Bhimbetka Rock Shelters — MCQs | UPSC | SSC

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Bhimbetka Rock Shelters — MCQs

1. With reference to Bhimbetka Rock Shelters, consider the following statements:

  1. Bhimbetka is located in Raisen district of Madhya Pradesh.
  2. It lies in the Narmada River basin.
  3. The site is situated in the Vindhyan sandstone landscape.
  4. The earliest occupation at Bhimbetka belongs to the Upper Palaeolithic.

A. Only 1 is correct
B. 1 and 2 are correct
C. 1, 2 and 3 are correct
D. 1, 2, 3 and 4 are correct

Correct Answer: C

2. With reference to the archaeological sequence of Bhimbetka, consider the following statements:

  1. Bhimbetka has evidence from the Lower Palaeolithic period.
  2. Acheulean technology is represented at the site.
  3. Mesolithic occupations are also represented.
  4. The site has no evidence of later historical occupation.

A. Only 1 is correct
B. 1 and 2 are correct
C. 1, 2 and 3 are correct
D. 1, 2, 3 and 4 are correct

Correct Answer: C

3. Consider the following statements regarding the geological formation of Bhimbetka:

  1. The rocks belong mainly to the Bhander Group of the Vindhyan Supergroup.
  2. The sandstone developed from ancient layers of accumulated sand.
  3. Natural cracks and layers played an important role in shelter formation.
  4. The shelters were excavated by prehistoric humans.

A. Only 1 is correct
B. 1 and 2 are correct
C. 1, 2 and 3 are correct
D. 1, 2, 3 and 4 are correct

Correct Answer: C

4. With reference to Bhimbetka’s rock shelters, consider the following statements:

  1. They were largely produced through natural weathering and erosion.
  2. Differential erosion contributed to enlargement of recesses.
  3. Most of the structures are technically rock shelters rather than true caves.
  4. Their formation occurred primarily during human occupation.

A. Only 1 is correct
B. 1 and 2 are correct
C. 1, 2 and 3 are correct
D. 1, 2, 3 and 4 are correct

Correct Answer: C

5. Why was the sandstone structure at Bhimbetka favourable for the development of rock shelters?

  1. It contains natural layers and planes of weakness.
  2. Weathering could exploit weaker portions of the rock.
  3. Differential erosion helped create overhangs and recesses.
  4. Sandstone is the only rock capable of forming shelters.

A. Only 1 is correct
B. 1 and 2 are correct
C. 1, 2 and 3 are correct
D. 1, 2, 3 and 4 are correct

Correct Answer: C

6. Consider the following statements about the stone-tool industries of Bhimbetka:

  1. Acheulean tools are represented.
  2. Handaxes and cleavers are among the important tools.
  3. Scrapers and flakes are also found.
  4. Microliths are absent from the site.

A. Only 1 is correct
B. 1 and 2 are correct
C. 1, 2 and 3 are correct
D. 1, 2, 3 and 4 are correct

Correct Answer: C

7. With reference to the discovery of Bhimbetka, consider the following statements:

  1. V. S. Wakankar is associated with its modern archaeological recognition.
  2. Wakankar visited the area in 1957.
  3. His investigations helped establish its prehistoric significance.
  4. Wakankar discovered the first prehistoric rock paintings in India.

A. Only 1 is correct
B. 1 and 2 are correct
C. 1, 2 and 3 are correct
D. 1, 2, 3 and 4 are correct

Correct Answer: C

8. Consider the following statements regarding the early recorded discovery of prehistoric rock paintings in India:

  1. Archibald Campbell Carlleyle is associated with the discovery.
  2. The discovery occurred at Sohagighat near Mirzapur.
  3. It dates to 1867–68.
  4. It occurred after the recognition of Bhimbetka by V. S. Wakankar.

