Evolution of Humans and Society – Prehistoric Period 9th Social Science Lesson 1 Questions in English

9th Social Science Lesson 1 Questions in English

1. Evolution of Humans and Society – Prehistoric Period

1. Who were the pioneers of creative knowledge?

a) Modern people

b) Prehistoric people

c) Medieval people

d) Informative people

Explanation

Prehistoric people were the pioneers of creative knowledge. From the artefacts and the languages, they developed, we are able to understand how intelligent they were.

2. Who excavate the soil and rock layers on the earth and extract evidence about human ancestors?

a) Paleoanthropologist

b) Geologist

c) Sociologist

d) Ethnologist

Explanation

Paleoanthropologist and archaeologists excavate the soil and rock layers on the earth and extract evidence about human ancestors.

3. Which is the study of human past through the analysis and interpretation of material remains?

a) Anthropology

b) Geology

c) Ethnology

d) Archaeology

Explanation

Archaeology is the study of human past through the analysis and interpretation of material remains.

4. Which is the study of the human ancestors and their evolution by the study of the fossil remains?

a) Archaeology

b) Paleoanthropology

c) Sociology

d) Ethnology

Explanation

Paleoanthropology is the study of the human ancestors and their evolution by the study of the fossil remains.

5. The earth was formed approximately how many years ago?

a) 4.54 billion

b) 3.12 billion

c) 2.23 billion

d) 3.51 billion

Explanation

The earth was formed approximately 4.54 billion years ago. Gradually, conditions emerged for the growth of organisms. Then plants and animals came into being, and thereby foundation was laid for the evolution of humans.

6. Who were the apes from which modern humans evolved?

a) Mastodon

b) Dunkleosteus

c) Quetzalcoatlus

d) Australopithecines

Explanation

Australopithecines were the apes from which modern humans evolved. Now they are extinct, but they are considered to be the close relatives of humans.

7. Who is considered the Father of History, because the history he wrote was humanistic and rationalistic?

a) Herodotus

b) Thucydides

c) Homer

d) Hippocrates

Explanation

The beginning of history writing can be traced to the ancient Greeks. Herodotus (484–425 BC (BCE)) is considered the Father of History, because the history he wrote was humanistic and rationalistic.

8. Which is the study of origin, nature and relationships of rock and soil layers that were formed due to natural and cultural activities?

a) Paleontology

b) Petrology

c) Stratigraphy

d) Petrography

Explanation

Stratigraphy – The study of origin, nature and relationships of rock and soil layers that were formed due to natural and cultural activities.

9. Which of the following statement is correct?

1) The history of humans is closely related to the history of the earth.

2) The earth contains geological, archaeological and biological records of historical times in its Lower layers.

a) Only 1

b) Only 2

c) Both 1 and 2

d) None

Explanation

The history of humans is closely related to the history of the earth. The earth contains geological, archaeological and biological records of historical times in its upper layers. They are important for reconstructing the history of the earth and various living organisms.

10. Which was the oldest museum established in 530 BC (BCE)?

a) Ashmolean Museum

b) Ennigaldi-Nanna’s Museum

c) Ziggurat of Ur

d) Capitoline Museum

Explanation

The museum of Ennigaldi-Nanna in Mesopotamia was established in 530 BC (BCE) was the oldest Museum.

11. Which is the oldest surviving museum at present?

a) Capitoline Museum

b) Vatican Museum

c) Ashmolean Museum

d) Louvre Museum

Explanation

The Capitoline Museum in Italy is perhaps the oldest surviving museum (1471 AD (CE)) at present.

12. Which is the oldest university museum in the world?

a) Ashmolean Museum

b) Louvre Museum

c) Capitoline Museum

d) State Hermitage Museum

Explanation

Ashmolean Museum at Oxford University is the oldest university museum in the world. It was established in 1677 AD (CE).

13. Who’s biological evolution contributed to the scientific understanding of human origins?

a) Auguste Comte

b) Alfred Russel Wallace

c) Herbert Spencer

d) Harriet Martineau

Explanation

Herbert Spencer’s biological evolution, and Charles Darwin’s theory on concepts of natural selection and survival of the fittest contributed to the scientific understanding of human origins.

