History · General Awareness

Early Human and Prehistoric Cultures

1,700 Questions

Early human and prehistoric cultures focus on the lifestyle and evolution of humans before written records. This includes the Paleolithic and Neolithic eras, focusing on inventions, agriculture, and migration patterns. These questions are a core part of ancient history in civil services exams.

Paleolithic eraNeolithic revolutionEarly human migrationInvention of agriculturePrehistoric social structuresMesolithic societies

Early Human and Prehistoric Cultures Questions

Multiple choice

The greatest invention of man in palaeolithic age was

  1. fire

  2. potter's wheel

  3. metal implements

  4. spinning of cloth
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
A Correct answer
Explanation

The discovery and control of fire during the Paleolithic Age (Old Stone Age) was humanity's greatest technological breakthrough, enabling cooking, protection from predators, warmth in cold climates, and social activities around the hearth. Other inventions like the potter's wheel, metal implements, and spinning came much later in the Neolithic and Chalcolithic periods.

Multiple choice

The tools and weapons of Harappan Civilization were mostly made of

  1. stone

  2. copper and iron

  3. copper and bronze

  4. stone and copper
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
C Correct answer
Explanation

The Harappan Civilization is known as the Bronze Age civilization of India, with tools and weapons primarily made of copper and bronze. Iron was not yet discovered or used during this period, and stone tools were largely superseded by metal implements.

Multiple choice

The Stone Age people had the first domestic ____

  1. donkey

  2. dog

  3. horse

  4. sheep
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
D Correct answer
Explanation

Archaeological evidence indicates that sheep was among the first domesticated animals during the Stone Age period. The domestication of sheep played a crucial role in the transition from hunter-gatherer societies to agricultural communities.

Multiple choice

The Indus Valley Civilization belongs to the

  1. Neolithic Age

  2. Palaeolithic Age

  3. Chalcolithic Age

  4. Mesolithic Age
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
C Correct answer
Explanation

The Indus Valley Civilization is historically classified under the Chalcolithic Age, specifically the Bronze Age, as it witnessed the widespread use of bronze tools alongside copper implements. It marks a transition between stone-use and iron-use eras.

Multiple choice

The sole representative of Hominidae is _____.

  1. heleinthis

  2. human

  3. herbaria

  4. anthropolis
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
B Correct answer
Explanation

Humans are indeed the sole surviving extant species of the family Hominidae (great apes). While other hominids like gorillas, chimpanzees, and orangutans exist, the question appears to focus on the specific lineage leading to modern humans. The other options appear to be nonsensical misspellings.

Multiple choice

According to Indian history the stone age is divided into how many parts?

  1. 1

  2. 2

  3. 3

  4. 7
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
C Correct answer
Explanation

The Stone Age in Indian history is divided into three main periods: Paleolithic (Old Stone Age), Mesolithic (Middle Stone Age), and Neolithic (New Stone Age). This classification is based on tool technology, lifestyle patterns, and subsistence strategies. Option C (3) is correct.

Multiple choice

Harpoon, a hunting weapon is used by

  1. Red Indians

  2. Eskimos

  3. Bedouins

  4. None of these
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
B Correct answer
Explanation

Eskimos (Inuit and Yupik peoples) traditionally used harpoons for hunting marine mammals like seals and walruses in Arctic regions. The harpoon is a spear-like weapon with a detachable head.

Multiple choice

Why did the Mound Builders migrate to the Central America?

Directions: Read the following passage and answer the question that follows.

In various parts of the continent, remains are found of the people who settled the country in prehistoric times. Through the Mississippi Valley, from the Lakes to the Gulf, extends a succession of defensive earthworks. Similar ruins are found in various other sections of the United States.

The largest forest trees are often found growing upon them. The Indians have no tradition as to the origin of these structures. They generally crown steep hills, and consist of embankments, ditches, etc. indicating considerable acquaintance with military science. At Newark, Ohio, afortification exists which covers an area of more than two miles square, and has over two miles of embankment from two to twenty feet high.


Mounds, seemingly constructed as great altars for religious purposes or as monuments, are also numerous. One, opposite St. Louis, covers eight acres of ground, and is ninety feet high. There are said to be 10,000 of these mounds in Ohio alone.

A peculiar kind of earthwork has the outline of gigantic men or animals. An embankment in Adams County, Ohio, represents very accurately a serpent 1000 feet long. Its body winds with graceful curves, and in its wide-extended jaws lies a figure which the animal seems about to swallow. In Mexico and Peru, still more wonderful remains have been discovered. They consist not alone of defensive works, altars, and monuments, but of idols, ruined temples, ducts carrying water, bridges, and paved roads.

The Mound Builders is the name given to the people who erected the mounds of North America. They seem to have emigrated to Central America, and have developed a high civilisation. They built cities, wove cotton, worked in gold, silver, and copper mines, laboured in the fields, and had regular governments.

  1. To have high utilisation

  2. Because they were not respected in North America

  3. To construct more mounds

  4. Not mentioned in the passage
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
D Correct answer
Explanation

This is nowhere mentioned in the passage.

