MCQ On Development Of Human Culture & Binging Agriculture for ICAR-JEF, ICAR-SRF, ICAR-NET, IBPS-AFO/SO, Pre-PG, BHU Pre-PG, IFFCO-AGT, CCI, FCI, B.sc, M.sc, All Agriculture Competitive Exams.
1. According to the passage, which species is considered the immediate precursor to modern
humans?
a) Homo sapiens
b) Homo erectus
c) Cro-Magnon
d) Java man
**Answer: b) Homo erectus**
Explanation: The passage mentions that Homo erectus, also known as Java man, is considered the
immediate precursor to modern humans.
2. What was the first domesticated animal mentioned in the passage?
a) Cow
b) Sheep
c) Dog
d) Goat
**Answer: c) Dog**
Explanation: The passage states that the first pet animal domesticated by early humans was the dog,
which was initially used for hunting.
3. How did the development of agriculture influence the formation of human societies?
a) It led to the extinction of primitive man.
b) It enabled primitive man to settle down in selected areas and form societies.
c) It had no impact on human social organization.
d) It caused regression in human cultural development.
**Answer: b) It enabled primitive man to settle down in selected areas and form societies.**
Explanation: The passage suggests that the development of agriculture allowed primitive humans to
settle down in specific areas, leading to the formation of societies and the initiation of civilization.
4. Which period is characterized by food gathering and hunting in human history?
a) Neolithic Age
b) Mesolithic Age
c) Paleolithic Age
d) Iron Age
**Answer: c) Paleolithic Age**
Explanation: The Paleolithic Age, also known as the Old Stone Age, is characterized by food gathering
and hunting by early humans.
5. What were the main tools used by humans during the Paleolithic Age?
a) Metal tools
b) Stone tools and crude choppers
c) Wooden tools
d) Bone tools
**Answer: b) Stone tools and crude choppers**
Explanation: During the Paleolithic Age, early humans mainly used stone tools and crude choppers,
as mentioned in the passage.
6. What do scholars classify as the stages of human cultural development, according to the passage?
a) Stone Age, Bronze Age, and Iron Age
b) Stone Age, Copper Age, and Bronze Age
c) Paleolithic Age, Neolithic Age, and Mesolithic Age
d) Early Age, Middle Age, and Modern Age
**Answer: c) Paleolithic Age, Neolithic Age, and Mesolithic Age**
Explanation: Scholars classify the stages of human cultural development into the Paleolithic Age (Old
Stone Age), Neolithic Age (New Stone Age), and Mesolithic Age (Middle Stone Age), as mentioned in
the passage.
7. What marked the beginning of agriculture according to the passage?
a) The domestication of cows and goats
b) The development of stone tools
c) The shift from food gathering to food cultivation
d) The extinction of Homo erectus
**Answer: c) The shift from food gathering to food cultivation**
Explanation: The passage indicates that the beginning of agriculture occurred when early humans
shifted from food gathering to food cultivation, starting to grow food crops and domesticating
animals.
8. What is the meaning of “Homo sapiens”?
a) Homo – Continuous, Sapiens – learning habit
b) Homo – Intelligent, Sapiens – gathering habit
c) Homo – Ancient, Sapiens – hunter-gatherer
d) Homo – Modern, Sapiens – agriculturalist
**Answer: a) Homo – Continuous, Sapiens – learning habit**
Explanation: “Homo sapiens” means “Continuous” (Homo) and “learning habit” (Sapiens), as
mentioned in the passage.
9. Which animal was not mentioned as one of the domesticated animals during the early stages of
human civilization?
a) Cow
b) Goat
c) Sheep
d) Lion
**Answer: d) Lion**
Explanation: Lions were not mentioned as one of the domesticated animals during the early stages of
human civilization in the passage.
