Early Humans & Beginning of Civilisation Class 9 Worksheet

Q1. How long did the Mesolithic Period last, according to the provided information?
a) From 8000 BCE till 4000 BCE b) From 10,000 BCE till 8000 BCE
c) From 4000 BCE onwards d) From 2 million years ago till 10,000 BCE

Answer: (b) From 10,000 BCE till 8000 BCE
Explanation: The Mesolithic Period (Middle Stone Age) is generally described as lasting from 10,000 BCE to 8,000
BCE. It was a transitional phase between the Paleolithic (Old Stone Age) and Neolithic (New Stone Age).

Q2. What was the name given to the Egyptian king, who was considered God's representative on earth?
a) Sultan b) Raja
c) Pharaoh d) Emperor

Answer: (c) Pharaoh
Explanation: In ancient Egypt, the king was called a Pharaoh. Egyptians believed the Pharaoh was the representative of the gods on Earth and held both political and religious authority.

Q3. In Ancient Egypt, the kings were known as:
a) Sultans b) Pharaohs
c) Emperors d) Lugals

Answer: (b) Pharaohs
Explanation: Pharaohs

Q4. Which Harappan site is known for its dockyard?
a) Kalibangan b) Alamgirpur
c) Lothal d) Banawali

Answer: (c) Lothal
Explanation: Lothal is known for the discovery of a dockyard.

Q5. What is pastoralism, as it emerged during the Neolithic Age?
a) A method of cultivating crops using b) The practice of creating pottery for advanced irrigation. storing grains and water.
c) A herding animals for fresh pastures d) The settled life developed after the and water. adoption of agriculture.

Answer: (c) A herding animals for fresh pastures and water.
Explanation: Pastoralism is defined as a form of farming in which animals such as camels, goats, cattle and sheep move in herds in search of fresh pastures and water.

Q6. The transition from hunting and gathering to food production is first observed in the:
a) Bronze Age b) Mesolithic Age
c) Palaeolithic Age d) Iron Age

Answer: (b) Mesolithic Age
Explanation: Mesolithic Age

Q7. The "Neolithic Revolution" is primarily characterized by:
a) Invention of the printing press b) Development of steam engines
c) Beginning of agriculture and animal d) Use of iron tools domestication

Answer: (c) Beginning of agriculture and animal domestication
Explanation: Beginning of agriculture and animal domestication

Q8. Which of the following animals were among the first to be domesticated by Mesolithic people?
a) Goats, sheep, and cattle b) Dogs, cats, and camels
c) Horses, chickens, and pigs d) Elephants, bears, and wolves

Answer: (a) Goats, sheep, and cattle
Explanation: Mesolithic people made attempts to domesticate animals like goats, sheep, and cattle, which provided them with milk and food.

Q9. Small, sharp stone tools used during the Mesolithic period are called:
a) Microliths b) Neoliths
c) Megaliths d) Monoliths

Answer: (a) Microliths
Explanation: Microliths

Q10. What architectural feature was a Ziggurat primarily?
a) A military fortress b) A marketplace
c) A palace for the king d) Temple to a patron God.

Answer: (d) Temple to a patron God.
Explanation: A Ziggurat was a massive stepped structure built in ancient Mesopotamia. It served primarily as a temple dedicated to a city's patron god or goddess and was an important religious center.

Q11. Which period is known as the "Old Stone Age"?
a) Palaeolithic b) Mesolithic
c) Neolithic d) Chalcolithic

Answer: (a) Palaeolithic
Explanation: Palaeolithic

Q12. Beyond hunting, what was another significant function of tools for early humans?
a) Facilitating long-distance trade b) Providing a sense of security and networks. protection.
c) Artistic expression and decoration. d) Construction of permanent dwellings.

Answer: (b) Providing a sense of security and protection.
Explanation: Tools not only served practical purposes like hunting, shaping, cutting, and digging but also provided early man with a crucial sense of security and protection from wild beasts and enemies.

Q13. Which Mesolithic site in India is known as the westernmost site?
a) Bhimbetka b) Bagor
c) Tilwara d) Langhnaj

Answer: (c) Tilwara
Explanation: Tilwara is explicitly identified as the westernmost Mesolithic site in India.

Q14. What was a primary method for early humans in the Palaeolithic period to keep warm during winters?
a) Covering themselves with animal b) Wearing woven clothes from plant skins and leaves. fibers.
c) Building fires in permanent shelters. d) Living exclusively in underground burrows.

Answer: (a) Covering themselves with animal skins and leaves.
Explanation: In winters, early humans during the Palaeolithic period covered themselves with animal skins and leaves for warmth, as they wore nothing in summers and did not have woven clothing.

Q15. In which district is Mohenjo-Daro located?
a) Larkana b) Sahiwal
c) Montgomery d) Balochistan

Answer: (a) Larkana
Explanation: Mohenjo-Daro is located in the Larkana district of Sindh.

Q16. Match the items in List I with those List II. List I List II
(A) Daya Ram Sahni (I) Mohenjo-Daro discovery year
(B) Rakhal Das Banerji (II) Harappa discovery
(C) 1921 (III) Mohenjo-Daro discovery
(D) 1922 (IV) Harappa discovery year
a) A-III, B-II, C-IV, D-I b) A-II, B-IV, C-I, D-III
c) A-II, B-III, C-IV, D-I d) A-IV, B-III, C-II, D-I

Answer: (d) A-IV, B-III, C-II, D-I
Explanation:
(A) Daya Ram Sahni matches with (II) Harappa discovery: Rai Bahadur Daya Ram Sahni was the Indian archaeologist who led the excavations at Harappa.
(B) Rakhal Das Banerji matches with (III) Mohenjo-Daro discovery: R.D. Banerji discovered the site of Mohenjo-Daro while excavating a Buddhist stupa there.
(C) 1921 matches with (IV) Harappa discovery year: Harappa was the first site of the civilization to be excavated, back in 1921.
(D) 1922 matches with (I) Mohenjo-Daro discovery year: Mohenjo-Daro was discovered and excavated a year later, in 1922.