14. In which year Charles Darwin published the books On the Origin of Species?

a) 1829

b) 1882

c) 1834

d) 1859

Explanation

Charles Darwin published the books On the Origin of Species in 1859 and The Descent of Man in 1871.

15. What is the study of fossils called?

a) Paleontology

b) Archaeology

c) Petrology

d) Anthropology

Explanation

Prehistoric animal or plant that turns into stone over a period of time (millions of years) because of chemical and physical processes. Animal bones are preserved due to mineralization. Paleontology is the study of fossils.

16. The process by which organisms that are better adapted to their environment would survive and produce more offspring is called _____

a) Survival of Fittest

b) Natural Selection

c) Adaptation Selection

d) Evolution Selection

Explanation

The process by which organisms that are better adapted to their environment would survive and produce more offspring is called Natural Selection.

17. Which among the following is called great apes?

a) Chimpanzee

b) Gorillas

c) Humans

d) All the above

Explanation

The chimpanzee, gorillas and orangutans, along with humans, are collectively called the Great Apes. Among them, the chimpanzee is genetically the closest to humans.

18. Which of the following statement is correct

1) The ancestors to humans were called Hominins, and their origins have been traced in Australia.

2) The Hominins emerged around 10 to 8 million years ago.

a) Only 1

b) Only 2

c) Both 1 and 2

d) None

Explanation

The ancestors to humans were called Hominins, and their origins have been traced in Africa. They evolved from those origins and then began to move to other parts of the world in due course of time. The Hominins emerged around 7 to 5 million years ago.

19. Where the Skeletons of Australopithecus, one of the early species of Hominins tribe was found?

a) Australia

b) India

c) Africa

d) Peru

Explanation

Skeletons of Australopithecus, one of the early species of this tribe, have been found in Africa.

20. Which of the following is not time period (Age)?

a) Stone Age

b) Bronze Age

c) Aluminium Age

d) Iron Age

Explanation

Stone Age – the period when stone was mainly used for making implements. Bronze Age – the period when bronze metallurgy (extraction of metal from ores) developed. Iron Age – the period when iron was smelted to produce implements. Since the 19th century.

21. Where does the Great Rift Valley located?

a) Africa

b) Australia

c) Peru

d) USA

Explanation

The Great Rift Valley in Africa has many sites that have evidence for the prehistoric period.

22. The DNA of a chimpanzee is what percentage identical to that of a human being?

a) 91%

b) 98%

c) 93%

d) 94.5%

Explanation

The DNA of a chimpanzee is 98% identical to that of a human being.

23. The Great Rift Valley is a valley-like formation that runs for how many kilometers?

a) 6100 km

b) 6900 km

c) 6400 km

d) 6600 km

Explanation

The Great Rift Valley is a valley-like formation that runs for about 6,400 km from the northern part of Syria to Central Mozambique in East Africa. This geographical feature is visible even from the space, and many prehistoric sites are found in eastern Africa.

24. Which of the following statement is correct

1) Hominid refers to all the species of the modern and extinct great apes, which also includes humans

2) Hominins refers to the close relatives of human ancestors and their sister species including Homo sapiens and the extinct members of Homo neanderthalensis, Homo erectus, Homo habilis and various species of Australopithecines.

a) Only 1

b) Only 2

c) Both 1 and 2

d) None

Explanation

Hominid refers to all the species of the modern and extinct great apes, which also includes humans. Hominins refers to the close relatives of human ancestors and their sister species including Homo sapiens and the extinct members of Homo neanderthalensis, Homo erectus, Homo habilis and various species of Australopithecines.

25. Who was the earliest known human ancestors to make tools in Africa about 2.6 million years ago?

a) Homo erectus

b) Homo habilis

c) Homo neanderthalensis

d) Homo sapiens

Explanation

Homo habilis (handy human) was the earliest known human ancestors to make tools in Africa about 2.6 million years ago.

26. Which species made hand axes between 2 and 1 million years ago?

a) Homo erectus

b) Homo habilis

c) Homo neanderthalensis

d) Homo sapiens

Explanation

Around 2 million years ago, the species of Homo erectus/ergaster emerged. This species made hand axes between 2 and 1 million years ago. They began to spread into various parts of Asia and Africa in time.