10. What are the distinct improvements mentioned in the passage that occurred during each of the
three stone ages?
a) Development of metal tools
b) Domestication of animals
c) Fashioning and improving tools, growing food crops, and domesticating animals
d) Introduction of pottery-making techniques
**Answer: c) Fashioning and improving tools, growing food crops, and domesticating animals**
Explanation: The passage states that each of the three stone ages saw distinct improvements,
including fashioning and improving tools, growing food crops, and domesticating animals.
11. What is a characteristic feature of the Mesolithic Age?
a) Use of polished stone axes
b) Invention of the plough
c) Cultivation of millets and pulses
d) Domestication of the dog
**Answer: d) Domestication of the dog**
Explanation: The major achievement of the Mesolithic Age was the domestication of the dog, as
mentioned in the passage.
12. What major change did the Neolithic Agricultural Revolution bring?
a) Invention of textile and basketry
b) Shift from hunting and gathering to settled villages and agriculture
c) Discovery of silk
d) Use of polished stone axes
**Answer: b) Shift from hunting and gathering to settled villages and agriculture**
Explanation: The Neolithic Agricultural Revolution brought a major change by shifting humans from a
precarious existence of hunting and gathering to settled villages and agriculture, giving them control
over their environment.
13. What was the main purpose of using polished stone axes in the Neolithic culture?
a) For hunting animals
b) For storing food grains
c) For cultivating crops
d) For cleaning bushes
**Answer: d) For cleaning bushes**
Explanation: Polished stone axes were used for cleaning bushes in the Neolithic culture, as
mentioned in the passage.
14. Which of the following crops were cultivated in the eastern parts of India during the Neolithic
period?
a) Millets and pulses
b) Rice, banana, and yams
c) Wheat and barley
d) Maize and potatoes
**Answer: b) Rice, banana, and yams**
Explanation: The cultivation of rice, banana, and yams took place in the eastern parts of India during
the Neolithic period, according to the passage.
15. What technological advancement marked the Chalcolithic culture?
a) Invention of pottery
b) Invention of the plough
c) Use of stone implements along with copper and bronze
d) Discovery of silk
**Answer: c) Use of stone implements along with copper and bronze**
Explanation: The Chalcolithic culture was characterized by the use of stone implements along with
copper and bronze, as mentioned in the passage.
16. What invention is attributed to the Chalcolithic culture?
a) Invention of the plough
b) Invention of textile and basketry
c) Invention of pottery
d) Invention of polished stone axes
**Answer: a) Invention of the plough**
Explanation: The invention of the plough is attributed to the Chalcolithic culture, as stated in the
passage.
17. What was the significance of the Neolithic revolution?
a) It marked the beginning of settled villages and agriculture.
b) It led to the invention of pottery.
c) It introduced the use of bronze tools.
d) It resulted in the domestication of the dog.
**Answer: a) It marked the beginning of settled villages and agriculture.**
Explanation: The Neolithic revolution marked the beginning of settled villages and agriculture, as it
shifted humans from a hunter-gatherer lifestyle to one of settled agriculture.
18. Which period saw the cultivation of millets and pulses in South India?
a) Paleolithic Age
b) Mesolithic Age
c) Neolithic Age
d) Chalcolithic Age
**Answer: c) Neolithic Age**
Explanation: The cultivation of millets and pulses in South India took place during the Neolithic Age,
according to the passage.
19. What was a characteristic feature of the Chalcolithic culture?
a) Use of stone implements only
b) Use of stone implements along with copper and bronze
c) Use of iron tools exclusively
d) Use of pottery for storing food grains
**Answer: b) Use of stone implements along with copper and bronze**
Explanation: The Chalcolithic culture was characterized by the use of stone implements along with
copper and bronze, indicating technological advancement.
20. What marked the beginning of settled villages and agriculture in human history?
a) Domestication of animals
b) Use of polished stone axes
c) Neolithic Agricultural Revolution
d) Invention of pottery
**Answer: c) Neolithic Agricultural Revolution**
Explanation: The Neolithic Agricultural Revolution marked the beginning of settled villages and
agriculture in human history, as it brought a major change in food production techniques.