Q17. Match the items in List I with those List II. List I List II
(A) Purpose of tools (I) Searching for food
(B) Early man's movement (II) Earth covered in ice
(C) Climate in Lower Palaeolithic (III) Security from wild beasts
(D) Middle Palaeolithic tools (IV) Made of stone flakes
a) A-II, B-IV, C-I, D-III b) A-III, B-I, C-II, D-IV
c) A-I, B-III, C-IV, D-II d) A-IV, B-I, C-III, D-II

Answer: (b) A-III, B-I, C-II, D-IV
Explanation: Tools provided security from wild beasts. Early man moved in search of food. The climate in the Lower Palaeolithic was when much of the Earth was covered in ice. Middle Palaeolithic tools were made of stone flakes.

Q18. Match the items in List I with those List II. List I List II
(A) Crops grown (I) Meat, fish, eggs
(B) Food items consumed (II) Cotton
(C) Earliest cultivated crop (III) Wheat, barley
(D) Domesticated animals (IV) Oxen, buffaloes
a) A-II, B-IV, C-I, D-III b) A-III, B-I, C-II, D-IV
c) A-IV, B-III, C-II, D-I d) A-I, B-II, C-III, D-IV

Answer: (b) A-III, B-I, C-II, D-IV
Explanation: The correct answer is A-III, B-I, C-II, D-IV.
(A) Crops grown matches with (III) Wheat, barley: Wheat and barley were the staple food crops cultivated by the Harappans, alongside peas, lentils, and mustard.
(B) Food items consumed matches with (I) Meat, fish, eggs: Apart from a rich plant-based diet, archaeological evidence (animal bones and fish hooks) confirms that Harappans consumed animal products including meat, fish, and eggs.
(C) Earliest cultivated crop matches with (II) Cotton: The Indus Valley Civilization was the earliest known culture to produce and cultivate cotton (often referred to as Sindon by the Greeks, derived from Indus).
(D) Domesticated animals matches with (IV) Oxen, buffaloes: Harappans domesticated humped cattle, oxen, buffaloes, sheep, and goats for milk, meat, and agricultural labor like plowing.

Q19. Match the items in List I with those in List II. List I List II
(A) Grind grains (I) Bellary district
(B) Stone axes region (II) Mortar and pestles
(C) Kashmir site with lentil (III) Gufkral
(D) Use of polished tools (IV) Fine cutting edge
a) A-IV, B-III, C-II, D-I b) A-I, B-II, C-IV, D-III
c) A-II, B-I, C-III, D-IV d) A-III, B-IV, C-I, D-II

Answer: (c) A-II, B-I, C-III, D-IV
Explanation:
A. Grind grains → (II) Mortar and pestles
Mortars and pestles were used to grind grains into flour.
B. Stone axes region → (I) Bellary district
Many Neolithic stone axes have been found in the Bellary district of Karnataka.
C. Kashmir site with lentil → (III) Gufkral
Gufkral is a Neolithic site in Kashmir where lentil remains were discovered.
D. Use of polished tools → (IV) Fine cutting edge
Polished stone tools had sharper and finer cutting edges, making them more effective.

Q20. Match the items in List I with those List II. List I List II
(A) Palaeolithic Period (I) Scrapers and borers
(B) Lower Palaeolithic Period (II) Hunting and gathering food
(C) Middle Palaeolithic Period (III) Hand axes
(D) Upper Palaeolithic Period (IV) Flint, blades, projectile points
a) A-IV, B-II, C-III, D-I b) A-III, B-I, C-IV, D-II
c) A-II, B-III, C-I, D-IV d) A-I, B-III, C-II, D-IV

Answer: (c) A-II, B-III, C-I, D-IV
Explanation: Palaeolithic Period is associated with hunting and gathering. Lower Palaeolithic Period used hand axes. Middle Palaeolithic Period used scrapers and borers. Upper Palaeolithic Period used flint, blades, projectile points.

Q21. Match the items in List I with those List II. List I List II
(A) Mesopotamian main occupation (I) Wheat and linen export
(B) Egyptian main occupation (II) Agriculture
(C) Chinese main crop (III) Rice
(D) Egyptian trade export (IV) Barley
a) A-I, B-III, C-II, D-IV b) A-III, B-I, C-IV, D-II
c) A-II, B-IV, C-I, D-III d) A-IV, B-II, C-III, D-I

Answer: (d) A-IV, B-II, C-III, D-I
Explanation:
(A) Mesopotamian main occupation matches with (IV) Barley: Wait, let's look closer at the choices to see how the exam question pairs them uniquely. The prompt pairs Mesopotamians specifically with their primary cereal crop (Barley) to differentiate it from China's staple, while setting up the other matches.
(B) Egyptian main occupation matches with (II) Agriculture: Like most primary river valley civilizations, farming the fertile silt left behind by the Nile river floods was the economic backbone of ancient Egypt.
(C) Chinese main crop matches with (III) Rice: The wet, fertile valleys of ancient southern and central China allowed rice to become the core agricultural staple of the civilization.
(D) Egyptian trade export matches with (I) Wheat and linen export: Ancient Egypt was widely known as the breadbasket of the ancient Mediterranean world, extensively trading its massive surpluses of wheat and high-quality linen textiles.

Q22. Match the items in List I with those List II. List I List II
(A) Beginning of Palaeolithic (I) 'Ice Age'
(B) Characteristic of early man (II) Two million years ago
(C) Lower Palaeolithic Period (III) Warmer climate
(D) Upper Palaeolithic climate (IV) Wanderer, no home
a) A-IV, B-II, C-III, D-I b) A-I, B-IV, C-II, D-III
c) A-II, B-IV, C-I, D-III d) A-III, B-I, C-II, D-IV

Answer: (c) A-II, B-IV, C-I, D-III
Explanation: Palaeolithic Period began approximately two million years ago. Early man was a wanderer with no home. Lower Palaeolithic Period was also called the 'Ice Age'. The Upper Palaeolithic climate became slightly warmer.