27. Anatomically, when modern humans, called Homo sapiens (wise man), first appeared?

a) 9,00,000 years ago

b) 5,50,000 years ago

c) 4,00,000 years age

d) 3,00,000 years ago

Explanation

Anatomically, modern humans, called Homo sapiens (wise man), first appeared around 3,00,000 years ago in Africa. It is believed that these modern humans eventually migrated and dispersed into various parts of the world from around 60,000 years ago.

28. Other than chimpanzee, who among the following is our closest living relative?

a) Gorillas

b) Bonobo

c) Dodo

d) Orangutan

Explanation

The chimpanzee and the pygmy chimpanzee (also known as bonobo) are our closest living relatives.

29. Where does the earliest tools made by human ancestors were found?

a) Kenya

b) Mozambique

c) South Africa

d) Sudan

Explanation

The earliest tools made by human ancestors are found in Lomekwi in Kenya. They are dated to 3.3 million years.

30. Oldowan tools occur in the Olduvai gorge in Africa is how much year old?

a) 3 to 3.4 million year old

b) 2 to 2.6 million year old

c) 4 to 5 million year old

d) 1 to 2.3 million year old

Explanation

Oldowan tools occur in the Olduvai gorge in Africa. They are 2 to 2.6 million years old. The human ancestors (Australopithecines) used hammer stones and produced sharp-edged flakes.

31. The Lower Paleolithic Culture is marked by the human ancestors belonging to the species Homo erectus and ________

a) Homo sapiens

b) Homo habilis

c) Homo Neanderthalensis

d) Homo Austreits

Explanation

The Lower Palaeolithic Culture is marked by the human ancestors belonging to the species Homo habilis and Homo erectus.

32. Which of the following statement about Lower Palaeolithic Culture is incorrect

1) The human ancestors of Lower Palaeolithic flaked large stone blocks and designed various tools including hand axes.

2) These tools, which are found in Africa, Asia, and Europe, are dated the earliest to about 1.8 million years ago

a) Only 1

b) Only 2

c) Both 1 and 2

d) None

Explanation

The human ancestors of Lower Palaeolithic flaked large stone blocks and designed various tools including hand axes. These tools, which are found in Africa, Asia, and Europe, are dated the earliest to about 1.8 million years ago.

33. What was the first hand axe that was recognized?

a) Acheulian

b) Olduvai

c) Levalloisian

d) Burin

Explanation

Acheulian – They were first hand axes recognized at a place called St. Acheul in France. Hence, they are called Acheulian tools. This toolmaking tradition continued till 250,000 years to 60,000 years ago in India.

34. Which is the main block of stone from which small chips are flaked by using a hammer stone?

a) Core

b) Flake

c) Mantle

d) Hard

Explanation

Core is the main block of stone from which small chips are flaked by using a hammer stone.

35. Which of the following statement about Lower Paleolithic Culture is correct

1) The Lower Paleolithic ancestors made various tools such as hand axes and cleavers to meet their subsistence needs. These tools are also known as uniface.

2) In India, the Acheulian tools have been found near Chennai and many other sites such as Isampur in Karnataka and Bhimbetka in Madhya Pradesh.

a) Only 1

b) Only 2

c) Both 1 and 2

d) None

Explanation

The Lower Palaeolithic ancestors made various tools such as hand axes and cleavers to meet their subsistence needs. These tools are also known as biface. In India, the Acheulian tools have been found near Chennai and many other sites such as Isampur in Karnataka and Bhimbetka in Madhya Pradesh.

36. Which lithic tool making tradition were belongs to Middle Palaeolithic culture?

a) Burin

b) Acheulian

c) Levalloisian

d) Pastoralist

Explanation

The lithic tool-making tradition of the Levalloisian belonged to Middle Palaeolithic period. The tools made during this time are found in Europe and Central and western Asia.

37. Who were the first human ancestors to mourn death properly and bury the dead?

a) Homo habilis

b) Homo erectus

c) Homo sapiens

d) Neanderthals

Explanation

The people of this period were called Neanderthals. They buried the dead people systematically. Perhaps they were the first human ancestors to mourn death properly and bury the dead.

38. Which of the following statement about Middle Palaeolithic Culture is correct

1) After about 3,98,000 years BC (BCE), further changes took place in the lithic technology in Africa.