21. What significant agricultural development occurred during the period 7500 to 5000 years ago?
a) Cultivation of wheat and barley
b) Invention of the plough
c) Use of wheel
d) Metallurgy
Answer: b) Invention of the plough**
Explanation: The significant agricultural development during this period was the invention of the
plough, as mentioned in the passage.
22. What problem arose as a result of canal irrigation during the period mentioned?
a) Soil erosion
b) Water scarcity
c) Salinity and water logging
d) Crop failure
**Answer: c) Salinity and water logging**
Explanation: Canal irrigation led to salinity problems and water logging during the mentioned period,
as stated in the passage.
23. During which period was irrigated farming initiated?
a) 12000 to 9500 years ago
b) 9500 to 7500 years ago
c) 7500 to 5000 years ago
d) 5000 to 4000 years ago
**Answer: c) 7500 to 5000 years ago**
Explanation: Irrigated farming started during the period 7500 to 5000 years ago, according to the
passage.
24. What agricultural technique was introduced in Egypt during the mentioned period?
a) Ploughing
b) Sowing by dibbling
c) Metallurgy
d) Use of wheel
**Answer: b) Sowing by dibbling**
Explanation: In Egypt, the agricultural technique of seed dibbling was introduced during the
mentioned period, as stated in the passage.
25. What was the earliest method of agriculture mentioned in the passage?
a) Plough agriculture
b) Sowing by dibbling
c) Irrigated farming
d) Vegetative propagation
**Answer: d) Vegetative propagation**
Explanation: The earliest method of agriculture mentioned is vegetative propagation, which involved
crops like bananas, sugarcane, yam, sago, palms, and ginger, according to the passage.
26. During which period did the domestication of animals like goats, sheep, pigs, and cattle occur?
a) 12000 to 9500 years ago
b) 9500 to 7500 years ago
c) 7500 to 5000 years ago
d) 5000 to 4000 years ago
**Answer: b) 9500 to 7500 years ago**
Explanation: The domestication of animals like goats, sheep, pigs, and cattle occurred during the
period 9500 to 7500 years ago, as mentioned in the passage.
27. Which agricultural civilization is characterized by the use of wheeled carts?
a) Indus Valley Civilization
b) Harappan Civilization
c) Mesopotamian Civilization
d) Egyptian Civilization
**Answer: a) Indus Valley Civilization**
Explanation: The use of wheeled carts was common in the Indus Valley Civilization, as mentioned in
the passage.
28. What was a significant feature of the Harappan culture mentioned in the passage?
a) Invention of the plough
b) Cultivation of wheat and barley
c) Use of wheeled carts
d) Plough agriculture and use of bullocks
**Answer: d) Plough agriculture and use of bullocks**
Explanation: A significant feature of the Harappan culture was plough agriculture and the use of
bullocks, as stated in the passage.
29. What marked the period 5000 to 4000 years ago in terms of agriculture?
a) Invention of the plough
b) Cultivation of wheat, barley, and cotton
c) Introduction of canal irrigation
d) Use of wheeled carts
**Answer: b) Cultivation of wheat, barley, and cotton**
Explanation: The cultivation of wheat, barley, and cotton characterized the period 5000 to 4000 years
ago, according to the passage.
30. Which period saw the use of stone implements, microliths, throughout the Indian subcontinent?
a) 7500 to 5000 years ago
b) 5000 to 4000 years ago
c) 12000 to 9500 years ago
d) 9500 to 7500 years ago
**Answer: c) 12000 to 9500 years ago**
Explanation: The use of stone implements, microliths, was observed throughout the Indian
subcontinent during the period 12000 to 9500 years ago, as stated in the passage.
