C

Explanation:
Paleolithic tools were large, rough stone tools such as hand axes, choppers, and cleavers.

Q6. Which material was mainly used for making Paleolithic tools?

A. Iron
B. Copper
C. Stone
D. Clay

Correct Answer: C

Explanation:
Stone was the primary raw material for Paleolithic tools, giving the age its name.

Q7. Paleolithic people generally lived in

A. Permanent villages
B. Mud houses
C. Caves and rock shelters
D. Fortified settlements

Correct Answer: C

Explanation:
Due to a nomadic lifestyle, Paleolithic humans lived in caves and rock shelters for protection.

Q8. Which of the following sites is associated with Paleolithic culture in India?

A. Mehrgarh
B. Bhimbetka
C. Harappa
D. Lothal

Correct Answer: B

Explanation:
Bhimbetka (Madhya Pradesh) contains Paleolithic tools and cave paintings, making it a key prehistoric site.

Q9. The Paleolithic Age is broadly divided into

A. Two phases
B. Three phases
C. Four phases
D. Five phases

Correct Answer: B

Explanation:
The Paleolithic Age is divided into Lower, Middle, and Upper Paleolithic phases based on tool development.

Q10. The discovery of fire is associated mainly with

A. Mesolithic Age
B. Neolithic Age
C. Paleolithic Age
D. Chalcolithic Age

Correct Answer: C

Explanation:
The controlled use of fire began during the Paleolithic Age, improving food preparation and protection.

Sub-Topic C: Mesolithic Age (Middle Stone Age)

Q11. The Mesolithic Age represents the transition between

A. Paleolithic and Chalcolithic Ages
B. Paleolithic and Neolithic Ages
C. Neolithic and Iron Ages
D. Bronze and Iron Ages

Correct Answer: B

Explanation:
The Mesolithic Age acted as a transitional phase between hunting-gathering and food production.

Q12. The most characteristic tools of the Mesolithic Age were

A. Hand axes
B. Polished stone tools
C. Microliths
D. Iron weapons

Correct Answer: C

Explanation:
Mesolithic tools were small, sharp stone tools called microliths, used in hunting and daily activities.

Q13. Mesolithic people primarily practiced

A. Large-scale agriculture
B. Industrial production
C. Hunting, fishing, and food gathering
D. Urban trade

Correct Answer: C

Explanation:
Mesolithic communities relied on hunting, fishing, and gathering, with early signs of domestication.

Q14. Which animal is believed to have been first domesticated during the Mesolithic Age?

A. Horse
B. Cow
C. Dog
D. Goat

Correct Answer: C

Explanation:
The dog was the first domesticated animal, used for hunting assistance and protection.

Q15. Evidence of Mesolithic culture in India is found at

A. Burzahom
B. Bagor
C. Kalibangan
D. Dholavira

Correct Answer: B

Explanation:
Bagor (Rajasthan) is an important Mesolithic site known for microliths and animal remains.

Q16. One significant development of the Mesolithic Age was

A. Complete urbanization
B. Introduction of pottery
C. Beginning of animal domestication
D. Use of iron tools

Correct Answer: C

Explanation:
Animal domestication marked a crucial step toward settled life during the Mesolithic period.

Q17. Mesolithic settlements were generally

A. Large cities
B. Nomadic camps near water sources
C. Fortified towns
D. Industrial centers

Correct Answer: B

Explanation:
Mesolithic people preferred temporary camps near rivers and lakes for food and water.

Sub-Topic D: Neolithic Age (New Stone Age)

Q18. The Neolithic Age is also known as the

A. Old Stone Age
B. Middle Stone Age
C. New Stone Age
D. Metal Age

Correct Answer: C

Explanation:
Neolithic means New Stone Age, characterized by polished stone tools.

Q19. The most important feature of the Neolithic Age was

A. Hunting and gathering
B. Use of microliths
C. Agriculture and settled life
D. Nomadic lifestyle

Correct Answer: C

Explanation:
The Neolithic Age saw the beginning of agriculture, leading to permanent settlements.

Q20. Neolithic tools were mainly

A. Rough and unpolished
B. Polished and sharpened
C. Made of iron
D. Made of bronze

Correct Answer: B

Explanation:
Neolithic tools were polished stone implements, making them more efficient.

Q21. Which crop is associated with early Neolithic agriculture in India?

A. Tea
B. Wheat and barley
C. Cotton
D. Coffee

Correct Answer: B

Explanation:
Early Neolithic farmers cultivated wheat and barley, especially in north-western regions.