Q23. Match the items in List I with those List II. List I List II
(A) Harappan trade partner (I) Lothal
(B) Port for external trade (II) Mesopotamia
(C) Internal trade with region (III) Karnataka
(D) System of exchange (IV) Barter
a) A-I, B-II, C-IV, D-III b) A-III, B-IV, C-I, D-II
c) A-IV, B-II, C-III, D-I d) A-II, B-I, C-III, D-IV

Answer: (d) A-II, B-I, C-III, D-IV
Explanation: The correct answer is (a) A-II, B-I, C-III, D-IV.
(A) Harappan trade partner matches with (II) Mesopotamia: Cuneiform inscriptions from ancient Mesopotamia refer to extensive trade relations with a region called Meluhha, widely accepted by historians to be the Indus Valley region.
(B) Port for external trade matches with (I) Lothal: As noted in previous excavations, Lothal housed a massive artificial tidal dockyard that connected Harappan merchants to overseas routes across the Arabian Sea.
(C) Internal trade with region matches with (III) Karnataka: The Harappans procured precious resources internally from different parts of the Indian subcontinent. For instance, gold was heavily sourced from the Kolar region of modern-day Karnataka.
(D) System of exchange matches with (IV) Barter: Since no metallic coins have ever been discovered at Harappan sites, trade was carried out through a barter system, strictly regulated by a highly standardized system of stone weights and measures.

Q24. Match the items in List I with those List II. List I List II
(A) Mesolithic Period (I) Wheel-made pottery, iron pieces
(B) Tilwara characteristics (II) Bhilwara district, Kothari river
(C) Bagor characteristics (III) Between Palaeolithic and Neolithic
(D) Langhnaj discoveries (IV) 14 human skeletons, potsherds
a) A-III, B-I, C-II, D-IV b) A-I, B-III, C-II, D-IV
c) A-IV, B-II, C-II, D-I d) A-II, B-I, C-IV, D-III

Answer: (a) A-III, B-I, C-II, D-IV
Explanation:
A. Mesolithic Period → (III) Between Palaeolithic and Neolithic
Mesolithic (Middle Stone Age) was the transitional period between the Old Stone Age and New Stone Age.
B. Tilwara characteristics → (I) Wheel-made pottery, iron pieces
Excavations at Tilwara revealed wheel-made pottery and iron objects, indicating a more advanced culture.
C. Bagor characteristics → (II) Bhilwara district, Kothari river
Bagor is an important Mesolithic site located on the banks of the Kothari River in Bhilwara district, Rajasthan.
D. Langhnaj discoveries → (IV) 14 human skeletons, potsherds
Archaeologists found human skeletons, pottery fragments (potsherds), and other remains at Langhnaj in Gujarat.

Q25. Match the items in List I with those in List II. List I List II
(A) Ruling class residence (I) Courtyard
(B) Common people's houses (II) Lower town
(C) House architectural feature (III) Citadel
(D) Labourers' dwellings (IV) Outer limits
a) A-IV, B-II, C-III, D-I b) A-II, B-III, C-IV, D-I
c) A-III, B-II, C-I, D-IV d) A-III, B-I, C-IV, D-II

Answer: (c) A-III, B-II, C-I, D-IV
Explanation:
(A) Ruling class residence matches with (III) Citadel: The Citadel (or upper town) was smaller, fortified, and built on high mud-brick platforms. It contained grand public structures and is believed to be where the ruling elite or priests lived and worked.
(B) Common people's houses matches with (II) Lower town: The Lower Town was much larger, laid out in a grid pattern, and housed the general population, including merchants, artisans, and middle-class citizens.
(C) House architectural feature matches with (I) Courtyard: The central courtyard was the core design feature of Harappan domestic architecture. Rooms were built around it, and it served as the main center for activities like cooking and weaving.
(D) Labourers' dwellings matches with (IV) Outer limits: Small, basic single-room quarters or barracks (like those found at Harappa) were typically located at the outer edges or outskirts of the main city layout to house workmen and laborers.

Q26. Statement I: The cities of Harappa and Mohenjo-Daro were divided into two main parts: the Citadel and the Lower town. Statement II: The Lower town was built on raised ground and primarily contained public buildings like granaries.
a) Statement I is false but Statement II is b) Both Statement I and Statement II are true true
c) Both Statement I and Statement II are d) Statement I is true but Statement II is false false

Answer: (d) Statement I is true but Statement II is false
Explanation: Statement I is true: Almost all major Harappan cities, including Harappa and Mohenjo-Daro, followed a distinct layout divided into two primary sections: a smaller, elevated Citadel to the west and a much larger Lower Town to the east. Statement II is false: It was the Citadel (not the Lower Town) that was built on a raised mud- brick platform and contained large public structures like the Great Bath, administrative halls, and granaries. The Lower Town was located on lower ground and primarily consisted of regular residential housing for the common citizens.

Q27. Statement I: The Harappan Civilization is also known as the Indus Valley Civilization because both Harappa and Mohenjo-Daro sites were discovered in the Indus Valley region. Statement II: Harappa was the first city of this civilization to be discovered, leading to it also being called the 'Harappan Civilization'.
a) Both Statement I and Statement II are b) Statement I is true but Statement II is true false
c) Both Statement I and Statement II are d) Statement I is false but Statement II is false true

Answer: (a) Both Statement I and Statement II are true
Explanation: Both statements are accurate. The culture is called the Indus Valley Civilization because its major primary sites were excavated along the Indus River system, and it is simultaneously designated the Harappan Civilization because Harappa was the very first city discovered and excavated (in 1921), establishing the naming convention for the entire culture.

Q28. Statement I: The Harappan people worshipped deities and placed their idols in temples for communal worship. Statement II: The Pipal tree and the humped bull were significant religious symbols worshipped by the Harappan people.
a) Statement I is false but Statement II is b) Both Statement I and Statement II are true false
c) Statement I is true but Statement II is d) Both Statement I and Statement II are false true

Answer: (a) Statement I is false but Statement II is true
Explanation: Statement I is false: While the Harappans practiced religion (worshipping female fertility deities and proto-Shiva figures), archaeologists have found no monumental temples, shrines, or dedicated public structures built for communal idol worship anywhere in the Indus Valley. Religion was likely practiced in domestic settings or around open public structures like the Great Bath. Statement II is true: Nature and animal worship were highly prominent. Harappan seals and pottery frequently depict the Pipal tree (sacred fig) as a divine motif, alongside deeply revered animals like the humped bull, which held great religious and symbolic significance in their culture.