31. What agricultural innovation was attributed to the Harappans?
a) Cultivation of wheat and rice
b) Invention of tank irrigation
c) Development of ginning, spinning, and weaving methods for cotton
d) Introduction of silk cultivation
**Answer: c) Development of ginning, spinning, and weaving methods for cotton**
Explanation: The passage states that the Harappans not only grew cotton but also devised methods
for ginning, spinning, and weaving.
32. What was the significance of Nevasa (Maharashtra) in terms of agricultural history?
a) Discovery of silk
b) Use of tank irrigation
c) Cultivation of rice, bananas, and sugarcane
d) First evidence of copper and polished stone axes
**Answer: d) First evidence of copper and polished stone axes**
Explanation: Nevasa in Maharashtra is significant as the location where the first evidence of copper
and polished stone axes was found, according to the passage.
33. What crops were grown in Navdatoli on the Narmada river during the mentioned period?
a) Wheat, rice, and millets
b) Lentil, urd, and mung bean
c) Rice, bananas, and sugarcane
d) Wheat, linseed, and khesari
**Answer: d) Wheat, linseed, and khesari**
Explanation: The crops grown in Navdatoli on the Narmada river included wheat, linseed, lentil, urd
(black gram), mung bean, and khesari, as stated in the passage.
34. What agricultural practice was developed during the period 2000-1500 years ago?
a) Cultivation of wheat and rice
b) Introduction of tank irrigation
c) Trade with Greek and Roman civilizations
d) Deforestation for agricultural expansion
**Answer: b) Introduction of tank irrigation**
Explanation: Tank irrigation was developed and practiced widely during the period 2000-1500 years
ago, according to the passage.
35. What agricultural activity was associated with Chola King Karikala?
a) Introduction of silk cultivation
b) Promotion of trade with Greek and Roman civilizations
c) Construction of embankments for flood protection and irrigation tanks
d) Development of ginning, spinning, and weaving methods for cotton
**Answer: c) Construction of embankments for flood protection and irrigation tanks**
Explanation: Chola King Karikala is associated with the construction of embankments along the
Cauvery river and the building of irrigation tanks to protect land from floods and promote
agriculture, as mentioned in the passage.
36. What was the major agricultural crop mentioned during the Kanauj Empire of Harshavardhana?
a) Rice
b) Wheat
c) Millets
d) Fruits
**Answer: a) Rice**
Explanation: The passage mentions the extensive cultivation of cereals such as wheat, rice, and
millets during the Kanauj Empire of Harshavardhana, with specific mention of a 60-day variety and
fragrant varieties of rice.
37. What was the purpose of the sickles set with stone teeth used in Navdatoli?
a) For planting seeds
b) For cutting crop stalks
c) For harvesting fruits
d) For digging irrigation channels
**Answer: b) For cutting crop stalks**
Explanation: The sickles set with stone teeth were used in Navdatoli for cutting crop stalks, as
mentioned in the passage.
38. What trade items were imported by the Romans from South India?
a) Silk and cotton
b) Spices, cloth, and sandalwood
c) Rice and wheat
d) Iron and copper
**Answer: b) Spices, cloth, and sandalwood**
Explanation: The Romans imported pepper, cloth, and sandalwood from South India, as stated in the
passage.
39. What was a notable agricultural achievement during the period 1500-1000 years ago?
a) Introduction of tank irrigation
b) Development of ginning, spinning, and weaving methods for cotton
c) Cultivation of fragrant varieties of rice
d) Construction of embankments for flood protection
**Answer: c) Cultivation of fragrant varieties of rice**
Explanation: Fragrant varieties of rice were extensively grown during the period 1500-1000 years
ago, according to the passage.
40. What was the primary focus of agriculture in North Arcot during the mentioned period?
a) Cultivation of wheat and barley
b) Use of bone and stone tools
c) Development of tank irrigation
d) Growth of cotton and silk
**Answer: b) Use of bone and stone tools**
Explanation: In North Arcot, bone and stone tools were found during the mentioned period, as stated
in the passage.
