Practice important Prehistoric Period MCQ questions for UPSC Prelims preparation. This Ancient History quiz covers Paleolithic, Mesolithic, Neolithic and Chalcolithic cultures with exam-oriented multiple choice questions and answers.

This quiz contains 26 carefully selected multiple-choice questions (MCQ) with detailed explanations for each answer. Questions cover important topics from History.

Practice this online test to check your preparation, improve conceptual clarity, and track your score with explanations. All questions are accompanied by correct answers and explanatory notes for effective self-study and revision.

Use the interactive quiz interface above to solve one question at a time with timer, next/previous navigation and instant scoring. A complete list of all questions and answers is also provided below for quick reference and thorough revision.

Prehistoric Period MCQ for UPSC Prelims | Ancient History Multiple Choice Questions

लेखक: Free Online Mock Tests for Competitive Exams प्रकाशित: 6 अप्रैल 2026
📝 Description

Practice important Prehistoric Period MCQ questions for UPSC Prelims preparation. This Ancient History quiz covers Paleolithic, Mesolithic, Neolithic and Chalcolithic cultures with exam-oriented multiple choice questions and answers.

📊
Difficulty
Medium
❓
Num Questions
26
❓
Points Per Question
1
⏱️
Time Limit
30 minutes

All MCQ Questions with Answers and Explanations

Question 1: The end of the prehistoric period is associated with which major change?

  • A. Use of metal
  • B. Development of writing ✓
  • C. Beginning of agriculture
  • D. Growth of cities
Correct Answer: B — Development of writing
Explanation:
With the development of writing, the prehistoric period ended and the historic period began. This is an important division in the study of history.

Question 2: Which of the following is a prehistoric site?

  • A. Pataliputra
  • B. Bhimbetka ✓
  • C. Taxila
  • D. Ujjain
Correct Answer: B — Bhimbetka
Explanation:
Bhimbetka is a prehistoric site. All the others are towns from the historical period.

Question 3: Which of the following features are associated with the Neolithic period? (1) Development of agriculture (2) Animal husbandry (3) Permanent settlement

  • A. only 1
  • B. 1 and 2
  • C. 2 and 3
  • D. 1, 2 and 3 ✓
Correct Answer: D — 1, 2 and 3
Explanation:
All three are key features of the Neolithic period. This is why it is known as the period of the "Agricultural Revolution" in human history.

Question 4: Consider the following statements: (1) Writing was not developed in prehistoric times. (2) This period is studied primarily from archaeological sources. Choose the correct answer:

  • A. only 1
  • B. only 2
  • C. Both ✓
  • D. nobody
Correct Answer: C — Both
Explanation:
Both statements are correct. This topic is directly related to the writing of history.

Question 5: Which of the following features are associated with the Mesolithic Age? (1) Fine stone tools (2) Use of bows and arrows (3) Full development of agriculture

  • A. 1 and 2 ✓
  • B. only 2
  • C. 2 and 3
  • D. 1, 2 and 3
Correct Answer: A — 1 and 2
Explanation:
1 and 2 are correct. 3 is incorrect. Agriculture was fully developed during the Neolithic period.

Question 6: Consider the following statements: (1) Tools in the Paleolithic period were crude. (2) Tools in the Neolithic period were polished. (3) Metal tools were made in the Mesolithic period. Choose the correct answer:

  • A. 1 and 2 ✓
  • B. 2 and 3
  • C. 1 and 3
  • D. 1, 2 and 3
Correct Answer: A — 1 and 2
Explanation:
1 and 2 are correct. 3 is incorrect. Metal was used later.

Question 7: Consider the following statements: (1) Cave paintings depict human cultural activities. (2) These paintings belong only to the Neolithic period. (3) These paintings also depict hunting scenes. Choose the correct answer:

  • A. 1 and 2
  • B. 1 and 3 ✓
  • C. 2 and 3
  • D. 1, 2 and 3
Correct Answer: B — 1 and 3
Explanation:
1 and 3 are correct. 2 is incorrect, the paintings mainly belong to the Palaeolithic-Mesolithic period, such as the Bhimbetka cave paintings.