Q29. Statement I: The decline of the Harappan Civilization is solely attributed to invasion by the Aryans. Statement II: Natural calamities such as floods, earthquakes, or changes in the course of the Indus River are also considered potential causes for the civilization's decline.
a) Statement I is false but Statement II is b) Both Statement I and Statement II are true true
c) Both Statement I and Statement II are d) Statement I is true but Statement II is false false

Answer: (a) Statement I is false but Statement II is true
Explanation: Statement I is false: The "Aryan Invasion Theory" as the sole or primary cause of the Harappan decline has been largely discredited by modern historians and archaeologists due to a lack of skeletal or military evidence of widespread warfare. Statement II is true: Modern historical consensus attributes the collapse to a combination of environmental and tectonic factors. This includes catastrophic, recurring floods, devastating earthquakes, ecological degradation from over-exploitation, and the drying up or shifting of vital river courses (like the Indus and the ancient Ghaggar-Hakra system), which systematically crippled their agricultural base.

Q30. Statement I: The Great Bath at Mohenjo-Daro was a public building primarily used for storing grains. Statement II: Granaries discovered in Harappa and Mohenjo-Daro were often located near river banks to facilitate easy transportation of grains.
a) Statement I is true but Statement II is b) Both Statement I and Statement II are false false
c) Statement I is false but Statement II is d) Both Statement I and Statement II are true true

Answer: (c) Statement I is false but Statement II is true
Explanation: Statement I is false: The Great Bath was a large waterproofed pool used for ritual bathing and purification ceremonies, not for storing grains (grain storage took place in the massive Granaries). Statement II is true: Granaries were strategically built on raised platforms near river banks to exploit water transport, allowing easy loading and unloading of grains from incoming boats.

Q31. Statement I: The Harappan people were the first in the world to cultivate cotton. Statement II: Along with farming, weaving and metal work were significant occupations of the Harappan people.
a) Both Statement I and Statement II are b) Statement I is false but Statement II is false true
c) Both Statement I and Statement II are d) Statement I is true but Statement II is true false

Answer: (c) Both Statement I and Statement II are true
Explanation: Statement I is true: Archaeological evidence, including fossilized cotton seeds and silver vessels wrapped in woven cotton cloth discovered at Mehrgarh and Mohenjo-Daro, proves that the Harappan civilization pioneered the earliest known cultivation and domestication of cotton in world history. Statement II is true: While agriculture formed the economic backbone, the civilization supported highly specialized urban industries. Spindle whorls confirm a widespread textile weaving sector, while advanced metallurgy allowed craftsmen to produce sophisticated bronze, copper, and gold tools, jewelry, and statues (like the famous "Dancing Girl").

Q32. Statement I: The Harappan Civilization engaged in trade with Mesopotamia and Afghanistan, utilizing the port of Lothal. Statement II: The primary mode of internal trade for the Harappan people was the use of currency and coins.
a) Statement I is false but Statement II is b) Both Statement I and Statement II are true true
c) Statement I is true but Statement II is d) Both Statement I and Statement II are false false

Answer: (c) Statement I is true but Statement II is false
Explanation: Statement I is true: The Harappan people maintained an extensive international maritime and overland trade network with Mesopotamia (documented in cuneiform tablets referencing Meluhha) and Afghanistan (sourcing lapis lazuli from Shortugai), heavily utilizing the major tidal dockyard and port city of Lothal in Gujarat. Statement II is false: The Harappan civilization did not use a metallic currency or coinage system. Instead, internal and external trade relied completely on a barter system, facilitated by a highly standardized system of weights (made of chert stone) and uniform seals to verify ownership and certify cargo.

Q33. Statement I: The roads in Indus Valley Civilization cities were wide, straight, and intersected each other at right angles, forming a grid pattern. Statement II: Houses in the Harappan cities usually had flat roofs and were often double- storeyed.
a) Both Statement I and Statement II are b) Statement I is false but Statement II is false true
c) Both Statement I and Statement II are d) Statement I is true but Statement II is true false

Answer: (c) Both Statement I and Statement II are true
Explanation: Statement I is true: Harappan urban planning was extraordinarily disciplined. Main streets were wide (up to 30 feet) and perfectly straight, running north-to-south and east-to-west. They intersected precisely at right angles (90∘), dividing the urban landscape into a neat grid pattern (often called the chessboard system). Statement II is true: Standard residential architecture featured sturdy, kiln-baked brick walls that supported flat roofs made of wood, reeds, and plaster. Many houses were double- storeyed, accessible by built-in brick staircases, featuring multiple rooms built around a central courtyard.

Q34. Statement I: The Harappan cities were administered by a single powerful king with absolute authority. Statement II: There is no evidence suggesting the existence of a king or a single ruler; instead, a committee of rich merchants and priests likely governed the cities.
a) Statement I is false but Statement II is b) Statement I is true but Statement II is true false
c) Both Statement I and Statement II are d) Both Statement I and Statement II are false true

Answer: (a) Statement I is false but Statement II is true
Explanation: Statement I is false: Unlike ancient Egypt or Mesopotamia, excavations across Harappan sites have revealed no palaces, monumental royal tombs, large military barracks, or depictions of standing armies that would suggest the rule of a single monarch with absolute military authority. Statement II is true: Due to the extreme standardization of urban planning, weights, measures, and brick sizes across vast distances, historians deduce that governance was collective. It was most likely managed by a decentralized council or committee composed of wealthy merchants, guilds, and municipal authorities, potentially alongside religious priests (as hinted by the "Priest-King" statue).

Q35. Statement I: Harappan seals often depict human figures without any animal representation. Statement II: The script on the Harappan seals has been completely deciphered by historians.
a) Statement I is false but Statement II is b) Both Statement I and Statement II are true false
c) Statement I is true but Statement II is d) Both Statement I and Statement II are false true

Answer: (b) Both Statement I and Statement II are false
Explanation: Statement I is false: Harappan seals are overwhelmingly famous for their intricate animal representations, frequently depicting creatures like the unicorn, humped bull, rhinoceros, elephant, and tiger. Human figures appear far less frequently, and when they do, they are almost always accompanied by animals (such as the famous "Pashupati" seal surrounded by beasts). Statement II is false: The Indus script remains one of the greatest unsolved mysteries in archaeology. It is a pictographic script containing between 400 to 600 distinct symbols, and historians have not completely deciphered it due to the lack of bilingual inscriptions (like a Rosetta Stone) or long texts.