Multiple choice

A specific example of earthwork featuring animals is found in

Directions: Read the following passage and answer the question that follows.

In various parts of the continent, remains are found of the people who settled the country in prehistoric times. Through the Mississippi Valley, from the Lakes to the Gulf, extends a succession of defensive earthworks. Similar ruins are found in various other sections of the United States.

The largest forest trees are often found growing upon them. The Indians have no tradition as to the origin of these structures. They generally crown steep hills, and consist of embankments, ditches, etc. indicating considerable acquaintance with military science. At Newark, Ohio, afortification exists which covers an area of more than two miles square, and has over two miles of embankment from two to twenty feet high.


Mounds, seemingly constructed as great altars for religious purposes or as monuments, are also numerous. One, opposite St. Louis, covers eight acres of ground, and is ninety feet high. There are said to be 10,000 of these mounds in Ohio alone.

A peculiar kind of earthwork has the outline of gigantic men or animals. An embankment in Adams County, Ohio, represents very accurately a serpent 1000 feet long. Its body winds with graceful curves, and in its wide-extended jaws lies a figure which the animal seems about to swallow. In Mexico and Peru, still more wonderful remains have been discovered. They consist not alone of defensive works, altars, and monuments, but of idols, ruined temples, ducts carrying water, bridges, and paved roads.

The Mound Builders is the name given to the people who erected the mounds of North America. They seem to have emigrated to Central America, and have developed a high civilisation. They built cities, wove cotton, worked in gold, silver, and copper mines, laboured in the fields, and had regular governments.

  1. Cleveland

  2. Adams County

  3. Mississippi Valley

  4. Peru
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
B Correct answer
Explanation

It is given in the 1st line of the 4th paragraph.

Multiple choice

Mounds are normally used for

Directions: Read the following passage and answer the question that follows.

In various parts of the continent, remains are found of the people who settled the country in prehistoric times. Through the Mississippi Valley, from the Lakes to the Gulf, extends a succession of defensive earthworks. Similar ruins are found in various other sections of the United States.

The largest forest trees are often found growing upon them. The Indians have no tradition as to the origin of these structures. They generally crown steep hills, and consist of embankments, ditches, etc. indicating considerable acquaintance with military science. At Newark, Ohio, afortification exists which covers an area of more than two miles square, and has over two miles of embankment from two to twenty feet high.


Mounds, seemingly constructed as great altars for religious purposes or as monuments, are also numerous. One, opposite St. Louis, covers eight acres of ground, and is ninety feet high. There are said to be 10,000 of these mounds in Ohio alone.

A peculiar kind of earthwork has the outline of gigantic men or animals. An embankment in Adams County, Ohio, represents very accurately a serpent 1000 feet long. Its body winds with graceful curves, and in its wide-extended jaws lies a figure which the animal seems about to swallow. In Mexico and Peru, still more wonderful remains have been discovered. They consist not alone of defensive works, altars, and monuments, but of idols, ruined temples, ducts carrying water, bridges, and paved roads.

The Mound Builders is the name given to the people who erected the mounds of North America. They seem to have emigrated to Central America, and have developed a high civilisation. They built cities, wove cotton, worked in gold, silver, and copper mines, laboured in the fields, and had regular governments.

  1. earthenware

  2. religious purposes

  3. forest structures

  4. prehistoric construction
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
B Correct answer
Explanation

It is given in the 1st line of the 3rd paragraph.

Multiple choice

A lot of monuments in Ohio were constructed by Mexicans.

Directions: Read the following passage and answer the question that follows.

In various parts of the continent, remains are found of the people who settled the country in prehistoric times. Through the Mississippi Valley, from the Lakes to the Gulf, extends a succession of defensive earthworks. Similar ruins are found in various other sections of the United States.

The largest forest trees are often found growing upon them. The Indians have no tradition as to the origin of these structures. They generally crown steep hills, and consist of embankments, ditches, etc. indicating considerable acquaintance with military science. At Newark, Ohio, afortification exists which covers an area of more than two miles square, and has over two miles of embankment from two to twenty feet high.


Mounds, seemingly constructed as great altars for religious purposes or as monuments, are also numerous. One, opposite St. Louis, covers eight acres of ground, and is ninety feet high. There are said to be 10,000 of these mounds in Ohio alone.

A peculiar kind of earthwork has the outline of gigantic men or animals. An embankment in Adams County, Ohio, represents very accurately a serpent 1000 feet long. Its body winds with graceful curves, and in its wide-extended jaws lies a figure which the animal seems about to swallow. In Mexico and Peru, still more wonderful remains have been discovered. They consist not alone of defensive works, altars, and monuments, but of idols, ruined temples, ducts carrying water, bridges, and paved roads.

The Mound Builders is the name given to the people who erected the mounds of North America. They seem to have emigrated to Central America, and have developed a high civilisation. They built cities, wove cotton, worked in gold, silver, and copper mines, laboured in the fields, and had regular governments.

  1. True

  2. False

  3. Partly true

  4. Cannot be determined

Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
D Correct answer
Explanation

It is not given in the passage.

Multiple choice

What is the area covered by the mound opposite to St. Louis?