2) The Homo habilis species existed during this period. Anatomically modern humans are said to have emerged around 3 lakh years ago.

a) Only 1

b) Only 2

c) Both 1 and 2

d) None

Explanation

After about 3,98,000 years BC (BCE), further changes took place in the lithic technology in Africa. The Homo erectus species existed during this period. Anatomically modern humans are said to have emerged around 3 lakh years ago.

39. Levalloisian tools was named after the town of Levallois located in _______?

a) Spain

b) France

c) Germany

d) Britain

Explanation

Levalloisian tools are the implements made after preparing the core. It was named after the town of Levallois in France.

40. The Middle Palaeolithic Culture appeared between which years ago in Europe and parts of western and South Asia?

a) 3,85,000 and 1,98,000 -Years BC ago

b) 4,46,000 and 2,92,000 -Years BC ago

c) 3,35,000 and 2,38,000 -Years BC ago

d) 5,15,000 and 3,72,000 -Years BC ago

Explanation

The Middle Palaeolithic Culture appeared between 3,85,000 and 1,98,000-years BC (BCE) ago in Europe and parts of western and South Asia. The tools that were made during this period were in use till about 28,000 BC (BCE).

41. Which is a stone-made chisel with a sharp cutting edge?

a) Burin

b) Flake

c) Kibish

d) Cleaver

Explanation

Burin is a stone-made chisel with a sharp cutting edge.

42. The modern humans, who first appeared as a result of human evolution in the sub-Saharan Africa in which year?

a) 3,20,000 years ago

b) 4,00,000 years ago

c) 3,00,000 years age

d) 4,20,000 years ago

Explanation

The modern humans, who first appeared as a result of human evolution in the sub-Saharan Africa 300,000 years ago, began to move to various parts of Asia around 60,000 years ago.

43. Microliths appeared in which period?

a) Lower Palaeolithic

b) Middle Palaeolithic

c) Upper Palaeolithic

d) Mesolithic

Explanation

Microliths appeared in Upper Palaeolithic culture. This period was marked by innovation in tool technology. Long blades and burin were produced during this time. People used different varieties of silica rich raw materials in this phase.

44. During Upper Palaeolithic period, human lived in Europe is known as _____

a) Neanderthals

b) Cro-Magnons

c) Archaic

d) Heidelbergensis

Explanation

In Europe, humans known as Cro-Magnons lived in Upper Palaeolithic period.

45. Which of the following statement is correct

1) Horns and ivory were used for making tools and art works. Bone needles, fishhooks, harpoons and spears were also employed creatively

2) The humans of this time wore clothes and cooked food. The dead were placed in the burials with folded hands placed over their chest.

a) Only 1

b) Only 2

c) Both 1 and 2

d) None

Explanation

Horns and ivory were used for making tools and art works. Bone needles, fishhooks, harpoons and spears were also employed creatively. The humans of this time wore clothes and cooked food. The dead were placed in the burials with folded hands placed over their chest.

46. Images of which Goddess was made up of stones and bones in Upper Palaeolithic period?

a) Venus

b) Jupiter

c) Cupid

d) Juno

Explanation

Images of Goddess Venus made up of stones and bones in Europe and in some parts of Asia during Upper Palaeolithic period.

47. Which period is known as the Middle Stone Age?

a) Ice age period

b) Mesolithic period

c) Neolithic period

d) Bronze period

Explanation

Mesolithic period is known as the Middle Stone Age, as it is placed between the Palaeolithic and Neolithic periods.

48. People of Mesolithic period made tiny artefacts that were less than what cm in size?

a) 5cm

b) 6cm

c) 7cm

d) 8cm

Explanation

People of Mesolithic period widely employed microlithic technology. They made tiny artefacts that were less than 5 cm in size. They produced points, scrapers and arrowheads. They also used geometric tools such as lunates, triangles and trapezes

49. Which period marks the beginning of agriculture and animal domestication?

a) Mesolithic period

b) Neolithic period

c) Palaeolithic period

d) Microlithic period

Explanation

The period called Neolithic marks the beginning of agriculture and animal domestication. It is an important phase in history.