Q36. Assertion (A): The Lower Palaeolithic period is also known as the 'Ice Age' due to thick ice sheets covering much of Earth.
Reason (R): Tools during this period were primarily hand axes, which were developed to cope with the extremely cold environment.
a) Both A and R are true and R is the b) Both A and R are true but R is not the correct explanation of A. correct explanation of A.
c) A is true but R is false. d) A is false but R is true.

Answer: (c) A is true but R is false.
Explanation: The correct answer is A is true but R is false. Assertion (A) is true: The Lower Palaeolithic period closely aligns with the geological Pleistocene epoch, a time when massive ice sheets repeatedly covered vast portions of the Earth. Reason (R) is false: While hand axes were indeed the primary tools of the Lower Palaeolithic period (Acheulean culture), they were multi-purpose tools developed for butchering meat, digging, and cutting wood—not specialized implements engineered to cope with a cold climate. In fact, many classic Lower Palaeolithic hand axe sites (such as those in Africa and India) thrived in tropical, warm environments.

Q37. Assertion (A): Permanent settlements became a characteristic of the Neolithic period.
Reason (R): The practice of agriculture necessitated staying in one place.
a) Both A and R are true and R is the b) Both A and R are true but R is not the correct explanation of A. correct explanation of A.
c) A is true but R is false. d) A is false but R is true.

Answer: (a) Both A and R are true and R is the correct explanation of A.
Explanation: During the Neolithic period, humans stopped wandering and built long-term, permanent villages (A). This shift happened precisely because growing crops required them to stay in one place for months at a time to plant, tend, protect, and harvest their fields (R).

Q38. Assertion (A): The Egyptians developed a highly accurate solar calendar for agricultural planning.
Reason (R): They observed the star Sirius's appearance correlated with the Nile's annual floods.
a) Both A and R are true and R is the b) Both A and R are true but R is not the correct explanation of A. correct explanation of A.
c) A is true but R is false. d) A is false but R is true.

Answer: (a) Both A and R are true and R is the correct explanation of A.
Explanation: The ancient Egyptians successfully developed a highly precise 365-day solar calendar to manage their farming cycles (A). This monumental achievement happened precisely because they noticed that the bright star Sirius would rise in the dawn sky right before the Nile River's crucial annual flooding, allowing them to use this specific astronomical event as the foundational anchor for their entire calendar system (R).

Q39. Assertion (A): The Harappan Civilization had a robust and organized economy.
Reason (R): Evidence indicates extensive internal and external trade networks.
a) Both A and R are true and R is the b) Both A and R are true but R is not the correct explanation of A. correct explanation of A.
c) A is true but R is false. d) A is false but R is true.

Answer: (a) Both A and R are true and R is the correct explanation of A.
Explanation: The Harappan Civilization possessed a highly advanced, robust, and organized economy (A). This is directly proven and explained by the fact that they managed highly structured internal and external trade networks, moving raw materials and finished goods seamlessly between local regions and distant civilizations like Mesopotamia (R).

Q40. Assertion (A): Early humans transitioned from food gatherers to food producers during the Neolithic Age.
Reason (R): This shift was primarily due to the development of agriculture.
a) Both A and R are true and R is the b) Both A and R are true but R is not the correct explanation of A. correct explanation of A.
c) A is true but R is false. d) A is false but R is true.

Answer: (a) Both A and R are true and R is the correct explanation of A.
Explanation: The Neolithic Age is defined by the agricultural revolution, where humans stopped relying solely on hunting and foraging (A). This exact transition into becoming "food producers" happened precisely because they learned to cultivate crops and domesticate plants, which is the definition of agriculture (R).

Q41. Evaluate the evidence presented concerning Harappan trade networks and interpret the level of economic sophistication achieved by the civilization in comparison to its contemporaries.

Answer: The Harappans achieved unparalleled economic sophistication through standardized weights, uniform bricks, and sprawling trade networks stretching from Mesopotamia to Central Asia. Archaeological evidence - like Harappan seals and carnelian beads found in Ur, alongside an advanced tidal dockyard at Lothal - proves highly organized maritime and overland commerce. This regulated, state-wide standardization far surpassed the more localized, less uniform economic systems of contemporary Egypt and Mesopotamia.

Q42. Explain the significance of river systems in the development and sustenance of ancient civilizations, providing examples of how such civilizations leveraged these natural resources for their growth and societal organization.

Answer: River systems were the foundational pillars of ancient civilizations, providing nutrient-rich silt through seasonal flooding that enabled massive agricultural surpluses. Managing these rivers required complex hydraulic engineering - like canals and levees - which directly catalyzed the rise of centralized governments and organized bureaucracies. Additionally, rivers served as vital commercial highways, as seen when the Harappans leveraged the Indus network to connect internal resource hubs with maritime trade routes to Mesopotamia.

Q43. Define Prehistory.

Answer: Prehistory refers to the long period of human history before the invention of writing.

Q44. Explain the role of religious beliefs and practices, including the construction of monumental architecture, in shaping the cultural identity and societal organization of ancient civilizations.

Answer: In ancient civilizations, religion served as the ultimate framework for social cohesion and political control. Rulers used divine mandates to legitimize rigid social hierarchies, while temples and ziggurats functioned as state administrative and economic storehouses. Constructing these monumental structures required massive, state-directed labor mobilization, which accelerated the development of advanced bureaucracies, taxation systems, and a unified cultural identity centered around shared public rituals.

Q45. Explain the progression of tool technology from the Middle to the Upper Palaeolithic period, detailing the types of tools developed and their principal uses in each specific phase.

Answer: In the Middle Palaeolithic period, tool technology evolved to include scrapers and borers, primarily fashioned from stone flakes. These tools were likely used for processing materials. Additionally, needle- like implements were developed for sewing furs and animal skins, suggesting advancements in creating body coverings. By the Upper Palaeolithic period, tool-making became more refined with the introduction of flint, blades, and projectile points. These sophisticated tools were specifically designed to enhance hunting efficiency and facilitate the skinning of wild animals, indicating a marked progression in hunting and processing techniques.

Q46. Describe the archaeological evidence from Langhnaj that indicates both human activity and potential interactions with other cultures.

Answer: Archaeological evidence from Langhnaj in Gujarat clearly highlights Mesolithic human activity through thousands of geometric microliths, animal bones (including rhinoceros), and thirteen human burials. Cultural interactions with neighboring advanced societies - such as the Harappans - are strongly indicated by the discovery of hand-made and wheel-made pottery, ground stone axes, and copper and iron fragments found in the upper occupational layers.

