About the Topic: Chalcolithic Period, also known as the Copper-Stone Age, marks the transition between the Neolithic and Iron Age in Ancient India. It is an important UPSC topic covering major Chalcolithic cultures, settlements, economy, pottery, agriculture and technological developments. Practice Chalcolithic Period MCQ Questions with answers and detailed explanations for UPSC and other competitive examinations.
Which one of the following periods is also known as Chalcolithic Age?
Correct Answer:
(C) Copper Age
Copper Age is also known as the Chalcolithic age. The age in which instruments of copper were used in addition to stone, is called as Copper Age.
Ques: 2
Consider the following statements pertaining to the Ahar Civilization –
The natives of Ahar knew copper smelting
Rice was unknown to them
Metal work was one of the means of economy of the Ahar
Black - Red coloured pottery have been found here, on which generally white coloured geometrical designs have been carved.
Choose the correct option –
Correct Answer:
(A) A, C and D are correct
Ques: 3
The Ochre-coloured Pottery (O.C.P.) was christened at:
Correct Answer:
(A) Hastinapur
Discovery and Naming of OCP was done by B.B. Lal in 1951 at Hastinapur. Ochre-Coloured Pottery (known to archaeologists as OCP) as the name implies, its main distinguishing feature was its ochre colour, which gives it a first appearance of being badly fired. Other characteristics are its porous character and the fact that it is invariably worn out at the edges.
Ques: 4
In the Chalcolithic period people of Maharashtra buried their dead under the floor of their houses in the following orientation:
Correct Answer:
(A) North to South position
The people of Jorwe culture lived in large rectangular houses with wattle and daub walls and thatched roof. They believed in life after death and therefore buried the dead inside the houses under the floor. Children were buried in two urns that were joined mouth-to-mouth and set horizontally in the pit, while adults were placed in a supine position with the head towards the north (north to south). These sites were found in Daimabad, Inamgaon, Chandauli, Nevasa, etc.
Ques: 5
Which one of the following statements is incorrect with reference to the Chalcolithic Culture of India?
Correct Answer:
(B) Milk and dairy products were extensively used during this culture.
The end of the Neolithic period saw the use of metals. The metal first used was copper, and several cultures were based on the use of copper and stone implements. Such a culture is called Chalcolithic, which means the copper–stone phase.
During this phase, people mostly founded rural settlements on river banks not far removed from the hills. The Chalcolithic communities founded the first large villages in peninsular India.
The Chalcolithic people domesticated cattle, sheep/goats. In all probability, the domesticated animals were slaughtered for food and not used for milk and dairy products. The tribal people, such as the Gonds of Bastar, believe that milk is meant only to feed young animals and, therefore, they do not milk their cattle. Consequently, the Chalcolithic people were not able to make full use of the animals.
Terracotta figures of women suggest that the Chalcolithic people venerated the mother goddess, and some unbaked nude clay figurines were also used for worship. A figure of the mother goddess, similar to that found in western Asia, has been found in Inamgaon. In Malwa and Rajasthan, stylized bull terracottas show that the bull was the symbol of a religious cult.
Ochre Coloured Pottery Ware culture is found in northern India dating to the Chalcolithic period. The OCP pottery has red slip and appears ochre in colour (the ochre colour comes off when the pottery is touched) and hence, it is called Ochre Coloured Pottery. It has black painted designs. The OCP comes in the form of jars, storage jars, bowls, and basins.