A. Only 1 is correct
B. 1 and 2 are correct
C. 1, 2 and 3 are correct
D. 1, 2, 3 and 4 are correct

Correct Answer: C

9. Consider the following statements about Bhimbetka’s rock paintings:

  1. They depict animals and human figures.
  2. Hunting scenes are represented.
  3. Dancing and other social activities are represented.
  4. All paintings belong to a single chronological period.

A. Only 1 is correct
B. 1 and 2 are correct
C. 1, 2 and 3 are correct
D. 1, 2, 3 and 4 are correct

Correct Answer: C

10. With reference to the Mesolithic phase of Bhimbetka paintings, consider the following statements:

  1. Human figures become smaller and more stylised.
  2. Bows and arrows are represented.
  3. Dancing and ritual activities occur among the subjects.
  4. Microlithic technology is associated with broader changes during this period.

A. Only 1 is correct
B. 1 and 2 are correct
C. 1, 2 and 3 are correct
D. 1, 2, 3 and 4 are correct

Correct Answer: D

11. Consider the following statements regarding the Chalcolithic phase at Bhimbetka:

  1. Paintings provide evidence of contact with agricultural communities of the Malwa region.
  2. The imagery reflects changing economic and social interactions.
  3. Pottery becomes relevant to the cultural context.
  4. The Chalcolithic phase represents a complete absence of interaction with communities outside the shelters.

A. Only 1 is correct
B. 1 and 2 are correct
C. 1, 2 and 3 are correct
D. 1, 2, 3 and 4 are correct

Correct Answer: C

12. With reference to later paintings at Bhimbetka, consider the following statements:

  1. Horse riders are represented.
  2. Elephant riders occur among the imagery.
  3. Battle scenes and weapons are represented.
  4. Later paintings contain only wild-animal imagery.

A. Only 1 is correct
B. 1 and 2 are correct
C. 1, 2 and 3 are correct
D. 1, 2, 3 and 4 are correct

Correct Answer: C

13. Which of the following animals are reported in Bhimbetka paintings?

  1. Gaur or wild cattle
  2. Rhinoceros
  3. Tiger
  4. Elephant

A. Only 1 is correct
B. 1 and 2 are correct
C. 1, 2 and 3 are correct
D. 1, 2, 3 and 4 are correct

Correct Answer: D

14. Consider the following statements regarding the Zoo Rock Shelter at Bhimbetka:

  1. It is famous for its dense animal imagery.
  2. Elephants are represented there.
  3. Rhinoceroses and deer are among the represented animals.
  4. Its name indicates that it was an actual prehistoric zoological enclosure.

A. Only 1 is correct
B. 1 and 2 are correct
C. 1, 2 and 3 are correct
D. 1, 2, 3 and 4 are correct

Correct Answer: C

15. With reference to the Great Boar of Bhimbetka, consider the following statements:

  1. It is one of the site’s most famous images.
  2. It depicts a large animal confronting a small human figure.
  3. It has been interpreted as a possible composite or chimeric creature.
  4. Its identification as an ordinary zoologically accurate wild boar is certain.

A. Only 1 is correct
B. 1 and 2 are correct
C. 1, 2 and 3 are correct
D. 1, 2, 3 and 4 are correct

Correct Answer: C

16. Consider the following statements about hunting scenes at Bhimbetka:

  1. Bows and arrows are represented.
  2. Spears and barbed spears are represented.
  3. Some scenes depict groups cooperating in hunting.
  4. Hunting is the only activity represented in the paintings.

A. Only 1 is correct
B. 1 and 2 are correct
C. 1, 2 and 3 are correct
D. 1, 2, 3 and 4 are correct

Correct Answer: C

17. With reference to pigments used in Bhimbetka paintings, consider the following statements:

  1. Red pigment is strongly associated with iron oxides, particularly hematite.
  2. Yellow pigments can be associated with yellow iron oxides such as goethite.
  3. White pigments may have been obtained from calcareous materials.
  4. Every painting used exactly the same pigment composition.

