With reference to the history of India, which of the given statements...
- Mathura has been an important settlement for more than 2500 years. It was important because it was located at the crossroads of two major routes of travel and trade — from the northwest to the east and from north to south.
- Mathura was also a centre where some extremely fine sculpture was produced. Around 2000 years ago Mathura became the second capital of the Kushanas.
- Roman lamps, glassware and gems have been found at Arikamedu, the ancient Roman trade centre (Puducherry) on the right bank of Ariyankuppam River.
With reference to the history of India, which of the given statements...
Incorrect Statement about Mathura in the History of India
Statement: Roman lamps, glassware, and gems have been found in Mathura.
The correct answer to the statement that is not correct about Mathura in the history of India is option 'D'. Roman lamps, glassware, and gems have not been found in Mathura.
Explanation:
Mathura, an ancient city in Uttar Pradesh, played a significant role in the history of India. It was a major center of trade and culture during ancient times. Let's analyze each statement to understand why option 'D' is incorrect.
a) Mathura was located at the crossroads of two major routes of travel and trade — from the northwest to the east and from north to south:
- Mathura's geographical location made it a significant center for trade and commerce. It was strategically positioned at the crossroads of two major routes, facilitating trade between different regions of India.
- The north-south route connected Mathura with other important cities like Taxila, Ujjain, and Pataliputra, while the northwest-east route linked it with regions like Gandhara, Magadha, and Bengal.
- Therefore, this statement is correct.
b) Mathura was known for extremely fine sculpture in ancient times:
- Mathura was renowned for its excellence in sculpture during ancient times. The Mathura School of Art, which flourished between the 1st century BCE and the 3rd century CE, produced exceptional sculptures that depicted various deities, religious scenes, and mythological figures.
- The sculptures from Mathura were characterized by their realistic and expressive features, intricate details, and the use of local stone.
- Hence, this statement is correct.
c) Mathura was the second capital of the Kushanas:
- The Kushana Empire, ruled by the Kushana dynasty, was one of the largest empires in ancient India. The Kushanas established their empire in the 1st century CE and had their capital at Purushapura (present-day Peshawar).
- Mathura was not the second capital of the Kushanas. Their second capital was established at Mathura by the Kushana Emperor Kanishka in the 2nd century CE.
- Therefore, this statement is incorrect.
d) Roman lamps, glassware, and gems have been found in Mathura:
- This statement is incorrect. There is no evidence or historical record of Roman lamps, glassware, and gems being found in Mathura.
- However, Mathura did have significant trade connections with several regions, including the Roman Empire, during ancient times. It is possible that Mathura imported various commodities, including Roman goods, but specific artifacts of Roman origin have not been discovered in Mathura.
- Hence, this statement is not correct.
In conclusion, the correct answer is option 'D' - Roman lamps, glassware, and gems have not been found in Mathura.