Question

Where did A.C. Carlyle discover microliths in India ?

• A. Rock shelter of Mirzapur
• B. Rock shelter of Bhimbetka
• C. Burzahom
• D. Langhnaj

Hint:

A.C. Carlyle is remembered for discovering microliths in the rock shelters of Mirzapur, an important Mesolithic archaeological region in India.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is A

Concept: Microliths are very small stone tools usually associated with the Mesolithic period. These tools were made by prehistoric humans using fine stone-blade technology. The discovery of microliths in India was an important development in prehistoric archaeology because it helped scholars understand:
• Mesolithic culture,
• Hunting-gathering societies,
• Early technological development,
• Human adaptation to changing environments. A.C. Carlyle was among the early archaeologists who reported microlithic discoveries in India.

Step 1: Understanding microliths. Microliths are:
• Small stone tools,
• Usually made of chert or chalcedony,
• Geometric or blade-shaped,
• Used in hunting equipment. They are generally associated with: \[ Mesolithic Culture \]

Step 2: Identifying the contribution of A.C. Carlyle. A.C. Carlyle was an early British archaeologist who conducted explorations in prehistoric India. He discovered microliths from: \[ \boxed{\text{Rock shelters of Mirzapur}} \] These discoveries became extremely important for understanding Mesolithic settlements in India. Therefore: \[ \text{Option (A) is correct.} \]

Step 3: Analyzing the remaining options. Option (B): \[ \text{Rock shelter of Bhimbetka} \] Bhimbetka is indeed an important prehistoric site famous for rock paintings and Stone Age remains, but the question specifically asks about A.C. Carlyle’s discovery. Thus, this option is incorrect. Option (C): \[ \text{Burzahom} \] Burzahom is a Neolithic site in Kashmir known for pit dwellings. It is not associated with Carlyle’s microlith discovery. Hence, incorrect. Option (D): \[ \text{Langhnaj} \] Langhnaj is an important Mesolithic site in Gujarat, but it was not the place where A.C. Carlyle first discovered microliths. Hence, incorrect.

Step 4: Final conclusion. Therefore, the correct answer becomes: \[ \boxed{\text{(A) Rock shelter of Mirzapur}} \]