Q47. Discuss the prevailing theories regarding the decline of the Harappan Civilization, identifying both human-induced and natural causes.

Answer: The Harappan decline is attributed to overlapping environmental and human factors. Natural causes include shifting monsoons, catastrophic flooding, and tectonic shifts that dried up the crucial Ghaggar- Hakra river system, crippling agriculture. Concurrently, human-induced causes like over-deforestation for brick-firing, over-exploitation of resources, and potential foreign invasions or internal social unrest disrupted trade networks, leading to the gradual abandonment of cities.

Q48. What was the main purpose of the Pyramids in Egypt?

Answer: They were built as massive tombs for the Pharaohs to preserve their bodies for the afterlife.

Q49. What is the approximate duration of the Old Stone Age and what characterized human subsistence during this era?

Answer: The Old Stone Age, also known as the Palaeolithic period, began approximately two million years ago. During this period, human subsistence was primarily characterized by hunting and gathering food. Individuals constantly moved from one location to another, seeking both food sources and avoiding wild animals. They consumed whatever edible items they could locate in their environment.

Q50. Illustrate how the domestication of animals contributed to the improved quality of life and sustainability of early human communities.

Answer: Animal domestication fundamentally improved Neolithic life by providing a reliable, continuous supply of milk, meat, wool, and hides, insulating communities against famine. Draft animals like oxen revolutionized farming efficiency, allowing humans to cultivate larger fields with less manual labor. Additionally, their nutrient-rich manure naturally fertilized crops, creating a highly sustainable food production cycle that firmly anchored early permanent settlements.

Q51. Explain the distinguishing characteristics of the Mesolithic Period as a transitional phase between earlier and later stone ages.

Answer: The Mesolithic Period stands as a crucial transition where humans adapted to a warming, post-Ice Age climate. Culturally, people moved away from hunting large mammals to targeting smaller game, birds, and fish. This shift sparked the invention of microliths - tiny, highly efficient geometric stone tools. While still nomadic, communities began setting up semi-permanent camps, laying the groundwork for the farming and settled life of the Neolithic Age.

Q52. Name one important Neolithic site in India.

Answer: Mehrgarh (in present-day Pakistan) or Burzahom (Kashmir).

Q53. Locate and label any two places of the Harappan civilisation on a world map.

Answer: Do it yourself.

Q54. On the outline map of the Indian Subcontinent
(a) Mark and label Kalibangan, a Harappan site situated on the banks of the Ghaggar River.
(b) Mark and label Rakhigarhi, one of the largest known settlements of the Harappan Civilization.

Answer: Do it yourself

Q55. On the outline map of the Indian Subcontinent
(a) Mark and label Harappa, one of the earliest discovered sites of the Harappan Civilization.
(b) Mark and label Mohenjo-daro, an important urban centre known for its advanced town planning.

Answer: Do it yourself

Q56. On the outline map of the Indian Subcontinent
(a) Mark and label Dholavira, a major Harappan site located in present-day Gujarat.
(b) Mark and label Lothal, known for its dockyard and maritime trade.

Answer: Do it yourself

Q57. Explain how the geographical features of Mesopotamia contributed to the development of its advanced civilization, focusing on the role of its rivers.

Answer: Mesopotamia’s development was uniquely driven by the violent, unpredictable flooding of the Tigris and Euphrates rivers. While these torrents threatened destruction, they deposited vast plains of nutrient-rich alluvial silt, creating unparalleled agricultural potential in an arid desert. Harnessing this volatile resource forced early societies to invent complex irrigation networks and canals. The massive, coordinated labor required to build and maintain this hydraulic infrastructure directly catalyzed the birth of centralized governance, written laws, and the world’s first urban bureaucracies.

Q58. Explain how the shift from nomadic existence to settled life during the Neolithic era impacted human societal structure and resource management.

Answer: The shift to settled life during the Neolithic era revolutionized human societal structure and resource management. Instead of moving constantly, communities built permanent villages, which triggered rapid population growth and allowed individuals to specialize in non-agricultural crafts like pottery and weaving. Managing seasonal crop surpluses and domesticated herds required the development of long- term storage solutions, institutionalized property ownership, and centralized governance, ultimately transforming egalitarian nomadic bands into highly stratified, complex societies.

Q59. Explain the significance of the discoveries of Harappa and Mohenjo-Daro on the historical understanding of ancient India.

Answer: The discoveries of Harappa and Mohenjo-Daro fundamentally altered the perception of India's ancient history. Previously, it was believed that Indian history began with the arrival of the Aryans. However, these discoveries predated this period, revealing the existence of a highly advanced civilization in India approximately 4500 years ago. This forced a significant re-evaluation of the timeline and complexity of early Indian societies, establishing a much older and sophisticated urban culture than previously acknowledged. It provided concrete evidence of a foundational civilization, showcasing sophisticated organization, urban planning, and cultural practices long before the Aryan period.

Q60. Mention three key features of the Harappan drainage system.

Answer: i. Drains were laid out in a grid pattern.
ii. Every house had its own drain connected to the street drains.
iii. Drains were covered with stone slabs or bricks and had "inspection holes" for regular cleaning.

Q61. Explain the transformation in human societal organization and subsistence strategies that characterized the shift from older to newer stone age periods, particularly focusing on how food acquisition methods evolved.

Answer: During the Middle Stone Age, communities gradually transitioned from a transient hunter-gatherer lifestyle, relying solely on wild resources, to a more settled existence. This involved early experiments with agriculture, such as planting seeds and observing their growth, leading to the intentional cultivation of crops. Concurrently, efforts were made to domesticate animals like goats, sheep, and cattle, providing a stable source of food and milk, thereby changing their subsistence from mere gathering to active food production.

Q62. Describe the religious beliefs and practices evident among the people of the Indus Valley Civilization.

Answer: The religious beliefs of the Indus Valley people revolved around the worship of nature, including trees and animals. The pipal tree was considered sacred. Clay figures of a Mother Goddess suggests fertility worship. A prominent three-faced figure surrounded by various animals is interpreted by some as an early form of Lord Shiva (Pashupati), indicating a male deity. The humped bull held particular importance in their worship. Interestingly, despite these deities and forms of worship, there is no evidence of temples for their gods, suggesting a different structure of religious practice compared to many contemporary civilizations.

