All questions of Prehistoric Period & Sources of Ancient History for UPSC CSE Exam

The first metal used by man was copper because it was easily available. Also, its properties like low melting point and malleability made it simple for humans to use it.

Harappan Sites in Gujarat

The Harappan civilization, also known as the Indus Valley civilization, thrived around 2500 BCE to 1900 BCE in the western part of the Indian subcontinent. Gujarat, located in the western region of India, is known for its rich archaeological sites related to the Harappan civilization. Among the given options, Banawali is the site that is not located in Gujarat.

Explanation:

1. Surkotada
- Surkotada is an archaeological site located in the district of Kutch in Gujarat.
- It is one of the important Harappan sites in Gujarat.
- Excavations at Surkotada have revealed a fortified settlement with evidence of a citadel, residential areas, and a cemetery.
- Numerous artifacts such as pottery, beads, tools, and animal remains have been found at the site, indicating the economic and cultural activities of the Harappan people.

2. Lothal
- Lothal is another significant Harappan site located near the village of Saragwala in the district of Ahmedabad in Gujarat.
- It was an important port city and a center of trade and commerce during the Harappan period.
- The site exhibits well-planned urban structures, including a dockyard, warehouses, residential areas, and a marketplace.
- The discovery of a large number of seals, beads, pottery, and a unique dockyard suggests Lothal's active participation in maritime trade.

3. Dholavira
- Dholavira is a major Harappan site located in the district of Kutch in Gujarat.
- It is one of the largest and most well-preserved Harappan cities.
- The site consists of a fortified citadel, a middle town, and a lower town.
- The unique features of Dholavira include an elaborate water management system, large-scale reservoirs, and well-planned urban structures.
- The discovery of the famous "Dholavira signboard" with Indus script has contributed to our understanding of the Harappan script.

4. Banawali
- Banawali is an archaeological site belonging to the Harappan civilization.
- However, it is not located in Gujarat, but in the Hisar district of Haryana.
- Banawali was discovered in 1974 and has revealed evidence of a fortified citadel, residential areas, and a cemetery.
- Excavations at Banawali have provided insights into the Harappan culture and its connection with other contemporary settlements.

In conclusion, among the given options, Banawali is the Harappan site that is not located in Gujarat. It is located in the Hisar district of Haryana. The other three sites, Surkotada, Lothal, and Dholavira, are significant Harappan sites located in Gujarat.

Despite the use of copper and bronze, stone tools were not given up. Some of the microlithic tools continued to be essential items. .People began to travel for a long distance to obtain metal ores. This led to a network of Chalcolithic cultures, and this culture was found in many parts of India.

• Iron, the metal central to this age, is mentioned frequently in the Vedas, ancient Indian scriptures. The Vedas describe its use in various tools, weapons, and ceremonial items.
• Iron's prevalence during this age indicates a shift in human society and technology. The discovery and mastering of iron smelting (the process of extracting iron from its ore) allowed for significant advancements in tool and weapon production.

• The Iron Age follows the Chalcolithic or Copper-Stone Age in the three-age system, a system of classifying archaeological periods into Stone Age, Bronze Age, and Iron Age. This system is often used in human prehistory and protohistory.
• The transition from the Chalcolithic Age to Iron Age is marked by the change in the material used for making tools and weapons, from copper and stone to iron.

• The Iron Age is not a specific period that occurred at the same time worldwide. Instead, its onset varies depending on geographical location and cultural context. For instance, Iron Age in the Middle East began around 1200 BC, while in India, it started around 1200 to 1000 BC.
• During the Iron Age, societies were typically organized into city-states or kingdoms. There was a marked increase in the complexity of social structures, trade networks, and warfare tactics.
• In terms of art and culture, the Iron Age saw the rise of literate civilizations, the spread of alphabetic scripts, and the development of philosophical and religious thoughts.

• The Palaeolithic Age, Copper-Stone Age, and Later Stone Age are not the correct answers because these periods are characterized by the use of stone and copper for tool production, not iron.

Explanation:

Statement 1: The Puranas and the epics do not provide definite dates for events and kings in ancient Indian history. They are considered more as religious and mythological texts rather than historical records, so they cannot be relied upon for accurate historical dating.

Statement 2: Kalidasa's Malavikagnimitram is a Sanskrit play that focuses on a romantic tale rather than providing historical insights into ancient Indian society, culture, and events. It is a work of literature rather than a historical document.

Statement 3: Panini's grammar, known as Ashtadhyayi, is a foundational text in the field of linguistics and grammar, not astronomy. It provides a detailed and comprehensive framework for understanding the structure of the Sanskrit language, but it does not offer any information on ancient Indian astronomy.
Therefore, the only correct statement among the given options is:

Option D: 2 Only

Analysis of the Given Pairs:

1. Alexander Cunningham: Discovery of Indus Valley Civilisation
This pair is incorrectly matched as Alexander Cunningham is known for his work in the field of Indian archaeology, particularly for his contributions to the study of ancient Indian history and art. He is not associated with the discovery of the Indus Valley Civilization.

2. R.D. Banerjee: Excavation of Mohenjodaro
This pair is correctly matched. R.D. Banerjee was an Indian archaeologist who led the excavations at Mohenjodaro, one of the major sites of the ancient Indus Valley Civilization.

3. James Prinsep: Decipherment of Brahmi Script
This pair is correctly matched. James Prinsep was a British scholar who played a key role in deciphering the Brahmi script, which led to a better understanding of ancient Indian inscriptions and texts.

