Moving Forward from the Stone Age Notes Class 9 History Chapter 1 Kerala Syllabus Questions and Answers

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Kerala Syllabus 9th Standard Social Science History Notes Chapter 1 Moving Forward from the Stone Age

Class 9 Social Science History Chapter 1 Notes Question Answer Kerala Syllabus Moving Forward from the Stone Age

Class 9 History Chapter 1 Notes Kerala Syllabus English Medium

Question 1.
From the excerpt of Jawaharlal Nehru’s ‘Letters from a Father to his daughter.’ What does he say about the kind of tools that were used by humans to protect themselves from wild animals?
Answer:

• Stone axe
• Spears
• Fine stones
• Needles

Question 2.
What could be the purposes for which humans in that period used such tools?
Answer:

• To protect themselves from animals
• For hunting
• For agriculture
• To cook

Question 3.
The pictures given below are the different tools used by primitive humans during different phases of the Palaeolithic Age. Observe them and list out the features of these tools.

Answer:

• Crafted from naturally occurring stones.
• Simple design, often with minimal modification.
• Edges may be retouched for better cutting or scraping.
• Often used as core tools, providing material for secondary tools.
• Come in varied sizes and shapes based on available materials.
• Used for cutting, scraping, and chopping.

Question 4.
Observe the pictures given below. Do the tools in the picture resemble any tool that you are familiar with? If yes, which are they?

Answer:

• Harpoon
• Arrowheads
• Javelin
• Needle

Question 5.
Conduct a discussion on the topic ‘Tool making and Technological Development during the Palaeolithic Period.’
Answer:
During the Palaeolithic Period, tool-making was crucial for early humans survival and marked a significant stage in technological development. Using stones and other natural materials, they crafted simple tools like pebble tools, hand axes, and blades. These tools served various purposes, from hunting and gathering to cutting and scraping.

The process of making tools evolved over time, showing advancements in techniques and skills. Additionally, tool-making reflects the good abilities and problem-solving skills of early humans, representing their adaptation to their environment and improving their chances of survival. Thus, tool-making during the Palaeolithic Period was not only a means of meeting practical needs but also a key factor in the progress of human civilisation.

Question 6.
Note down the features of the Palaeolithic centres mentioned on the world map.

Answer:

• All these centres are located in European countries
• The mentioned places on the maps are Zaraysk, La Garma Cave, Chauvet Cave, Cussac Cave and Lascaux Cave.

Zaraysk:

• Located in Russia, Zaraysk is known for its archaeological site containing evidence of human habitation dating back to the Palaeolithic period.
• Excavations at Zaraysk have revealed stone tools, bone artefacts, and end of ancient structures, providing insights into early human life and culture in the region.

La Garma Cave:

• Situated in Cantabria, northern Spain, La Garma Cave is famous for its Palaeolithic rock art and archaeological deposits.
• The cave contains evidence of human occupation spread over tens of thousands of years, with artefacts such as tools, bones, and artwork found within its chambers.

Chauvet Cave:

• Located in the Ardèche region of southern France, Chauvet Cave is famous for its exceptionally wellpreserved Palaeolithic rock art.
• The cave contains some of the earliest known examples of cave paintings, dating back over 30,000 years.

Cussac Cave:

• Situated in the Dordogne region of France, Cussac Cave is known for its Palaeolithic rock art and archaeological deposits.
• The cave contains numerous galleries enriched with prehistoric paintings and engravings depicting animals, human figures, and abstract symbols.

Lascaux Cave:

• Located in the Dordogne region of southwestern France, Lascaux Cave is famous for its Palaeolithic cave paintings, often referred to as the “Sistine Chapel of Prehistory.”
• The cave contains some of the most well-known examples of prehistoric art, dating back over 17,000 years.

Question 7.
Look at the pictures given below and list down the activities depicted in them.

Answer:

• Hunting
• Farming
• Dancing
• Cooking
• Fishing
• Entertainment

Question 8.
List the differences between Palaeolithic and Mesolithic human life.
Answer:

Palaeolithic Age	Mesolithic Age
Rough stone tools were used.	Micro stone tools were used.
Engaged in hunting and gathering	Apart from hunting and gathering, they also engaged in Fishing.
Lived in Bonds	Animals were domesticated

Question 9.
What are the changes in the Neolithic Age mentioned in the description of “Man makes himself” by Gordon?
Answer:

• Man control over his own food supply
• Man began to plant, cultivate and improve by selection.

Question 10.
Complete the table below by observing the world map and find out the countries in which Neolithic sites are located.

Answer:

Neolithic Age Centre	Country
Jerico	Palestine
Jarmo	Iraq
Ah Kosh	Iran
Mehrgarh	Pakistan

Question 11.
Pictures of Neolithic tools are given here. Observe them and find out their features.

