What is the Mesolithic period?

2

(a)

It was period between 10,000 to 8,000 B.C.

What are sites? Where are they located?

2

(a)

Sites are places where the remains of past cultures (tools, pots, rock paintings, buildings, etc.) are found. These spots could be the surface of the earth, under the earth or sometimes, even under water.

When did the grasslands develop?

2

(a)

Around 12,000 years ago, due to relatively warm conditions, there was a major change in the climate of the world. This led to the development of the grasslands.

When did the Neolithic period begin ?

2

(a)

The word 'Neolithic' has been derived from two Greek words, 'neo' meaning 'new' and 'lithos' meaning stone. The Neolithic period began 10,000 years ago.

Where were traces of ash found?

2

(a)

Traces of ash were found in the Kurnool caves

Where were Ostrich egg shells found in India?

2

(a)

Large quantities of Ostrich egg shells were found at Pune in Maharashtra.

How did the early man learn herding and rearing animals? 

2

(a)

When the hunters followed animals for hunting, they might have learnt about their food habits and their breeding seasons. It is likely that this helped people to start thinking about herding and rearing these animals themselves.

What do you think the beads could have been used for?

2

(a)

What are the purposes, stone tools were used for?

2

(a)

Can you think of a term for the second type of sites?

2

(a)

If you had a natural pebble like ones, what would you use it for?

2

(a)

Write about the inventions of the early man.

2

(a)

Which skills helped the early man to obtain mastery over his environment?

2

(a)

Did division of labour exist during the prehistoric times?

2

(a)

What were the uses of the stone tools invented by humans?

2

(a)

Why was it difficult to hunt animals and gather plant produce in the early times?

2

(a)

Mention the archaeological sources which tell us about man's life in the early period.

2

(a)

What are Microliths? How did the Mesolithic man use Microliths ?

2

(a)

This is a rock and cave shelter of Bhimbetka in the Deccan Plateau. Answer the following questions related to the cave shelter:

(i) What are habitation sites?
(ii) Why did people use these cave shelters as habitation sites?
(iii) In which mountain range are these rock and cave shelters found ?
(iv) Which valley is close to these rock shelters ?

2

(a)

Answer the following questions related to stone tools used by the early man :

(i) What were these stone tools used for?
(ii) How were the stone tools made?
(iii) What is pressure flaking technique?

2

(a)