Question 8: Consider the following statements: (1) The Mesolithic Age was characterized by semi-settled life. (2) The Neolithic Age was characterized by fully settled life. (3) The Paleolithic Age was characterized by settled life. Choose the correct answer:

  • A. 1 and 2 ✓
  • B. 2 and 3
  • C. 1 and 3
  • D. 1, 2 and 3
Correct Answer: A — 1 and 2
Explanation:
1 and 2 are correct. 3 is incorrect, the Paleolithic was a nomadic life.

Question 9: Consider the following statements: (1) During the Paleolithic period, humans were completely dependent on nature. (2) During this period, humans developed both agriculture and animal husbandry. (3) During this period, humans learned to use fire. Choose the correct answer:

  • A. 1 and 2
  • B. 1 and 3 ✓
  • C. 2 and 3
  • D. 1, 2 and 3
Correct Answer: B — 1 and 3
Explanation:
1 and 3 are correct. 2 is incorrect, agriculture and animal husbandry came later.

Question 10: Consider the following statements: (1) Prehistoric times lacked writing. (2) Information about this period comes from literary sources. (3) Archaeological sources are helpful in studying this period. Choose the correct answer:

  • A. 1 and 3 ✓
  • B. only 2
  • C. 2 and 3
  • D. 1, 2 and 3
Correct Answer: A — 1 and 3
Explanation:
1 and 3 are correct. 2 is incorrect, literary sources were not available.

Question 11: Consider the following statements: (1) Fine stone tools were made during the Mesolithic period. (2) Humans adopted a fully settled lifestyle during this period. (3) Bows and arrows were used during this period. Choose the correct answer:

  • A. 1 and 2
  • B. 1 and 3 ✓
  • C. only 2
  • D. 1, 2 and 3
Correct Answer: B — 1 and 3
Explanation:
1 and 3 are correct. Fine tools and bows and arrows. 2 is incorrect, life was semi-settled.

Question 12: Assertion (A): Surplus production became possible during the Neolithic period. Reason (R): Because agriculture produced more than what was needed.

  • A. Both A and R are correct and R is the correct explanation ✓
  • B. Both A and R are correct but R is not the correct explanation
  • C. A is correct, R is incorrect
  • D. A is wrong, R is correct
Correct Answer: A — Both A and R are correct and R is the correct explanation
Explanation:
Surplus production later led to the development of trade, class divisions, and civilization—this is the crucial link.

Question 13: Assertion (A): The use of bows and arrows began in the Mesolithic period. Reason (R): Because fine stone tools were developed during this period.

  • A. Both A and R are correct and R is the correct explanation ✓
  • B. Both A and R are correct but R is not the correct explanation
  • C. A is correct, R is incorrect
  • D. A is wrong, R is correct
Correct Answer: A — Both A and R are correct and R is the correct explanation
Explanation:
By adding precision tools to wood, bows and arrows were made, making hunting more effective.

Question 14: Assertion (A): Humans adopted a production-based economy during the Neolithic period. Reason (R): Because agriculture and animal husbandry developed during this period.

  • A. Both A and R are correct and R is the correct explanation ✓
  • B. Both A and R are correct but R is not the correct explanation
  • C. A is correct, R is incorrect
  • D. A is wrong, R is correct
Correct Answer: A — Both A and R are correct and R is the correct explanation
Explanation:
During the Neolithic period, humans first began production (agriculture), leading to a production-based economy. This was a major economic change in human history.

Question 15: In which period did humans invent the wheel?

  • A. Paleolithic period
  • B. Mesolithic period
  • C. Neolithic period ✓
  • D. iron Age
Correct Answer: C — Neolithic period
Explanation:
The wheel was invented during the Neolithic period. This revolutionized transportation and agriculture. This invention proved crucial to the development of later civilizations.

Question 16: Which art did humans develop during the Neolithic period?

  • A. drawing
  • B. Sculpture
  • C. pottery (earthenware) manufacturing ✓
  • D. metal art
Correct Answer: C — pottery (earthenware) manufacturing
Explanation:
During the Neolithic period, humans began making pottery (pottery). These were used for storing grain and cooking. This was further developed during the Chalcolithic and Indus Valley Civilizations.

Question 17: Which animal was first domesticated by humans?

