Worksheet: History (Class 9) Chapter 4 – The Stone Age: The Earliest People

 Worksheet: History (Class 9)

Chapter 4 – The Stone Age: The Earliest People

Section A – Very Short Answer (1 mark each)

(Answer in one or two sentences)

• Who were hunter-gatherers?
• What is meant by a nomadic life?
• Name one use of fire in early human life.
• What are microliths?
• Which period is known as the New Stone Age?
• Name one Neolithic site in India.
• What was the main occupation in the Palaeolithic Age?
• What is domestication of animals?
• Which age saw the invention of the wheel?
• What were scrapers used for?

Section B – Short Answer (2–3 marks)

• Describe any three features of early humans.
• Write differences between Palaeolithic and Mesolithic Age.
• What changes took place in the Neolithic Age?
• Why was fire important for early humans?
• Explain the importance of stone tools.

Section C – Long Answer (4–5 marks)

• Describe the three stages of the Palaeolithic Period.
• Explain the major features of the Mesolithic Age.
• Discuss the importance of agriculture in the Neolithic Age.
• Explain how the invention of the wheel changed human life.

Section D – Case Studies (Answer the questions that follow)

Case Study 1: Life of Early Humans

The earliest humans lived millions of years ago and depended entirely on nature. They hunted animals and gathered fruits, roots, and seeds for survival. They did not have permanent homes and moved from place to place in search of food, leading a nomadic life. Early humans lived in caves, rock shelters, or under trees. They made simple tools from stones for cutting, hunting, and protection. Over time, they discovered fire, which became an important part of their lives. Fire provided warmth, protection from wild animals, and helped in cooking food. Living in groups helped them survive harsh conditions and provided safety.

Questions:

Why are early humans called hunter-gatherers?

What type of lifestyle did early humans follow?

How did the discovery of fire help them?

Where did early humans live?

Case Study 2: Transition to the Mesolithic Age

The Mesolithic Age marked a transitional phase between the Old Stone Age and the New Stone Age. During this time, tools became smaller, sharper, and more efficient; these tools are called microliths. Humans continued hunting and gathering but became more skilled in these activities. They also began fishing and domesticating animals like dogs. Climate changes after the Ice Age encouraged humans to settle near rivers and lakes. Although they still moved around, they started staying longer in one place, becoming semi-nomadic. Art also began to develop during this period, with rock paintings depicting hunting scenes and daily life.

Questions:

What are microliths?

Why is the Mesolithic Age called a transitional phase?

What new activities began during this period?

Where did people prefer to settle and why?

Case Study 3: Neolithic Revolution

The Neolithic Age brought major changes in human life and is often called the Neolithic Revolution. During this time, humans began practising agriculture and started growing crops such as wheat, barley, and rice. They also domesticated animals like cattle, sheep, and goats for food, farming, and transport. People started living in permanent settlements near rivers, leading to the development of villages. Tools became more advanced and polished. Pottery was developed for storing and cooking food. One of the most important inventions was the wheel, which improved transport and trade. These changes laid the foundation for the development of civilization.

Questions:

Why is the Neolithic Age called a revolution?

Name two crops grown during this period.

What were the uses of domesticated animals?

How did the invention of the wheel help humans?

Section E – Assertion & Reason (1 mark each)

(Choose the correct option:)

A. Both A and R are true and R is the correct explanation of A

B. Both A and R are true but R is not the correct explanation of A

C. A is true but R is false

D. A is false but R is true

Assertion (A): Early humans lived a nomadic life.

Reason (R): They had permanent houses and farms.

Assertion (A): Microliths were used in the Mesolithic Age.

Reason (R): Tools became smaller and sharper during this period.

Assertion (A): Agriculture began in the Neolithic Age.

Reason (R): People depended only on hunting and gathering.

Assertion (A): Fire was important for early humans.

Reason (R): It helped them in cooking and protection.

Assertion (A): The wheel was an important invention.

Reason (R): It helped in faster transport and trade.

Section F – Fill in the Blanks (1 mark each)

• The earliest humans are known as __________.
• The Old Stone Age is called the __________ Age.
• Small stone tools used in the Mesolithic Age are called __________.
• The Neolithic Age is also known as the __________ Stone Age.
• Early humans discovered __________, which helped in cooking food.
• __________ is one of the most famous Palaeolithic sites in India.
• People started living in permanent settlements during the __________ Age.
• Early humans used __________ tools for hunting and protection.
• Domestication means __________ animals.
• The invention of the __________ helped in transport.

Section G – Match the Following (1 mark each)

Column A                                                         Column B

1. Palaeolithic Age                                                (a) Beginning of agriculture

2. Mesolithic Age                                                 (b) Microliths

3. Neolithic Age                                                 (c) Hunting and gathering

4. Bhimbetka                                                         (d) Rock shelters

5. Wheel                                                                 (e) Transport and pottery

Section H – Creative Thinking Questions (3–4 marks)

• Imagine you are living in the Palaeolithic Age. Write a short paragraph describing your daily life.
• Why do you think the discovery of agriculture is called a “revolution”? Explain with reasons.
• If the wheel had not been invented, how would human life be different today? Give your opinion.
• Compare the life of a hunter-gatherer with that of a Neolithic farmer. Which life do you think was easier and why?
• Suppose you discovered a new Stone Age site. What kind of tools or evidence would you expect to find?

Section I – Map Skills & Map Work (4–5 marks)

On an outline map of India, mark the following important prehistoric sites:

• Bhimbetka Rock Shelters
• Bagor
• Langhnaj
• Koldihwa
• Burzahom

Identify the states where these sites are located and label them correctly.

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