Answer:

• Polished tools
• Grinding and polished tools
•  Composite tools

Question 12.
Present the information on Neolithic changes in the form of a flowchart.
Answer:

• Domestication of animals
• Beginning of agriculture
• Introduction of Pottery
• Usage of bricks made of clay
• Engage in other occupations

Question 13.
Analyse the different Stone Age periods on the basis of the hints given below, prepare a digital magazine and present it to the Social Science Club.
(Hints:Tools, Ways of living,communication)
Answer:

Hints	Palaeolithic age	Mesolithic age	Neolithic age
Tools	Rough stone tools	Micro stone tools	Polished stone tools
Ways of living	Hunting, gathering	Hunting, gathering and fishing	Animal husbandry
Communication	Cave painting	Cave painting	Cave painting

Question 14.
What are the advantages of copper tools over stone tools?
Answer:

• Can be changed into a suitable shape and form
• Durability
• Copper tools can be sharpened more easily and maintain their sharp edge for longer periods compared to stone tools, enhancing their cutting and scraping efficiency.
• Copper tools are typically lighter than equivalent stone tools, making them easier to handle and reducing fatigue during prolonged use.
• Copper is an excellent conductor of heat and electricity, which can be advantageous in certain applications such as cooking or metalworking.

Question 15.
List out the Bronze Age civilisations.
Answer:

• Mesopotamian civilisation
• Harappan civilisation
• Egyptian civilisation
• Chinese civilisation

Question 16.
Organise a seminar on the changes from the Stone Age to the Metal Age.
Answer:
(Hints) From Stone to Steel: A Look at the Metal Age Revolution

Introduction

• Briefly introduce the Stone Age and its way of life (hunting, gathering, basic tools).
• Highlight the discovery of metalworking as a turning point in human history.

The Rise of Metal

• Discuss the transition period (Chalcolithic Age) where stone and copper tools are co-existed.
• Explain the development of bronze (copper and tin) and its advantages over stone (stronger, more durable).
• Briefly touch upon the later discovery of iron and its impact.

A World Transformed

• Explore how metal tools revolutionised agriculture (axes, ploughs), leading to increased food production and settled societies.
• Discuss the development of new weapons and conflict with the advent of metal.
• Mention the rise of craftsmanship and the creation of new objects (jewellery, armour).

Conclusion

• Briefly summarise the key changes brought about by the Metal Age.
• Emphasize the shift from a nomadic to a more permanent lifestyle and the rise of complex societies.
• This seminar provides a concise overview of the dramatic changes that occurred during the transition from the Stone Age to the Metal Age.

Moving Forward from the Stone Age Class 9 Extended Activities

Question 1.
Make a digital album with pictures of weapons and tools used by primitive humans.
Answer:

Question 2.
Make models of weapons and tools used by humans in different stages of Stone Age and display them in the Social Science class.
Answer:

Question 3.
Make a digital presentation about the major changes in the progress of human history.
Answer:
Title Slide:

• Title: ” Human History: Major Changes and Milestones”
• Presenter: [Your Name]
• Date: [Presentation Date]

Slide 1: Introduction

• Welcome to our presentation on the major changes in human history.
• Today, we’ll take a journey through time, exploring significant milestones that have shaped the course of civilisation.

Slide 2: Prehistoric Era

• The journey begins in the Prehistoric Era, spanning millions of years.
• Key developments: tool-making, fire discovery, cave art, and the transition from nomadic huntergatherer societies to settled agricultural communities.

Slide 3: Ancient Civilisations

• Next, we enter the era of Ancient Civilizations, around 3000 BCE to 500 CE .
• Explore the achievements of Mesopotamia, Egypt, the Indus Valley, China, Greece, and Rome.
• Major advancements: writing systems, monumental architecture, legal codes, and early forms of governance.

Slide 4: The Middle Ages

• The Middle Ages ( 500 CE to 1500 CE) was marked by the fall of the Roman Empire and the rise of feudalism.
• Key themes: feudal societies, medieval kingdoms, the spread of Christianity, and the Byzantine Empire.

Slide 5: The Renaissance

• The Renaissance (14th to 17th century)
• Focus on art, literature, science, and humanism.
• Notable figures: Leonardo da Vinci,
  Michelangelo, and Galileo Galilei.

Slide 6: The Age of Exploration

• The Age of Exploration (15th to 17 th century) fueled by technological advancements and the search for new trade routes.
• Discoveries: Christopher Columbus’ voyages, Vasco da Gama’s sea route to India, and the circumnavigation of the globe by Ferdinand Magellan.