A. Only 1 is correct
B. 1 and 2 are correct
C. 1, 2 and 3 are correct
D. 1, 2, 3 and 4 are correct

Correct Answer: C

18. Consider the following statements about the preservation of Bhimbetka paintings:

  1. Mineral pigments are generally more durable than many organic dyes.
  2. Many paintings occur on relatively protected rock surfaces.
  3. Limited exposure to direct rainfall and sunlight aided preservation.
  4. Preservation resulted from a single chemical reaction between pigment and sandstone.

A. Only 1 is correct
B. 1 and 2 are correct
C. 1, 2 and 3 are correct
D. 1, 2, 3 and 4 are correct

Correct Answer: C

19. With reference to superimposition in Bhimbetka paintings, consider the following statements:

  1. Later artists sometimes painted over earlier images.
  2. A single rock surface may preserve multiple episodes of artistic activity.
  3. Superimposition can provide evidence for relative chronological sequences.
  4. Every painting visible on one wall necessarily belongs to the same period.

A. Only 1 is correct
B. 1 and 2 are correct
C. 1, 2 and 3 are correct
D. 1, 2, 3 and 4 are correct

Correct Answer: C

20. Consider the following statements regarding the possible purposes of Bhimbetka paintings:

  1. Hunting-magic interpretations have been proposed.
  2. Ritual or shamanic interpretations have been proposed.
  3. Social and communicative functions have also been suggested.
  4. The exact purpose of all paintings has been conclusively established.

A. Only 1 is correct
B. 1 and 2 are correct
C. 1, 2 and 3 are correct
D. 1, 2, 3 and 4 are correct

Correct Answer: C

21. With reference to Bhimbetka’s rock art, consider the following statements:

  1. Red and white are among the dominant colours.
  2. Yellow, green, brown and black also occur.
  3. Blue is comparatively rare.
  4. The scarcity of blue proves that prehistoric communities could not perceive the colour blue.

A. Only 1 is correct
B. 1 and 2 are correct
C. 1, 2 and 3 are correct
D. 1, 2, 3 and 4 are correct

Correct Answer: C

22. Consider the following statements regarding the possible application techniques used by prehistoric artists at Bhimbetka:

  1. Fingers may have been used.
  2. Plant fibres or twigs could have served as applicators.
  3. Animal hair or feathers may have been used.
  4. The artists necessarily used modern manufactured paintbrushes.

A. Only 1 is correct
B. 1 and 2 are correct
C. 1, 2 and 3 are correct
D. 1, 2, 3 and 4 are correct

Correct Answer: C

23. With reference to Bhimbetka and later Indian folk traditions, consider the following statements:

  1. Visual similarities have been noted between Bhimbetka and some later folk or tribal traditions.
  2. Warli art is a living regional tradition associated particularly with Maharashtra.
  3. Gond is a living Central Indian artistic tradition.
  4. Similarity between Bhimbetka and later traditions conclusively proves uninterrupted artistic descent.

A. Only 1 is correct
B. 1 and 2 are correct
C. 1, 2 and 3 are correct
D. 1, 2, 3 and 4 are correct

Correct Answer: C

24. Consider the following statements regarding Bhimbetka’s archaeological significance:

  1. It provides evidence for a long sequence from the Palaeolithic into later periods.
  2. It combines archaeological evidence with extensive prehistoric rock art.
  3. It provides evidence of changing technologies, subsistence strategies and social life.
  4. Its significance is restricted only to the study of prehistoric painting.

A. Only 1 is correct
B. 1 and 2 are correct
C. 1, 2 and 3 are correct
D. 1, 2, 3 and 4 are correct

Correct Answer: C

25. With reference to Bhimbetka, consider the following statements:

  1. The site was inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List in 2003.
  2. Its earliest occupation belongs to the Lower Palaeolithic.
  3. The site contains evidence of Acheulean technology.
  4. Securely identified hominin fossils from Bhimbetka itself are known.

A. Only 1 is correct
B. 1 and 2 are correct
C. 1, 2 and 3 are correct
D. 1, 2, 3 and 4 are correct

Correct Answer: C

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