Consider the following statements:Assertion (A): In the ancient period...
In India, urban culture started during Harappan culture. The pastoral life started during Vedic period.
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Consider the following statements:Assertion (A): In the ancient period...
Ancient Period of Indian History: Urbanisation and Pastoral Life
Assertion (A): In the ancient period of Indian history, urbanisation was followed by pastoral life.
Reason (R): The Harappan culture was an urban one.
The correct answer is option C: Both A and R are true but R is not a correct explanation of A.
Explanation:
To understand the given statements and their correctness, let's analyze each statement separately.
Assertion (A): In the ancient period of Indian history, urbanisation was followed by pastoral life.
Urbanization refers to the process of the growth and development of cities. The ancient period of Indian history witnessed the rise of several urban centers, particularly during the Indus Valley Civilization or the Harappan culture. These cities, such as Harappa and Mohenjo-Daro, were well-planned and had advanced features like drainage systems, public baths, and granaries.
On the other hand, pastoral life refers to a way of life that revolves around raising livestock and herding animals. It is a more rural and nomadic lifestyle compared to settled urban living.
In the context of ancient Indian history, it is generally believed that urbanization during the Indus Valley Civilization was followed by a decline and a shift towards a more pastoral way of life. This is supported by archaeological evidence such as the abandonment of urban centers and the emergence of smaller rural settlements in the later periods.
Therefore, Assertion (A) is true as urbanization during the ancient period was indeed followed by a pastoral way of life.
Reason (R): The Harappan culture was an urban one.
The Harappan culture, also known as the Indus Valley Civilization, was one of the earliest urban civilizations in the Indian subcontinent. It flourished around 2600-1900 BCE in the region that is now Pakistan and northwest India.
Key features of the Harappan culture include:
1. Urban Centers: The civilization had well-planned urban centers with grid-like street patterns and advanced infrastructure.
2. Advanced Architecture: The cities had well-designed houses, public buildings, and even multi-story structures.
3. Trade and Commerce: The presence of standardized weights, seals, and the discovery of artifacts from distant regions suggest a well-developed trade network.
4. Writing System: The Harappans had a script that is yet to be deciphered fully.
5. Drainage Systems: The cities had sophisticated underground drainage systems.
Thus, Reason (R) is also true as the Harappan culture was indeed an urban one.
Conclusion:
Both Assertion (A) and Reason (R) are true. However, Reason (R) does not provide an accurate explanation for Assertion (A). While the Harappan culture was an urban civilization, the decline of urban centers and the shift towards a pastoral way of life in later periods cannot be solely attributed to the nature of the Harappan culture. Other factors such as environmental changes, migration, and cultural shifts also played a role. Therefore, option C is the correct answer.