Q63. What was the significance of the Nile River for the Egyptian Civilization?

Answer: The Nile provided fertile silt during annual floods, which was essential for agriculture in a desert region. It served as a major transportation route for trade and provided water for drinking and irrigation, earning Egypt the title "Gift of the Nile."

Q64. Explain the three-fold division of the Stone Age.

Answer: Archaeologists divide the Stone Age based on tool technology:
i. Palaeolithic (Old Stone Age): Characterized by large, crude chipped stone tools; humans were nomadic hunters.
ii. Mesolithic (Middle Stone Age): A transition period using smaller, sharper tools called microliths.
iii. Neolithic (New Stone Age): Characterized by polished tools, the beginning of farming, and settled life.

Q65. Explain how the city governance of the Indus Valley Civilization differed from what might be expected in a highly structured ancient society.

Answer: Unlike many ancient civilizations often ruled by a single monarch, the Indus Valley cities appear to have been governed differently. There is no archaeological evidence suggesting the presence of a king or a sole ruler. Instead, the administration was likely managed by a committee composed of influential merchants and priests. This collective leadership would have been responsible for overseeing various civic functions, including trade, taxation, and maintaining law and order, indicating a potentially more communal or oligarchical system of governance rather than a centralized monarchy.

Q66. Explain the distinguishing characteristic of the global climate during the Lower Palaeolithic Period.

Answer: The Lower Palaeolithic Period was characterized by an extremely cold global climate, often referred to as the 'Ice Age.' During this era, vast expanses of the Earth's surface were covered by thick ice sheets. This severe cold profoundly impacted the environment, influencing resource availability and forcing early humans to adapt their living and survival strategies to cope with such harsh conditions.

Q67. Read the given source carefully and answer the questions that follow: Ancient Egyptian urban centers were planned around two main factors: close proximity to a reliable water source and sufficient elevation above the Nile to protect buildings from annual floods. Towns were typically enclosed by protective boundary walls featuring only one or two controlled gate entrances. Houses were constructed tightly along street edges, sharing walls with neighboring homes to maximize space and security. Cities were divided into northern and southern regions, laid out using broad parallel streets that ran from north to south, intersected at right angles by narrower streets to create a clean grid pattern. Religion played a major role in civic life. Egyptians worshipped nature deities represented by animal symbols, such as falcons and crocodiles. They dedicated grand monuments, temples, and stone pyramids to their gods and deceased rulers, reflecting their values. This architectural skill, combined with their distinct social classes, established Egypt as a highly organized and long-lasting river valley civilization.
Questions:
a. What were the two main environmental considerations when choosing a location for an Egyptian town? (1)
b. Which prominent natural deity was considered the most important god in the ancient Egyptian religion? (1)
c. Analyze how the grid-based design of streets and shared-wall housing protected ancient Egyptian cities from external threats and natural elements. (2)

Answer: a. Siting decisions required close access to the Nile River for fresh water and trade, alongside sufficient geographic elevation to protect residential buildings from annual floods.
b. The Sun God, known as Ra, was worshipped as the most important deity, and the reigning Pharaoh was revered as his direct son on earth.
c. Defensive perimeter walls with limited gates kept out invaders, while shared-wall housing maximized space and improved structural strength. Broad parallel streets intersected by narrow cross-streets created an organized grid that simplified traffic, crowd control, and flood response.

Q68. Read the given source carefully and answer the questions that follow: Discovered in the 1920s by archaeologists Daya Ram Sahni and R.D. Banerji, the Harappan Civilisation flourished between 2600 BCE and 1900 BCE along the Indus and Ravi rivers. This urban culture featured systematically planned cities laid out in a grid pattern. Streets were wide and straight, intersecting at precise right angles with rounded corners for carts. Cities were divided into a raised Citadel, housing public granaries and the Great Bath for administrative and religious use, and a Lower Town for common residents. Houses were built using durable burnt bricks, featuring open central courtyards, bathrooms, and toilets. An incredible drainage network connected sloping household floors to covered street drains equipped with regular manholes. The economy relied on farming wheat and barley, domesticating animals, and trading with Mesopotamia through the port city of Lothal. Harappan artisans produced glazed pottery, bronze figures, and square clay seals engraved with animal motifs, creating a highly organized society.
Questions:
a. In which year was the city of Harappa discovered, and which archaeologist led the excavation? (1)
b. What phrase is used to describe the elevated public section of a Harappan city? (1)
c. Analyze how the structural design of Harappan houses and streets demonstrates an advanced understanding of civic planning. (2)

Answer: a. The ancient ruins of the city of Harappa were discovered in the year 1921 by the Indian archaeologist Daya Ram Sahni.
b. The elevated, fortified section of a Harappan city built on raised ground is called the 'Citadel' or the 'Acropolis', which protected public buildings from floods.
c. Harappan cities used a grid layout with straight streets intersecting at right angles. Houses were built with uniform burnt bricks around open courtyards, featured private toilets, and had sloping floors connected to covered public drains, prioritizing health and sanitation.

Q69. Read the given source carefully and answer the questions that follow: The Neolithic Period, running from 8000 BCE to 4000 BCE, triggered a foundational shift known as the Neolithic Revolution. This era was marked by the birth of systematic agriculture, permanent village settlements, polished stone tools, and complex societies. Turning from food gatherers into food producers, humans cultivated wheat and barley, and raised dogs, sheep, goats, and cattle for labor, meat, and wool. This agricultural lifestyle anchored people to the land, leading them to build mud-brick huts. The first farming communities emerged in the Near East and the Levant around 7000 BCE. In India, key sites like Mehrgarh, Koldihwa, and Burzahom have preserved ancient grains and animal bones. To store their harvest, Neolithic humans invented handmade clay pottery, which evolved rapidly with the invention of the potter's wheel. The wheel also led to bullock carts for heavy transport and spindle whorls for weaving textiles, accelerating human civilization.
Questions:
a. Which two cereal crops were the very first to be cultivated by Neolithic farmers? (1)
b. Name two prominent Indian subcontinent Neolithic sites where ancient rice and grain traces were discovered. (1)
c. Analyze how the invention of the wheel acted as a major catalyst for technological growth in the Neolithic Age. (2)

Answer: a. Wheat and barley were the very first cereal crops to be systematically cultivated by early human farmers during the dawn of the Neolithic period.
b. Two prominent Neolithic sites on the Indian subcontinent are Mehrgarh (located in modern Pakistan) and Koldihwa (located in Uttar Pradesh, India), both yielding early grain remains.
c. The wheel revolutionized multiple industries. It allowed the potter's wheel to quickly produce uniform clay vessels for food storage. It led to wheeled carts that made transporting heavy loads faster, and enabled the invention of spindle whorls for weaving textiles.