Directions: Read the following passage and answer the question that follows.

In various parts of the continent, remains are found of the people who settled the country in prehistoric times. Through the Mississippi Valley, from the Lakes to the Gulf, extends a succession of defensive earthworks. Similar ruins are found in various other sections of the United States.

The largest forest trees are often found growing upon them. The Indians have no tradition as to the origin of these structures. They generally crown steep hills, and consist of embankments, ditches, etc. indicating considerable acquaintance with military science. At Newark, Ohio, afortification exists which covers an area of more than two miles square, and has over two miles of embankment from two to twenty feet high.


Mounds, seemingly constructed as great altars for religious purposes or as monuments, are also numerous. One, opposite St. Louis, covers eight acres of ground, and is ninety feet high. There are said to be 10,000 of these mounds in Ohio alone.

A peculiar kind of earthwork has the outline of gigantic men or animals. An embankment in Adams County, Ohio, represents very accurately a serpent 1000 feet long. Its body winds with graceful curves, and in its wide-extended jaws lies a figure which the animal seems about to swallow. In Mexico and Peru, still more wonderful remains have been discovered. They consist not alone of defensive works, altars, and monuments, but of idols, ruined temples, ducts carrying water, bridges, and paved roads.

The Mound Builders is the name given to the people who erected the mounds of North America. They seem to have emigrated to Central America, and have developed a high civilisation. They built cities, wove cotton, worked in gold, silver, and copper mines, laboured in the fields, and had regular governments.

  1. Two miles

  2. One thousand feet

  3. Eight acres

  4. Ninety feet
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
C Correct answer
Explanation

The line 'One, opposite St. Louis, covers eight acres of ground, and is ninety feet high' suggests the answer. 

Multiple choice

Which of the following remains prove the settlement of Indians in The United States?

Directions: Read the following passage and answer the question that follows.

In various parts of the continent, remains are found of the people who settled the country in prehistoric times. Through the Mississippi Valley, from the Lakes to the Gulf, extends a succession of defensive earthworks. Similar ruins are found in various other sections of the United States.

The largest forest trees are often found growing upon them. The Indians have no tradition as to the origin of these structures. They generally crown steep hills, and consist of embankments, ditches, etc. indicating considerable acquaintance with military science. At Newark, Ohio, afortification exists which covers an area of more than two miles square, and has over two miles of embankment from two to twenty feet high.


Mounds, seemingly constructed as great altars for religious purposes or as monuments, are also numerous. One, opposite St. Louis, covers eight acres of ground, and is ninety feet high. There are said to be 10,000 of these mounds in Ohio alone.

A peculiar kind of earthwork has the outline of gigantic men or animals. An embankment in Adams County, Ohio, represents very accurately a serpent 1000 feet long. Its body winds with graceful curves, and in its wide-extended jaws lies a figure which the animal seems about to swallow. In Mexico and Peru, still more wonderful remains have been discovered. They consist not alone of defensive works, altars, and monuments, but of idols, ruined temples, ducts carrying water, bridges, and paved roads.

The Mound Builders is the name given to the people who erected the mounds of North America. They seem to have emigrated to Central America, and have developed a high civilisation. They built cities, wove cotton, worked in gold, silver, and copper mines, laboured in the fields, and had regular governments.

  1. Embankments

  2. Ditches

  3. Monuments

  4. None of these
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
D Correct answer
Explanation

This is nowhere mentioned in the passage.

Multiple choice

The United States has various kinds of ruins and remains.

Directions: Read the following passage and answer the question that follows.

In various parts of the continent, remains are found of the people who settled the country in prehistoric times. Through the Mississippi Valley, from the Lakes to the Gulf, extends a succession of defensive earthworks. Similar ruins are found in various other sections of the United States.

The largest forest trees are often found growing upon them. The Indians have no tradition as to the origin of these structures. They generally crown steep hills, and consist of embankments, ditches, etc. indicating considerable acquaintance with military science. At Newark, Ohio, afortification exists which covers an area of more than two miles square, and has over two miles of embankment from two to twenty feet high.


Mounds, seemingly constructed as great altars for religious purposes or as monuments, are also numerous. One, opposite St. Louis, covers eight acres of ground, and is ninety feet high. There are said to be 10,000 of these mounds in Ohio alone.

A peculiar kind of earthwork has the outline of gigantic men or animals. An embankment in Adams County, Ohio, represents very accurately a serpent 1000 feet long. Its body winds with graceful curves, and in its wide-extended jaws lies a figure which the animal seems about to swallow. In Mexico and Peru, still more wonderful remains have been discovered. They consist not alone of defensive works, altars, and monuments, but of idols, ruined temples, ducts carrying water, bridges, and paved roads.

The Mound Builders is the name given to the people who erected the mounds of North America. They seem to have emigrated to Central America, and have developed a high civilisation. They built cities, wove cotton, worked in gold, silver, and copper mines, laboured in the fields, and had regular governments.

  1. True

  2. False

  3. Partly true

  4. Cannot say
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
A Correct answer
Explanation

It is given in the 1st paragraph.