  • A. Cow
  • B. Horse
  • C. Dog ✓
  • D. Elephant
Correct Answer: C — Dog
Explanation:
The first domesticated animal was the dog. It helped humans in protection and hunting. This development occurred primarily during the transition from the Mesolithic to the Neolithic period.

Question 18: What types of tools were used in the Neolithic Age?

  • A. crude stone tools
  • B. Polished stone tools ✓
  • C. iron tools
  • D. bronze tools
Correct Answer: B — Polished stone tools
Explanation:
In the Neolithic period, tools were made by grinding and polishing stones. These tools were sharper and more useful, making agriculture and other tasks easier.

Question 19: In which period did humans first start animal husbandry?

  • A. Paleolithic period
  • B. Mesolithic period
  • C. Neolithic period ✓
  • D. iron Age
Correct Answer: C — Neolithic period
Explanation:
In the Neolithic period, humans began farming and animal husbandry. Among the major domesticated animals were dogs, sheep, goats, and cows. Agriculture and animal husbandry brought economic stability to human life, leading to the development of society and culture.

Question 20: What is the main source of study of prehistoric period?

  • A. Literary texts
  • B. inscription
  • C. archaeological remains ✓
  • D. coins
Correct Answer: C — archaeological remains
Explanation:
Written language had not yet developed in prehistoric times, so information about this period is primarily derived from archaeological remains. These include stone tools, bones, cave paintings, and human skeletons. This subject is closely related to archaeology, which is an important foundation for the study of history.

Question 21: Bhimbetka caves are famous for which type of evidence?

  • A. metal tools
  • B. cave painting ✓
  • C. ancient writings
  • D. coins
Correct Answer: B — cave painting
Explanation:
The Bhimbetka Caves in Madhya Pradesh are famous for their prehistoric cave paintings. These paintings depict hunting scenes, dancing figures, and animal figures. They provide insight into the life, culture, and art of those times.

Question 22: What was the main feature of human life during the Neolithic period?

  • A. nomadic life
  • B. permanent residence ✓
  • C. only hunting
  • D. Use of metals
Correct Answer: B — permanent residence
Explanation:
During the Neolithic period, humans adopted permanent residence. Agriculture and animal husbandry made it necessary for people to live in one place. During this period, houses were built of mud and wood, villages grew, and social organization developed. This settled lifestyle later became the basis for the development of urban civilization.

Question 23: The use of fire is mainly considered to have started in which period?

  • A. Mesolithic period
  • B. Neolithic period
  • C. chalcolithic period
  • D. Paleolithic period ✓
Correct Answer: D — Paleolithic period
Explanation:
During the Paleolithic period, humans discovered and learned to use fire. Initially, fire was obtained from natural sources such as lightning strikes or forest fires. The use of fire provided many benefits to humans: cooking, protection from wild animals, protection from the cold, and light. This was a crucial step in the development of human civilization.

Question 24: What is considered the most important achievement of the Neolithic period?

  • A. Use of fire
  • B. Evolution of hunting
  • C. beginning of agriculture ✓
  • D. Development of writing
Correct Answer: C — beginning of agriculture
Explanation:
The most significant achievement of the Neolithic period was the advent of agriculture. For this reason, it is also known as the Agricultural Revolution. During this period, humans began to cultivate grains, domesticate animals, and build permanent homes. These changes later became the foundation for the development of village civilization and later, the Indus Valley Civilization.

Question 25: What was the main feature of the Mesolithic period?

  • A. Use of iron tools
  • B. Use of microscopic stone tools ✓
  • C. Use of bronze tools
  • D. development of writing skills
Correct Answer: B — Use of microscopic stone tools
Explanation:
During the Mesolithic period, humans began making microlithic tools. These were made from very small stones and were used to sharpen arrowheads or wooden sticks. This period marked a transition between the Paleolithic and Neolithic periods. During this period, humans gradually began animal husbandry and semi-settled living.

Question 26: Into how many parts is the prehistoric period mainly divided?

  • A. Two
  • B. Three ✓
  • C. Four
  • D. Five
Correct Answer: B — Three
Explanation:
The prehistoric period is the time when humans had not yet learned to write. Information about this period is primarily obtained from archaeological remains. It is divided into three main parts: the Paleolithic, the Mesolithic, and the Neolithic. This classification is primarily based on the nature of stone tools and human lifestyles.

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