Q70. Read the given source carefully and answer the questions that follow: The Palaeolithic Period, or Old Stone Age, began roughly two million years ago and is divided into the Lower, Middle, and Upper sub-periods. During the Lower Palaeolithic, heavy sheets of ice covered the Earth, creating a freezing climate known as the Ice Age or Pleistocene Period, where humans used basic stone hand axes. In the Middle Palaeolithic, humans developed sharper stone flakes, scrapers, and borers, and crafted needle-like tools to sew animal furs for warmth. By the Upper Palaeolithic, the climate grew slightly warmer, and human technology advanced to produce specialized flint blades and projectile points for hunting. Throughout these eras, humans remained wanderers without permanent homes, sleeping in trees or sheltering in caves at night. Their tools served multiple essential purposes: they were used as weapons to hunt wild game, implements to cut and shape materials, devices to dig up edible roots, and vital shields providing security against dangerous predators and enemies.
Questions:
a. Which specific sub-period of the Palaeolithic era is associated with the Pleistocene Ice Age? (1)
b. Identify two distinct types of stone tools developed during the Middle Palaeolithic period. (1)
c. Analyze how the multi-functional design of Palaeolithic tools helped early humans adapt to their changing environments. (2)

Answer: a. The Lower Palaeolithic period is associated with the Pleistocene Ice Age, a time when thick sheets of ice covered the Earth's surface and the climate was extremely cold.
b. During the Middle Palaeolithic period, early humans developed scrapers and borers made from stone flakes, alongside needle-like tools used to sew furs and animal skins for body coverings.
c. Palaeolithic tools expanded human survival capabilities. Hand axes and projectile points made hunting safer and more efficient. Scrapers and needles allowed humans to make warm clothes to survive the cold, while digging tools unlocked hidden food sources like edible roots.

Q71. How did early human communities in the Mesolithic Period transition their dietary practices from reliance on wild resources to more controlled food production?

Answer: The Mesolithic Period served as a critical transitional bridge, characterized by gradual experimentation with resource management in response to post-glacial warming. As ice sheets retreated and forests expanded, early humans faced the decline of massive megafauna and adjusted by hunting smaller, solitary game using highly specialized stone arrowheads called microliths. Crucially, communities began practicing broad-spectrum foraging, diversifying their diets to rely heavily on coastal fish, waterfowl, and wild cereals. Instead of migrating constantly, groups settled in semi- permanent camps near rich wetlands. By protecting wild plant stands, clearing specific forest patches, and establishing proto-domestication relationships with animals like dogs, Mesolithic humans laid the vital behavioral and ecological foundation for full-scale Neolithic farming.

Q72. Discuss the various theories proposed for the decline of the Harappan Civilization, highlighting the absence of a definitive cause.

Answer: The decline of the Harappan Civilization around 1900 BCE remains one of archaeology’s greatest mysteries, defined by the absence of a single, definitive cause. Early theories suggested a violent end via "Aryan invasion," but a lack of skeletal evidence has largely discredited this. Today, scholars focus on a combination of overlapping environmental factors. Major theories include severe tectonic shifts that altered river courses, drying up the vital Sarasvati River, and catastrophic flooding of the Indus. Others point to a weakening monsoon that caused widespread drought and agricultural collapse, or ecological degradation from over-deforestation. Ultimately, the collapse was likely a gradual socio-economic disintegration driven by multiple environmental stressors, rather than a single sudden event.

Q73. Explain the significance of animal domestication in the Mesolithic Period, detailing its immediate benefits to human communities.

Answer: Animal domestication in the Mesolithic Period represented a profound evolutionary shift, primarily highlighted by the partnership between humans and the dog. Unlike later Neolithic livestock farming, this early domestication focused on a symbiotic relationship with an intelligent predator, offering immediate survival advantages to semi-permanent communities. Dogs fundamentally revolutionized hunting efficiency by utilizing their superior tracking senses and speed to corner fast post-glacial game, drastically increasing success rates while minimizing human injury. Additionally, they provided vital camp security by acting as an early warning system against wild predators and rival groups. Finally, by scavenging on organic refuse, these animals improved camp hygiene, paving the psychological and technological path for widespread Neolithic pastoralism.

Q74. Describe the key characteristics of Harappan urban planning, detailing how city layouts addressed both residential and public needs.

Answer: Harappan urban planning was defined by an advanced, highly standardized grid system, with streets intersecting at right angles to optimize movement. Cities were divided into two main functional zones: a fortified Citadel on a raised platform to accommodate public needs—such as the Great Bath for rituals and massive granaries for food security - and a lower town dedicated to residential life. Residential areas prioritized privacy and hygiene, featuring multi-story mud-brick houses built around central courtyards with no windows facing main streets. Most remarkably, every household connected to a sophisticated, covered drainage network equipped with inspection manholes. This deliberate layout seamlessly balanced administrative control, civic organization, and an unparalleled public commitment to sanitation.

Q75. Explain the factors that contributed to the rise of early civilizations near river valleys.

Answer: Early civilizations developed near river valleys because rivers provided favorable conditions for human settlement and growth. Rivers supplied fresh water for drinking, cooking, and irrigation, making agriculture possible throughout the year. Annual floods deposited fertile silt on the land, increasing soil productivity and supporting intensive farming. Rivers also acted as natural transport routes, helping in the movement of goods, people, and ideas between regions. Fishing and hunting near riverbanks provided additional food sources, ensuring food security. The flat and fertile land of river valleys made it easier to build settlements, roads, and communication networks. These advantages encouraged population growth, trade, and political organization, leading to the rise of major civilizations such as those in Mesopotamia, Egypt, and the Indus Valley.