The correct option is 1, 2 and 3 only.
Explanation
The timeline of human civilization is categorized into Prehistory, Proto-history, and History based on the availability of written records. The Prehistoric period is strictly defined as the era preceding the invention of writing and recorded scripts.
Statement-wise Analysis:
- Statement 1 is Correct: Rock weapons and stone tools (such as hand axes, cleavers, and microliths) are the most abundant and significant artifacts from the Paleolithic, Mesolithic, and Neolithic ages. They provide evidence of hunting and survival strategies.
- Statement 2 is Correct: Ceramics (pottery) emerged prominently during the Neolithic period. The study of pottery types (e.g., Ochre Coloured Pottery) helps archaeologists date sites and understand the cultural evolution of prehistoric societies.
- Statement 3 is Correct: Bones (fossils and skeletal remains) of humans and animals are critical for understanding the biological evolution, dietary habits, and domestication practices of prehistoric humans.
- Statement 4 is Incorrect: Written manuscripts imply the existence of a script and literacy. The presence of written records marks the transition from Prehistory to the Historic period. Therefore, manuscripts are not artifacts of the Prehistoric period.
Key Takeaway:
The fundamental difference between Prehistory and History is the presence of written evidence. Prehistory relies exclusively on archaeological remains (stone tools, pottery, bones, rock art), while the Historic period is characterized by decipherable written records.