The Northern Black Polished Ware (NBPW) phase in ancient Indian histor...
- The age of Mahajanpadas (sixth century B.C.) was characterized by the use of Northern Black Polished Ware (NBPW). NBPW was a very glossy, shining type of pottery. The archaeological excavations at NBPW sites give a picture of contemporary material culture.
- The NBPW phase saw the beginning of metallic money. Punched marked coins of silver were used in Trade & commerce. The use of burnt bricks and ring wells appeared in the middle of the NBP phase, i.e., in the third century B.C. Hence statement 1 is correct.
- The NBPW phase marked the beginning of the second urbanization in India. The Indus Valley Civilization (2600-1800 B.C.) first saw the emergence of towns/cities in India. The Harappan towns finally disappeared in about 1500 B.C. After that, for about 1,000 years we did not find any towns in India. Hence statement 2 is not correct.
- During this phase, the artisans and merchants were organized into guilds termed Nigama. Such organizations led to the specialization of art and craft activities. Hence statement 3 is correct.
- In the social sphere, the NBPW phase was marked by the emergence of new social classes. This included merchants (Sethis), Gahapatis (rich peasants) and Karmakaras (wage labourers), etc.
The Northern Black Polished Ware (NBPW) phase in ancient Indian histor...
The correct answer is option B: 1 and 3 only.
The Northern Black Polished Ware (NBPW) phase in ancient Indian history, which roughly dates from around 600 BCE to 200 BCE, witnessed several significant developments. These developments include the emergence of punched marked coins of silver in trade and commerce, as well as the guild system leading to craft specialization. However, urban centers did not appear for the first time during this phase.
Explanation:
Punched Marked Coins of Silver in Trade and Commerce:
- The NBPW phase saw the emergence of punched marked coins of silver, which were an important development in the field of trade and commerce.
- These coins were made by punching marks on silver pieces, which served as a medium of exchange.
- They were used for trade transactions and played a crucial role in the economic activities of the time.
- The use of such coins indicates the development of a monetary system and the growth of trade and commerce.
Guild System Leading to Craft Specialization:
- The NBPW phase also witnessed the development of a guild system, which led to craft specialization.
- Guilds were associations of artisans and craftsmen who specialized in specific crafts or occupations.
- These guilds played a significant role in maintaining standards and quality control in the production of various crafts.
- Craft specialization refers to the concentration of specific skills and knowledge within certain groups or communities.
- With the emergence of guilds, different crafts and occupations became organized, leading to the specialization of skills and the growth of craftsmanship.
Absence of Urban Centers for the First Time:
- While the NBPW phase witnessed significant developments in trade, commerce, and craft specialization, it did not mark the emergence of urban centers for the first time in Indian history.
- Urban centers had already existed in the earlier Indus Valley Civilization (2600 BCE - 1900 BCE) and the subsequent Vedic period (1500 BCE - 500 BCE).
- The NBPW phase saw the continuation and growth of existing urban centers rather than the establishment of new ones.
In conclusion, the NBPW phase in ancient Indian history saw the emergence of punched marked coins of silver in trade and commerce, as well as the guild system leading to craft specialization. However, it did not mark the appearance of urban centers for the first time in Indian history. Hence, option B is the correct answer.
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