Slide 7: The Industrial Revolution

• The Industrial Revolution (18th to 19th century) transformed societies with the introduction of mechanised manufacturing.
• Impacts: urbanisation, mass production, and the rise of capitalism.
• Innovations: steam engine, textile machinery, and advances in transportation.

Slide 8: The Modern Era

• The Modern Era (20th century to present) is characterised by rapid technological advancements and globalisation.
• Major events: World Wars, the Cold War, the Space Age, and the Information Age.
• Transformations: telecommunications, space exploration, and the digital revolution.

Slide 9: Conclusion

• Our journey through human history highlights the resilience, innovation, and adaptability of our species.
• Despite challenges, humanity continues to progress, shaping the world we live in today.
• Thank you for joining us on this exploration of our shared past.

Question 4.
Prepare an atlas and mark the places related to the life of early humans.
Answer:
(Hints: mark the below places in an atlas)
Below is an atlas highlighting key locations related to the life of early humans:
1. East Africa

• Rift Valley: Believed to be the birthplace of Homo sapiens.
• Olduvai Gorge: Site of numerous hominin fossil discoveries, indicating early human occupation.

2. Southwest Asia (Middle East)

• Levant Region: Early humans migrated from Africa into this area around 100,000 years ago.
• Mount Carmel: Location of significant Neanderthal and early human archaeological sites.

3. Europe

• Atapuerca Mountains, Spain: Site of important hominin fossils, including Homo antecessor and Homo heidelbergensis.
• Denisova Cave, Siberia: Where the Denisovans, a lesser-known human species, lived.

4. Asia

• Zhoukoudian, China: Site of Homo erectus fossils, known as “Peking Man.”
• Niah Caves, Bomeo: Evidence of early human occupation dating back over 40,000 years.

5. Africa

• Omo Valley, Ethiopia: Fossils of early Homo sapiens discovered here.
• Blombos Cave, South Africa: Rich archaeological site containing evidence of early human cultural behaviour.

6. Australia

• Lake Mungo: Site of ancient native remains dating back over 40,000 years.

7. America

• Monte Verde, Chile: One of the earliest known human settlements in the America, dating back around 14,000 years.
• Clovis, New Mexico, USA: Site of the Clovis culture, one of the earliest known cultures in North America.

8. Middle East

• Jericho, Palestine: One of the earliest. continuously inhabited cities, dating back to around 10,000 BCE.

9. India

• Bhimbetka, Madhya Pradesh: Site of ancient rock shelters with evidence of early human occupation dating back to ten thousands of years.

10. Indonesia

• Flores Island: Where Homo floresiensis, also known as “the hobbit,” lived around 50,000 to 100,000 years ago.
  These locations offer insights into the distribution and evolution of early humans across different regions of the world.

Std 9 History Chapter 1 Notes Kerala Syllabus Extra Question Answer

Question 1.
Using of copper and tin tools is known as ………… age.
Answer:
Bronze age

Question 2.
Define Palaeolithic age.
Answer:

• The term ‘Palaeolithic’ is derived from two Greek words ‘palaeos’ (old) and ‘lithos’ (stone).
• The characteristic feature of the Palaeolithic age is the use of rough (unpolished) stone tools.
• Man obtained food collectively.

Question 3.
Define bands?
Answer:
Bands are small groups of fewer than a hundred members. Band members were bound by blood relation.

Question 4.
What are the information we receive from the cave paintings of early man?
Answer:

• Early man gathered food by hunting animals.
• Early man engaged in entertainment.
• Early man interacted with animals.
• Early man had artistic expertise.

Question 5.
Why Neolithic Age is known as the Neolithic Revolution?
Answer:
The society came to include different occupational groups. This resulted in significant changes in the social formation. The basis of the progress humans have achieved today can be seen in the changes during the Neolithic age. With reference to these changes, Gordon Childe, a renowned archaeologist, named this period as ‘Neolithic Revolution’.

Question 6.
———- is the transition period between the stone age and the metal age.
Answer:
Chalcolithic age

Question 7.
Write a note on the Stone Age.
Answer:
The Stone Age can be classified into:

• Palaeolithic Age
• Mesolithic Age
• Neolithic Age

Palaeolithic age

• The term ‘Palaeolithic’ is derived from two Greek words ‘palaeos’ (old) and ‘lithos’ (stone).
• The characteristic feature of the Palaeolithic age is the use of rough (unpolished) stone tools.
• Man obtained food collectively.
• The Palaeolithic humans hunted collectively.

Mesolithic age

• The word ‘Mesolithic’ is derived from two Greek words ‘mesos’ (middle) and ‘lithos’ (stone).
• The Mesolithic is the stage of transition from the Palaeolithic to the Neolithic.
• In India, the development of communication was mainly seen during this Mesolithic age.