4. Samudragupta: Issued coins depicting Ashwamedha
This pair is also correctly matched. Samudragupta, a powerful ruler of the Gupta Empire in ancient India, issued coins that depicted his successful performance of the Ashwamedha ritual, showcasing his military prowess and political achievements.
Therefore, out of the four pairs given, three pairs are correctly matched: R.D. Banerjee with the excavation of Mohenjodaro, James Prinsep with the decipherment of the Brahmi script, and Samudragupta with issuing coins depicting Ashwamedha.

Explanation:

Pair 1: Incorrect. Paleolithic Age Art generally depicts simple human activities and basic tools, not complex activities and advanced tools.

Pair 2: Correct. The Bhimbetka Caves are indeed located in Madhya Pradesh, India.

Pair 3: Correct. The first discovery of rock paintings was indeed made in India by Archaeologist Archibold Carlleyle in 1867-68.

Pair 4: Incorrect. Upper Paleolithic Art often depicts animals, handprints, and symbols rather than green paintings depicting dances.
Therefore, only two pairs are correctly matched in the given options.

Explanation:

1. First discovery of rock paintings in India:
- The first discovery of rock paintings in India was indeed made by Archaeologist Archibold Carlleyle in 1867-68.
- Carlleyle discovered these paintings in the Mirzapur district of Uttar Pradesh.

2. Bhimbetka Caves:
- Bhimbetka Caves were discovered in 1957-58 by Dr. Vishnu Wakankar.
- These caves are located in the Raisen district of Madhya Pradesh and exhibit nearly 400 painted rock shelters in five clusters.
- The paintings in these caves date back to the Upper Palaeolithic period, Mesolithic period, and Chalcolithic period.

3. Upper Palaeolithic period:
- The Upper Palaeolithic period is indeed characterized by the artistic depiction of simple human figures, activities, geometric designs, and symbols.
- This period is known for its cave paintings and rock art, showcasing the artistic abilities of early human societies.
Therefore, all three statements are correct. Archibold Carlleyle made the first discovery of rock paintings, Bhimbetka Caves exhibit numerous painted rock shelters, and the Upper Palaeolithic period is known for its artistic depictions.

Explanation:

Statement Analysis:
- Statement-I: The ancient Indian literature, including the Puranas and epics, provides reliable glimpses of the culture and civilization of the ancient times.
- Statement-II: Literary works such as Vishakhadatta's Mudrarakshasa and Kalidasa's Malavikagnimitram offer insights into ancient Indian society, culture, and historical events.

Correct Interpretation:
Both statements are correct in their own right. Statement-I highlights the significance of ancient Indian literature, particularly the Puranas and epics, in providing valuable insights into the culture and civilization of ancient times. On the other hand, Statement-II emphasizes the role of literary works like Mudrarakshasa and Malavikagnimitram in shedding light on various aspects of ancient Indian society, culture, and historical events.

Relation between the Statements:
While both statements independently convey the importance of ancient Indian literature in understanding the past, Statement-II does not directly explain Statement-I. Instead, it complements Statement-I by providing specific examples of literary works that contribute to our knowledge of ancient Indian society and historical events.
Therefore, the correct answer is option 'B': Both Statement-I and Statement-II are correct, but Statement-II does not explain Statement-I.

Explanation:

Statement-I:
- The prehistoric art during the Paleolithic Age mainly consisted of stick-like representations of human beings, depictions of animals, and geometric designs.
- This statement is correct as Paleolithic art often featured these elements due to the limited tools and materials available to early humans.

Statement-II:
- The Upper Paleolithic period in India witnessed the discovery of rock paintings in caves dating back to around 1867-68, before similar discoveries in other parts of the world.
- This statement is also correct as India is indeed known for its early rock paintings dating back to the Upper Paleolithic period, making it one of the earliest known locations for such art.
Therefore, both Statement-I and Statement-II are correct, but Statement-II does not directly explain Statement-I. The statements provide separate pieces of information about prehistoric art during the Paleolithic Age and the discovery of rock paintings in India.

Explanation:

Statement I:
- In the Mesolithic Period Art, the depiction of hunters in groups armed with barbed spears, pointed sticks, arrows, and bows is prevalent.
- This statement is correct as the Mesolithic Period was characterized by hunting and gathering societies, and the art from this period often depicted scenes of hunting activities.

Statement II:
- In the Chalcolithic Period Art, pottery and metal tools are depicted in paintings, revealing associations with settled agricultural communities of the Malwa Plateau.
- This statement is also correct as the Chalcolithic Period saw the emergence of settled agricultural communities and the use of pottery and metal tools. The art from this period often depicted these elements, showing the association with agricultural practices.
Therefore, both Statement I and Statement II are correct, but Statement II does not directly explain Statement I. They represent different periods in history with distinct characteristics and developments.

Explanation:

Statement-I:
- Archaeological evidence is obtained through systematic and skilled examination of building monuments and works of art.
- This statement is correct because archaeological evidence is indeed gathered through careful examination of various artifacts, monuments, and structures from the past.

Statement-II:
- Inscriptions provide the most reliable evidence, and the study of inscriptions is known as epigraphy.
- This statement is incorrect because while inscriptions can be an important source of information in archaeology, they are not always the most reliable evidence. Other artifacts and sources like pottery, tools, and human remains also provide valuable insights into the past.
Therefore, the correct answer is option 'C' - Statement-I is correct, but Statement-II is incorrect.