All questions of Writing and City Life for UPSC CSE Exam

The correct answer is option 'B': 539 BCE.

Explanation:
The Achaemenids were a dynasty of ancient Persia (modern-day Iran) that ruled from approximately 550 BCE to 330 BCE. They were known for their vast empire, which at its height stretched from Egypt to India.

The conquest of Babylon by the Achaemenids is an important event in ancient history, as it marked the end of the Neo-Babylonian Empire and the beginning of Persian rule in the region.

The Achaemenid king who conquered Babylon was Cyrus the Great, the founder of the Achaemenid Empire. Cyrus had already established himself as a powerful ruler by defeating the Median Empire and uniting the various Persian tribes.

The conquest of Babylon by Cyrus the Great can be dated to 539 BCE. Here's a detailed explanation of the events leading up to the conquest:

1. Rise of Cyrus the Great:
- Cyrus the Great became king of Anshan, a small kingdom in Persia, around 559 BCE.
- He gradually expanded his territory by conquering neighboring regions and tribes, including the Medes.

2. Fall of the Neo-Babylonian Empire:
- The Neo-Babylonian Empire, ruled by King Nabonidus, was facing internal problems.
- Nabonidus spent much of his reign outside of Babylon, leaving his son Belshazzar in charge.
- Belshazzar's leadership was ineffective, and the empire was weakened.

3. Cyrus' Campaigns:
- Cyrus saw an opportunity to expand his empire and launched a campaign against the Neo-Babylonian Empire.
- He initially captured the city of Opis, located on the Tigris River, in 539 BCE.
- The Babylonian army, led by Belshazzar, marched out to confront Cyrus but was defeated.

4. Capture of Babylon:
- Cyrus approached Babylon and laid siege to the city.
- The Babylonian defenses were strong, with massive walls and a moat protecting the city.
- However, Cyrus devised a plan to divert the flow of the Euphrates River that ran through the city.
- With the river level lowered, his troops were able to enter Babylon through the riverbed.

5. Cyrus as the Conqueror:
- Cyrus was welcomed as a liberator by the people of Babylon, who were unhappy with the rule of Belshazzar.
- He presented himself as a benevolent ruler and allowed the temples and religious institutions to continue functioning.
- This policy of tolerance towards local customs and religions helped him gain the support of the diverse population of his empire.

In conclusion, the Achaemenids of Iran, under the leadership of Cyrus the Great, conquered Babylon in 539 BCE. This event marked the end of the Neo-Babylonian Empire and the beginning of Persian rule in the region.

In spite of natural fertility, agriculture was subject to hazards. The natural outlet channels of the Euphrates would have too much water one year and flood the crops, and sometimes they would change course altogether. 

A declaration was made about the willingness to marry, the bride’s parents giving their consent to the marriage.

Reason for Choosing Option C
The palace of Mari had several impressive features, but the room with awe-inspiring wall paintings stands out as the most likely element to impress foreign dignitaries.
Significance of Wall Paintings
- Cultural Display: The wall paintings were a representation of the artistic and cultural achievements of the Mari civilization, showcasing their values, beliefs, and societal norms.
- Visual Impact: Awe-inspiring wall paintings would visually captivate visitors, creating a lasting impression of both the palace and its inhabitants.
Contrast with Other Features
- Solitary Entrance: While unique, a single entrance does not convey the grandeur or sophistication of the palace itself.
- Spacious Courtyards: Although spacious courtyards may provide a sense of openness, they lack the artistic and cultural significance that wall paintings convey.
- White-Paved Courtyards: The beauty of the courtyards is notable, but it is the artistic expression in the wall paintings that would evoke admiration and respect.
Conclusion
In summary, the room with wall paintings (option C) would most likely leave a profound impression on foreign dignitaries, as it not only showcases the artistic talent of the time but also serves as a symbol of the king's power and the cultural richness of the Mari civilization. The combination of visual beauty and cultural significance makes option C the standout feature.

The earliest form of writing in Mesopotamia was known as Cuneiform

Cuneiform writing was the earliest form of writing in Mesopotamia, dating back to around 3500 BC. It was developed by the Sumerians and later adopted by other civilizations in the region. Here are some key points about Cuneiform:

Origin
- Cuneiform writing was developed by the ancient Sumerians in Mesopotamia.
- The word "cuneiform" comes from the Latin word "cuneus" meaning wedge, as the writing was done by pressing a wedge-shaped stylus into clay tablets.

Form
- Cuneiform was primarily written on clay tablets using a wedge-shaped stylus.
- The writing consisted of a series of wedge-shaped marks that represented different sounds and concepts.

Use
- Cuneiform was used for a variety of purposes including record-keeping, administrative documents, religious texts, and literature.
- It was also used by other civilizations in the region such as the Babylonians and Assyrians.

Evolution
- Over time, cuneiform writing evolved and became more sophisticated with the development of new signs and symbols.
- Different versions of cuneiform were used by various civilizations in Mesopotamia.

Legacy
- Cuneiform writing was an important development in the history of writing and communication.
- It laid the foundation for other writing systems that followed, such as the Phoenician alphabet.

In conclusion, Cuneiform was the earliest form of writing in Mesopotamia, developed by the Sumerians and later adopted by other civilizations in the region. It was a significant advancement in the history of writing and communication.

The Domestication and Cultivation Shift
The domestication of animals and the cultivation of crops indeed led to a fundamental transformation in human societies. This transition marked the shift from nomadic lifestyles, where groups moved frequently in search of food, to settled communities that could sustain themselves through agriculture.
Key Points:
- Significance of the Shift:
- The transition allowed people to establish permanent settlements.
- It facilitated population growth and the development of social structures.
- Timeframe:
- This major change occurred around 8000-6000 BCE.
- It aligns with the advent of the Neolithic Revolution.
Development of Complex Societies
As a result of this shift:
- Emergence of Civilizations:
- Surplus food production led to the specialization of labor.
- This specialization contributed to the rise of complex societies and early civilizations.
- Cultural Advancements:
- Settled lifestyles promoted the development of trade, writing, and governance.
Conclusion
Given that both the Assertion and Reason are accurate, and the Reason provides a direct explanation for the Assertion, option 'A' is correct. The domestication of animals and agriculture not only transformed lifestyles but also laid the groundwork for future societal advancements, marking an essential turning point in human history.