Features of the Mesolithic age:

• Use of microliths or very small stone tools
• Indications of domestication of animals
• Amusements
• Division of labour based on gender
• Apart from hunting and gathering, fishing also became a means of livelihood.

Neolithic age

• The word ‘Neolithic’ is derived from the words ‘neos’ (new) and ‘lithos’ (stone).
• This is the period of radical change in human life
• Humans started new ways of living during the Neolithic period. They are:
• Domestication of animals
• Beginning of agriculture
• Based on available evidence, archaeologists say that agriculture began in this area. This region is known as the ‘Fertile Crescent’.

Question 8.
How human history is classified?
Answer:
Investigaling early human life is like discovering a hidden treasure of our common past.
Archaeologists divide human history into two:

• Stone age
• Metal age

Question 9.
Define Palaeolithic age.
Answer:

• The term ‘Palaeolithic’ is derived from two Greek words ‘palaeos’ (old) and ‘lithos’ (stone).
• The characteristic feature of the Palaeolithic age is the use of rough (unpolished) stone tools.
• Man obtained food collectively.
• The Palaeolithic humans hunted collectively.
• Archaeologists point out that there were three main stages in the use of tools. They are given below.

Question 10.
Define Mesolithic age.
Answer:

• The word ‘Mesolithic’ is derived from two Greek words ‘mesos’ (middle) and ‘lithos’ (stone).
• The Mesolithic is the stage of transition from the Palaeolithic to the Neolithic.
• In India, the development of communication was mainly seen during this Mesolithic age.

Question 11.
Distinguish between the Neolithic age and the Mesolithic age.
Answer:
Features of the Mesolithic age:

• Use of microliths or very small stone tools
• Indications of domestication of animals
• Amusements
• Division of labour based on gender
• Apart from hunting and gathering, fishing also became a means of livelihood.

Neolithic Age:

• The word ‘Neolithic’ is derived from the words ‘neos’ (new) and ‘lithos’ (stone).
• This is the period of radical change in human life
• Humans started new ways of living during the Neolithic period. They are:
  i. Domestication of animals
  ii. Beginning of agriculture
• Based on available evidence, archaeologists say that agriculture began in this area. This region is known as the ‘Fertile Crescent.
• Factors that led humans to begin agriculture and domestication of animals:
  i. Population growth
  ii. An increase in the number of human settlements
  iii. Complex social organisation
  iv. Shortage of food products
  v. Change in technology

The society came to include different occupational groups. This resulted in significant changes in the social formation. With reference to these changes, Gordon Childe, a renowned archaeologist, named this period as ‘Neolithic Revolution’.

Question 12.
Point out any two reasons for the change of humans from food gathering to food production during the Neolithic Age.
Answer:
Scarcity of food and population growth

Question 13.
Identify the progress in human life during the Mesolithic Age.
Answer:
Early man began settled life and was also able to hunt animals. They also used bows and arrows for hunting.

Question 14.
What is Varna system?
Answer:
There were four Varnas. Brahmins were those who engaged in priestly rites, Kshatriyas were those who governed and guarded the kingdom, Vaishyas were those who engaged in agriculture and trade, and Sudras served all these three sections.

Question 15.
Define Vedic age.
Answer:

• The period of Vedic age falls between 1500 BCE and 600 BCE
• After the decline of the Harappan civilisation, the Aryans entered the Sapta Sindhu (northh-west India) region.
• They spoke a language that belonged to the Indo-European family of languages. Based on linguistic evidence, Aryans are believed to be the natives of Central Asia.

Question 16.
What are the two divisions of the Vedic age?
Answer:
The Vedic period is divided into two:

• Early Vedic Period (the period when Rigveda was composed)
• Later Vedic Period (the period when Yajur, Sama and Atharva Vedas were composed)

Early Vedic Period	Later Vedic period
Sapta Sindhu region	Extended up to the Gangetic plain
Pastoral economy	Agriculture was given importance
Comparatively higher social status for women	The social status of women declined
The forest was cleared and burned for cultivation	Use of iron
The society consisted of many tribes	The Varna system became stronger
Natural forces were worshipped	New deities came to be worshipped

Question 17.
What is meant by Bronze Age?
Answer:
Urbanisation begins, when a region comes to be densely populated, where the majority earned their means of living through non-agrarian activities, such as crafts, trade, etc. Wide streets, public buildings, better facilities, busy life and entertainment are the hallmarks of such an urban life. The Harappan civilisation in India belongs to the Bronze Age. Cities like Harappa, Mohenjodaro, Lothal, etc., the well-planned public buildings, Great Bath, houses, streets, drainage system, granaries and the presence of various types of crafts and trade are clear evidences of urbanisation.