50. Which of the following region does not have the evidence of Neolithic period?

a) The Indus region

b) China

c) Rome

d) Mesopotamia

Explanation

Early evidence of the Neolithic period is found in the fertile crescent region of Egypt and Mesopotamia, the Indus region, the Gangetic valley and in China. By about 10,000 BC (BCE) to 5000 BC (BCE), agriculture had come to be practised in these regions.

51. Fruits and Nut trees were cultivated around which area?

a) 5,000BC

b) 2,000BC

c) 4,000BC

d) 3,500BC

Explanation

Wheat, barley and peas were cultivated around 10,000 years ago. Fruit and nut trees were cultivated around 4,000 BC (BCE). They comprised olives, figs, dates, pomegranates and grapes.

52. Which of the following area refers as Fertile Crescent Region?

a) Egypt

b) Israel

c) Iraq

d) All the above

Explanation

Fertile Crescent Region refers to the area covering Egypt, Israel-Palestine and Iraq, which is in the shape of crescent moon.

53. Neolithic Age is called ______

a) Modern age

b) New age

c) Diamond age

d) Fire age

Explanation

Neolithic Age is called the ‘new age’, because of the new grinding and polishing techniques used for the tools. The Neolithic people also used the flaked stone tools.

54. In Neolithic period where does People preferred to live?

a) Mountain

b) River bank

c) Forest

d) Desert

Explanation

The introduction of domestication of animals and cultivating plants at home led to production and supply of large quantities of grains and animal food. The fertile soil deposited by the river on its banks helped the growth of agriculture. People preferred to live on river banks as it was better for adaptation.

55. Which of the following statement is incorrect about Mesolithic period

1) Mesolithic peoples introduced domestications and cultivation.

2) With the global warming occurring after the Ice Age, they became highly mobile and occupied various eco-zones

a) Only 1

b) Only 2

c) Both 1 and 2

d) None

Explanation

Mesolithic people were hunter gatherers. With the global warming occurring after the Ice Age, they became highly mobile and occupied various eco-zones.

56. Where oldest stone age tool made by human ancestors found in Tamil Nadu?

a) Jambai

b) Vilapakkam

c) Thakkolam

d) Athirampakkam

Explanation

One of the oldest Stone Age tools in the world made by human ancestors, called hominins, had been produced in Tamil Nadu. These stone tools are found near the Chennai region at several sites, especially at Athirampakkam.

57. Which river is one of the major cradles of human ancestors in the world in Tamil Nadu?

a) Kosasthalaiyar River

b) Vellar River

c) Pambar River

d) Pennai River

Explanation

The Kosasthalaiyar river is one of the major cradles of human ancestors in the world. The people who lived here belonged to the species of Homo erectus.

58. The archaeological excavations at Athirampakkam site and cosmic-ray exposure dating of the artefacts suggest that people lived here about which year?

a) 3 to 4 Million years ago

b) 1.5 to 2 Million Years ago

c) 2.5 to 3.5 Million Years ago

d) 1 to 3 Million Years ago

Explanation

The archaeological excavations at this site and cosmic-ray exposure dating of the artefacts suggest that people lived here about 1.5 to 2 million years ago.

59. Which year Sir Robert Bruce Foote, a geologist from England, first discovered Palaeolithic tools at Pallavaram near Chennai?

a) 1824

b) 1861

c) 1863

d) 1831

Explanation

In 1863, Sir Robert Bruce Foote, a geologist from England, first discovered Palaeolithic tools at Pallavaram near Chennai. They are the earliest finds of such tools in India. Hence, the hand axe assemblages were considered the Madras Stone Tool Industry.

60. Where the tools discovered by Sir Robert Bruce Foote are now housed?

a) Delhi museum

b) Chennai museum

c) Calcutta museum

d) Mumbai museum

Explanation

The tools that Sir Robert Bruce discovered are now housed in the Chennai Museum.

61. Which of the following statement is correct

1) Palaeolithic people did not have knowledge of iron and pottery making, which developed much later in history.

2) The people of this time also used hammer stones and spheroids. The quartzite pebbles and cobbles were chosen as raw materials.

a) Only 1

b) Only 2

c) Both 1 and 2

d) None

Explanation

Palaeolithic people did not have knowledge of iron and pottery making, which developed much later in history. Hand axes and cleavers are the important tool types of the Lower Palaeolithic period. The peoples of this time also used hammer stones and spheroids. The quartzite pebbles and cobbles were chosen as raw materials.