Q22. Pottery first appeared prominently during the

A. Paleolithic Age
B. Mesolithic Age
C. Neolithic Age
D. Iron Age

Correct Answer: C

Explanation:
The Neolithic Age witnessed the widespread use of pottery for storage and cooking.

Q23. Burzahom, a Neolithic site, is located in

A. Rajasthan
B. Gujarat
C. Kashmir
D. Bihar

Correct Answer: C

Explanation:
Burzahom (Kashmir) is known for pit dwellings and Neolithic culture.

Q24. Neolithic people commonly lived in

A. Caves only
B. Temporary camps
C. Permanent villages
D. Forest shelters

Correct Answer: C

Explanation:
Agriculture led to permanent village settlements during the Neolithic Age.

Q25. Which of the following animals was commonly domesticated in the Neolithic Age?

A. Elephant
B. Cow
C. Lion
D. Deer

Correct Answer: B

Explanation:
Domestication of animals like cattle supported farming and dairy needs.

Sub-Topic E: Comparative & Chronological Understanding

Q26. Which age marks the beginning of food production?

A. Paleolithic
B. Mesolithic
C. Neolithic
D. Chalcolithic

Correct Answer: C

Explanation:
Food production through agriculture began in the Neolithic Age.

Q27. Microliths are associated mainly with the

A. Paleolithic Age
B. Mesolithic Age
C. Neolithic Age
D. Iron Age

Correct Answer: B

Explanation:
Microliths are the defining tools of the Mesolithic Age.

Q28. Which sequence represents the correct chronological order?

A. Neolithic → Paleolithic → Mesolithic
B. Paleolithic → Mesolithic → Neolithic
C. Mesolithic → Neolithic → Paleolithic
D. Chalcolithic → Neolithic → Paleolithic

Correct Answer: B

Explanation:
The correct order is Paleolithic → Mesolithic → Neolithic.

Q29. Which age shows the earliest evidence of village life?

A. Paleolithic
B. Mesolithic
C. Neolithic
D. Iron Age

Correct Answer: C

Explanation:
Village life began with settled agriculture in the Neolithic Age.

Q30. The transition from stone tools to metal tools began after the

A. Paleolithic Age
B. Mesolithic Age
C. Neolithic Age
D. Iron Age

Correct Answer: C

Explanation:
After the Neolithic Age, humans entered the Chalcolithic (Copper-Stone) Age, marking the start of metal usage.

✅ Exam Relevance Note

These MCQs are fully aligned with India-specific General Knowledge syllabi and are suitable for school exams, university tests, entrance exams, UPSC, SSC, Banking, Railways, Defence, State PSCs, and Teaching examinations.

• Prehistoric India GK Questions

• Paleolithic Mesolithic Neolithic MCQs

• Ancient Indian History MCQs

• Stone Age MCQs India

• India General Knowledge MCQs

• Static GK MCQs India

• Indian History MCQs with Answers

• Ancient India GK for Competitive Exams

⭐

This comprehensive set of Prehistoric India MCQs offers a clear, chronological, and concept-focused understanding of the Paleolithic, Mesolithic, and Neolithic cultures. Carefully aligned with the India-specific General Knowledge syllabus, these questions are ideal for strengthening static GK fundamentals and mastering high-frequency Ancient Indian History topics commonly asked in competitive examinations across India.

❓ FAQ Section

What is Prehistoric India in General Knowledge?

Prehistoric India refers to the period before written records, studied through archaeological evidence such as tools, fossils, and cave paintings.

Which Stone Age periods are important for competitive exams?

The Paleolithic, Mesolithic, and Neolithic Ages are crucial for exams due to their role in human evolution and early cultural development.

Are Prehistoric India MCQs asked in UPSC and SSC exams?

Yes, questions from Ancient Indian History, including Stone Age cultures, are frequently asked in UPSC, SSC, State PSCs, and other exams.

What type of questions are common from the Neolithic Age?

Questions on agriculture, domestication of animals, pottery, and permanent settlements are commonly asked from the Neolithic Age.

Is this topic considered Static GK?

Yes, Prehistoric India is a static GK topic, making it evergreen and highly relevant for repeated exam preparation.

🎯 Targeting Exams 

These Prehistoric India MCQs are meticulously designed to meet the requirements of the following examinations:

• UPSC Civil Services (Prelims)

• State Public Service Commission (PSC) Exams

• SSC (CGL, CHSL, MTS, GD)

• Banking Exams (IBPS, SBI, RBI)

• Railway Recruitment Board (RRB) Exams

• Defence Exams (NDA, CDS, AFCAT)

• Teaching Exams (CTET, State TETs)

• University Entrance & Scholarship Exams

• School, College, and University-Level Examinations