41. Which agricultural implements were commonly used in Thanesar (Haryana) during the
mentioned period?
a) Plough
b) Persian wheel
c) Sickle
d) Hoe
**Answer: b) Persian wheel**
Explanation: The Persian wheel was commonly used in Thanesar (Haryana) during the mentioned
period, as stated in the passage.
42. Which kingdoms were part of South India during the period mentioned?
a) Cholas, Rashtrakutas, and Pallavas
b) Chalukyas, Hoysals, and Kakatiyas
c) Pandyas, Rashtrakutas, and Kakatiyas
d) Chalukyas, Rashtrakutas, and Pallavas
Answer: a) Cholas, Rashtrakutas, and Pallavas**
Explanation: The kingdoms of Cholas, Rashtrakutas, and Pallavas were part of South India during the
mentioned period, as mentioned in the passage.
43. What significant achievement did the Cholas bring to South India in the 10th century AD?
a) Introduction of new irrigation systems
b) Establishment of trade links with China and Myanmar
c) Development of agricultural machinery
d) Formation of tank supervision committees
**Answer: a) Introduction of new irrigation systems**
Explanation: The Cholas brought in a glorious phase in South India in the 10th century AD, including
the development of new irrigation systems, as mentioned in the passage.
44. What was the role of the tank supervision committee (Eri-variyam) in villages?
a) Maintenance of agricultural implements
b) Regulation of water supply and maintenance of tanks
c) Collection of taxes from farmers
d) Construction of irrigation canals
**Answer: b) Regulation of water supply and maintenance of tanks**
Explanation: The tank supervision committee (Eri-variyam) looked after the maintenance of a village
and regulated the water supply, as stated in the passage.
45. What event marked the Arab conquest of Sind during the mentioned period?
a) Arab invasion of South India
b) Destruction of agricultural prosperity by Alauddin Khilji
c) Defeat of Dahir, the Hindu king of Sind, by Md bin Qaism
d) Establishment of Arab colonies in North India
**Answer: c) Defeat of Dahir, the Hindu king of Sind, by Md bin Qaism**
Explanation: The Arab conquest of Sind occurred during 711-712 AD when Md bin Qaism defeated
Dahir, the Hindu king of Sind, as mentioned in the passage.
46. Which ruler destroyed the agricultural prosperity of a major part of India during 1290-1320 AD?
a) Alauddin Khilji
b) Chola King Karikala
c) Harshavardhana
d) Chalukya King Pulakeshin II
**Answer: a) Alauddin Khilji**
Explanation: Alauddin Khilji destroyed the agricultural prosperity of a major part of India during his
reign from 1290 to 1320 AD, as mentioned in the passage.
47. What crops are mentioned in the passage?
a) Wheat, rice, and barley
b) Ginger, mustard, and garlic
c) Cotton, sugarcane, and bananas
d) Lentils, millets, and yams
**Answer: b) Ginger, mustard, and garlic**
Explanation: Ginger, mustard, melons, pumpkin, onion, and garlic are mentioned as crops in the
passage.
48. What irrigation systems were developed in Andhra during the 9th century?
a) Chain tanks
b) Persian wheels
c) Dams and reservoirs
d) Irrigation canals
**Answer: a) Chain tanks**
Explanation: New irrigation systems, including chain tanks in Andhra, were developed during the 9th
century, as stated in the passage.
49. With which regions did the Cholas maintain trade links?
a) Greece and Rome
b) China, Myanmar, and Campodia
c) Arabia and Persia
d) Africa and Europe
**Answer: b) China, Myanmar, and Campodia**
Explanation: The Cholas maintained trade links with China, Myanmar, and Campodia, as mentioned
in the passage.
50. What agricultural practice were the Arabs known for?
a) Use of irrigation canals
b) Animal husbandry
c) Gardening
d) Terrace farming
**Answer: c) Gardening**
Explanation: The passage mentions that Arabs were experts in gardening, among other activities.