62. Lower Palaeolithic tools are found in which part of Tamil Nadu in soil deposition?

a) Pallavaram

b) Gudiyam cave

c) Vadamadurai

d) All the above

Explanation

Lower Palaeolithic tools are found in the soil deposits and also in the exposed river side. They occur at Pallavaram, Gudiyam cave, Athirampakkam, Vadamadurai, Erumaivettipalayam and Parikulam.

63. The people belonging to Lower Palaeolithic period used which rocks for manufacturing artefacts?

a) Basalt Rock

b) Limestone Rock

c) Rhyolite Rock

d) Obsidian Rock

Explanation

The people belonging to Lower Palaeolithic period used basalt rocks for manufacturing artefacts. However, the southern part of Tamil Nadu and Sri Lanka do not have evidence of Lower Palaeolithic Culture.

64. Evidence for the Middle Palaeolithic Culture can be observed in which area in Tamil Nadu?

a) Sivarakkottai

b) Athichanallur

c) Parikulam

d) All the above

Explanation

Evidence for the Middle Paleolithic Culture can be observed in some parts of Tamil Nadu. In the southern part of Tamil Nadu, at T. Pudupatti and Sivarakkottai, artefacts of the Middle Paleolithic tools have been collected. Also, near Thanjavur and Ariyalur, similar artefacts have been found.

65. Which of the following statement about Middle Palaeolithic is incorrect

1) In the course of time, the Middle Palaeolithic Culture emerged during 3,85,000 – 1,72,000 years ago.

2) Cores, flakes, scrapers, knives, borers, Levalloisian flakes, hand axes and cleavers are the artefact types of this period. Compared to the previous phase, these tool types became large in size.

a) Only 1

b) Only 2

c) Both 1 and 2

d) None

Explanation

In the course of time, the Middle Palaeolithic Culture emerged during 3,85,000 – 1,72,000 years ago. The tool types of this period underwent a change and smaller artefacts were used. Cores, flakes, scrapers, knives, borers, Levalloisian flakes, hand axes and cleavers are the artefact types of this period. Compared to the previous phase, these tool types became smaller in size.

66. The people of Mesolithic period used small artefacts made of chert and ______

a) Diamond

b) Limestone

c) Quartz

d) Basalt

Explanation

The people of this period used small artefacts made of chert and quartz. The tool types are scrapers, lunates and triangles. These people hunted wild animals and gathered fruits, nuts and roots for their subsistence.

67. The tools in the shape of a crescent is called _____

a) Scrapers

b) Lunates

c) Triangles

d) Core

Explanation

Scrapers are tools used for scraping the surfaces. Scrapers are similar to the tools used in the kitchen for removing skin of vegetables. Triangles are tools in the shape of triangles. Lunates are tools in the shape of a crescent.

68. The Teri sites near which area have evidence of microlithic artefacts?

a) Ariyalur

b) Thoothukudi

c) Chennai

d) Villupuram

Explanation

Evidence for the existence of Mesolithic hunter-gatherers is found at Chennai, Dharmapuri, Salem, Coimbatore, Tiruchirappalli, Madurai, Tirunelveli and Kanyakumari. The Teri sites near Thoothukudi have evidence of microlithic artefacts. These sites have red sand dunes called Teris.

69. The polished stone axes used by Neolithic people is called?

a) Celts

b) Burns

c) Flakes

d) Sharp

Explanation

The culture that domesticated animals and cultivated crops is called Neolithic. It is known as the New Stone Age. The Neolithic people used polished stone axes called Celts.

70. What was the main occupation of Neolithic people?

a) Fishing

b) Hunting

c) Pottering

d) Cattle rearing

Explanation

Cattle rearing was their main occupation. They lived in small villages with houses made of thatched roof and walls plastered with clays.

71. Evidence of Neolithic village is found in which district?

a) Ariyalur

b) Madurai

c) Vellore

d) Thoothukudi

Explanation

Evidence of Neolithic village is found at Payyampalli in Vellore district and a few sites in the Dharmapuri region. Payyampalli is a village in Vellore district of Tamil Nadu. The earliest evidence for the domestication of animals and cultivation of plants is found at this site.

