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Until recently the main evidence for fixing the date of the Indus Valley Civilization was the seals found in West Asia in levels ascribable to the reign of Sargon of Akkad and its date was fixed at 2500-1500 B.C. But which method is the latest in fixing the date of Indus Valley Civilization?
  • a)
    Linguistic analysis
  • b)
    Carbon-14 determinations
  • c)
    Comparative analysis
  • d)
    Mesopotamians seals
Correct answer is option 'B'. Can you explain this answer?
Verified Answer
Until recently the main evidence for fixing the date of the Indus Vall...
Carbon – 14 is an isotope of Carbon which is radioactive. We know that its half life is 5730 years, that is, it takes certain number of carbon 14 atoms to become half in number in 5730 years. Using this information and calculating the present radiation from the seals of IVC, the scientist can get a better estimates with respect to the age of those seals.
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Until recently the main evidence for fixing the date of the Indus Vall...
LATEST METHOD IN FIXING THE DATE OF INDUS VALLEY CIVILIZATION: CARBON-14 DETERMINATIONS

Carbon-14 determinations have emerged as the latest method in fixing the date of the Indus Valley Civilization. This method utilizes radiocarbon dating to determine the age of organic materials and archaeological artifacts. It has provided significant insights into the timeline of the civilization and has challenged some previously held notions.

Explanation:

1. Carbon-14 Dating Process:
Carbon-14 dating, also known as radiocarbon dating, relies on the fact that carbon-14 (C-14) is an isotope of carbon that is naturally present in the atmosphere. Living organisms continuously absorb carbon, including the radioactive isotope C-14, through the process of photosynthesis or consumption of plants and animals. When an organism dies, it no longer takes in carbon, and the C-14 within it begins to decay at a known rate.

2. Application of Carbon-14 Dating:
In the case of the Indus Valley Civilization, carbon-14 dating has been used to analyze organic materials such as wood, charcoal, and bones found at various archaeological sites. By measuring the remaining amount of C-14 in these materials, scientists can estimate the age of the artifacts and the sites they were found in.

3. Significance of Carbon-14 Determinations:
Carbon-14 determinations have provided a more accurate and reliable method for dating the Indus Valley Civilization. This method has allowed archaeologists to establish a more precise chronology for the civilization and its various phases. By dating different layers of the archaeological sites, researchers can trace the development and decline of the civilization over time.

4. Revising Previous Assumptions:
While the seals found in West Asia were previously considered the main evidence for dating the Indus Valley Civilization, carbon-14 determinations have challenged this assumption. The new method has revealed that the civilization existed much earlier than previously thought, with some sites dating back to as early as 3300 BCE. This pushes back the timeline of the civilization and provides a more comprehensive understanding of its origins and development.

Conclusion:
In conclusion, carbon-14 determinations have emerged as the latest and most reliable method for fixing the date of the Indus Valley Civilization. By analyzing organic materials using radiocarbon dating, archaeologists have been able to establish a more accurate chronology for the civilization and challenge previous assumptions. This method has provided valuable insights into the timeline and development of one of the world's oldest known civilizations.
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Until recently the main evidence for fixing the date of the Indus Valley Civilization was the seals found in West Asia in levels ascribable to the reign of Sargon of Akkad and its date was fixed at 2500-1500 B.C. But which method is the latest in fixing the date of Indus Valley Civilization?a)Linguistic analysisb)Carbon-14 determinationsc)Comparative analysisd)Mesopotamians sealsCorrect answer is option 'B'. Can you explain this answer?
Question Description
Until recently the main evidence for fixing the date of the Indus Valley Civilization was the seals found in West Asia in levels ascribable to the reign of Sargon of Akkad and its date was fixed at 2500-1500 B.C. But which method is the latest in fixing the date of Indus Valley Civilization?a)Linguistic analysisb)Carbon-14 determinationsc)Comparative analysisd)Mesopotamians sealsCorrect answer is option 'B'. Can you explain this answer? for UPSC 2025 is part of UPSC preparation. The Question and answers have been prepared according to the UPSC exam syllabus. Information about Until recently the main evidence for fixing the date of the Indus Valley Civilization was the seals found in West Asia in levels ascribable to the reign of Sargon of Akkad and its date was fixed at 2500-1500 B.C. But which method is the latest in fixing the date of Indus Valley Civilization?a)Linguistic analysisb)Carbon-14 determinationsc)Comparative analysisd)Mesopotamians sealsCorrect answer is option 'B'. Can you explain this answer? covers all topics & solutions for UPSC 2025 Exam. Find important definitions, questions, meanings, examples, exercises and tests below for Until recently the main evidence for fixing the date of the Indus Valley Civilization was the seals found in West Asia in levels ascribable to the reign of Sargon of Akkad and its date was fixed at 2500-1500 B.C. But which method is the latest in fixing the date of Indus Valley Civilization?a)Linguistic analysisb)Carbon-14 determinationsc)Comparative analysisd)Mesopotamians sealsCorrect answer is option 'B'. Can you explain this answer?.
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