The correct option is (a) 1 and 2 only.
Explanation
The Neolithic Age, or the New Stone Age, marked a significant shift in human history characterized by the "Neolithic Revolution." This period is defined by the transition from hunting and gathering to settled agriculture and animal domestication. This shift in subsistence pattern necessitated the development of new types of tools and technology to clear forests, till the land, and process agricultural produce.
Statement-wise Analysis
- Statement 1 is Correct: The hallmark of the Neolithic period is the use of polished stone tools. Unlike the chipped and flaked tools of the Palaeolithic and Mesolithic ages, Neolithic tools (such as celts, axes, and adzes) were ground and polished to achieve a fine, sharp cutting edge, making them more effective for felling trees and agricultural tasks.
- Statement 2 is Correct: The introduction of agriculture required equipment to process grains and other plant foods. Mortars and pestles appear significantly in the archaeological record during this period for grinding grain. These tools have remained in use for food processing through subsequent ages up to the present day.
- Statement 3 is Incorrect: Bone tools were not completely replaced; rather, their usage often became more sophisticated. Sites like Burzahom (Kashmir) and Chirand (Bihar) are renowned for the abundance of bone tools (such as needles, scrapers, and arrowheads) found alongside stone tools.
- Statement 4 is Incorrect: Technological evolution in prehistory is generally cumulative. While new polished tools were introduced, tools of the Palaeolithic types (such as flake tools and blades) and Mesolithic microliths continued to be used for specific purposes where they remained effective. They were not completely discarded.
Key Takeaway
The Neolithic tool kit is distinguished by ground and polished stone tools (celts) and food-processing equipment like mortars and pestles, reflecting the needs of an agricultural society, while retaining the usage of bone tools and earlier lithic technologies.