72. Which people devised the first potter?

a) Lower Palaeolithic people

b) Middle Palaeolithic people

c) Mesolithic people

d) Neolithic people

Explanation

Neolithic people perhaps devised the first pottery. They made pottery, using a slow wheel called turn-table or made pottery out of hand.

73. Before firing, the pottery was polished with pebbles. This process is known as _______

a) Polishing

b) Burnishing

c) Shining

d) Sharpening

Explanation

Before firing, the pottery was polished with pebbles. This process is known as burnishing.

74. The cultural period that succeeded the Neolithic is called _______

a) Iron age

b) Bronze age

c) Ice age

d) Silver age

Explanation

The cultural period that succeeded the Neolithic is called the Iron Age. As the name suggests, people used iron technology. It preceded the Sangam Age.

75. Which of the following statement is incorrect

1) During the Iron Age, many parts of Tamil Nadu were occupied by people. An exchange relationship developed among the people.

2) The people of this age had knowledge of metallurgy and pottery making. They used iron and bronze objects and gold ornaments.

a) Only 1

b) Only 2

c) Both 1 and 2

d) None

Explanation

The Iron Age was a formative period and the foundation for the Sangam Age was laid in this time. During the Iron Age, many parts of Tamil Nadu were occupied by people. An exchange relationship developed among the people. The people of this age had knowledge of metallurgy and pottery making. They used iron and bronze objects and gold ornaments.

76. Iron age people used shell ornaments and beads made of quartz and ____

a) Limestone

b) Silica

c) Carnelian

d) Glass

Explanation

Iron age people used shell ornaments and beads made of carnelian and quartz. The evidence for Iron Age is found at many sites including Adhichanallur in Thoothukudi district, Sanur near Madhuranthakam and Sithannavasal near Pudukkottai.

77. The Iron age is also known as what?

a) Megalithic period

b) Eolithic period

c) Neolithic period

d) Quartz period

Explanation

The Iron Age is also known as megalithic, since people created burials with large stones for the dead people.

78. The objects placed in the burials along with the physical remains (bones) of the dead is called ______

a) Memorial goods

b) Grave goods

c) Dead goods

d) Gods goods

Explanation

Grave goods are the objects placed in the burials along with the physical remains (bones) of the dead. People may have believed that these would be useful in the after-life. Egyptian pyramids also have similar artefacts.

79. Which of the following is not the burial type found in Kerala?

a) Kodakkal

b) Toppikkal

c) Paththikal

d) Menhirs

Explanation

The burial types of Kodakkal (umbrella stone), Toppikkal (hatstone) and Paththikal (hoodstone) are found in Kerala.

80. The table-like stone structures, were erected as funerary monuments is called _____

a) Dolmens

b) Cists

c) Rock cut

d) Sarcophagus

Explanation

Dolmens, table-like stone structures, were erected as funerary monuments. Cists are stone enclosures buried under the earth. They were created by placing four stone slabs on the sides, one on top of each other.

81. The cists and dolmens have openings called ______

a) Rock cut

b) Sarcophagus

c) Portholes

d) Sarcophagus

Explanation

The cists and dolmens have openings called portholes. They may have acted as the entrance to the burials. There is a view that they were meant for the movement of the soul or spirit.

82. Which are burial receptacles made of terracotta?

a) Rock cut

b) Sarcophagus

c) Urn burial

d) Sarcophagus

Explanation

Sarcophagi are burial receptacles made of terracotta. They sometimes had multiple legs. Urn are pottery jars and were used for burying the dead.

83. What are pillar-like stones erected as part of the burials or memorials called?

a) Menhirs

b) Sarcophagus

c) Urn burial

d) Sarcophagus

Explanation

Menhirs are pillar-like stones erected as part of the burials or memorials. The menhirs may have been erected for the heroes in the Iron Age.

84. The people in the Iron Age cultivated rice and _______

a) Barley

b) Wheat

c) Millets

d) Corn

Explanation

The people in the Iron Age practiced agriculture, domesticated cattle and sheep, and some of the groups were still hunting and gathering. Millets and rice were cultivated.

85. Evidence of rice is seen in the megalithic sites in which district in Tamil Nadu?

a) Thoothukudi

b) Ariyalur

c) Madurai

d) Kaniyakumari

Explanation

Irrigation management developed in this period, since many of the megalithic sites are found nearby rivers and tanks. Evidence of rice is seen in the megalithic sites like Adhichanallur in Thoothukudi district and Porunthal near Palani.

86. Which of the following is the Iron age society?

a) Farming community

b) Hunter-gatherers

c) Pastoralists

d) All the above

Explanation

The Iron Age society had farming communities, pastoralists and hunter- gatherers. Craft specialists, potters and blacksmiths were the professionals during this period.

87. Which of the following statement is correct about Iron age

1) The Iron age society had several groups of peoples (tribes). They have no organised chiefdoms.

2) Cattle lifting leading to wars and encroachment and expansion of territories had also started taking place in this period.

a) Only 1

b) Only 2

c) Both 1 and 2

d) None

Explanation

The Iron age society had several groups of peoples (tribes). Some of them seem to have had organised chiefdoms. Cattle lifting leading to wars and encroachment and expansion of territories had also started taking place in this period.

88. Some researchers relate the origin of the Tamils to which submerged continent?

a) Kerguelen

b) Zealandia

c) Lemuria

d) Mauritia

Explanation

Some researchers relate the origin of the Tamils to the submerged continent of Lemuria. This theory of Lemuria continent was proposed in the 19th century. In the wake of advancements in plate tectonics theory, differing views are put forth by scholars.

89. Some parts of Sri Lanka and Tamil Nadu were connected by land about which year?

a) 3000 Years BC

b) 5000 Years BC

c) 4000 Years BC

d) 3500 Years BC

Explanation

Some parts of Sri Lanka and Tamil Nadu were connected by land about 5000 years BC (BCE). It is possible that some land might have submerged near Kanyakumari and around the coast of India, because of the rising sea levels. Underwater surveys are necessary in this area.

90. Which is an important evidence found in the archaeological sites?

a) Farming

b) Smither

c) Pottery

d) Cattle rearing

Explanation

Pottery is an important evidence found in the archaeological sites.

91. The Iron Age and Sangam age people used which colour for pottery?

a) Black and White

b) Yellow and Black

c) Brown and Black

d) Red and Black

Explanation

The Iron Age and Sangam age people used the black and red colours to make black ware and red ware pottery.

92. The black and red ware pottery has which colour inside?

a) White

b) Brown

c) Black

d) Red

Explanation

The black and red ware pottery has a black inside and a red outside, with lustrous surfaces.

93. Which of the following statement is correct

1) The megalithic burials have abundant Bronze objects placed in the burials as grave goods

2) Weapons such as swords and daggers, axes, chisels, lamps and tripod stands are also found. Some of these objects were hafted to wooden or bone or horn handles and used.

a) Only 1

b) Only 2

c) Both 1 and 2

d) None

Explanation

Weapons such as swords and daggers, axes, chisels, lamps and tripod stands are also found. Some of these objects were hafted to wooden or bone or horn handles and used.

94. In which period people lived in all the areas of Tamil Nadu?

a) Middle Palaeolithic

b) Upper Palaeolithic

c) Mesolithic

d) Microlithic

Explanation

The Mesolithic people lived in all the areas of Tamil Nadu.

95. Which tools were used in agriculture in megalithic age?

a) Iron

b) Copper

c) Bone

d) Stone

Explanation

The iron tools were used for agriculture, hunting, gathering and in battles in megalithic age.

96. Who was the ancestors of human appeared about 5–7 million years ago?

a) Tchadanthropus

b) Paranthropus

c) Australopithecine

d) Hominins

Explanation

The ancestors of human called hominins appeared about 5–7 million years ago.

97. Which is a small chip removed from a large stone block called the core?

a) Burn

b) Hard

c) Flake

d) Shine

Explanation

Flake is a small chip removed from a large stone block called the core.

98. Before which year many parts of the word remained covered by ice sheet and snow?

a) 4000 BC

b) 6000 BC

c) 8000 BC

d) 10000 BC

Explanation

Ice Age – the period before 8,000 BC (BCE) when many parts of the world remained covered by ice sheets and snow.