Test: Writing and City Life- 1 - UPSC MCQ

• The assertion is correct as the domestication of animals and cultivation of crops indeed led to a significant transformation in human lifestyles, shifting from a nomadic existence to settled agricultural communities.
• The reason is also correct, as it accurately describes the timeline of this transition, which occurred around 8000-6000 BCE.
• Moreover, the reason directly explains the assertion by highlighting the period during which these significant societal changes took place, thereby establishing a clear link between the two statements.

- Statement i is correct as it acknowledges the emergence of early humans in Africa and their use of stone tools, which is supported by archaeological evidence.

- Statement ii is incorrect because agriculture began around 10,000 years ago, not 5,000 years ago.

- Statement iii is correct as Mesopotamian cities did indeed develop around temples and were important trade centers, validated by archaeological findings.

- Statement iv is also correct; the development of writing was essential for managing the complex activities and governance in early urban centers.

Thus, the correct answer is Option B: i, iii and iv.

- Statement i is correct, as domestication of animals like sheep and goats coincided with the rise of agriculture.

- Statement ii is incorrect because settled agricultural life led to permanent structures rather than temporary shelters.

- Statement iii is correct; new tools for food processing, including mortars and pestles, were indeed developed.

- Statement iv is correct; the trade of goods and ideas facilitated the emergence of small states from earlier communities.

Thus, the correct combination of statements is i, iii, and iv, making the correct answer Option C.

Mari was the royal capital that developed, around 2000 BCE, in the northern Mesopotamian region.

• The Assertion is true: The development of writing did indeed facilitate the administration of early cities by enabling record-keeping, communication, and the codification of laws.
• The Reason is false: Writing was not primarily for artistic expression; it served essential functions in governance, such as documentation of transactions, laws, and census data.
• Since the Reason does not correctly explain the Assertion, the correct option is Option C.

In 539 B.C., Persian forces defeated the Babylonian army at the site of Opis, east of the Tigris. Cyrus entered Babylon and presented himself as a traditional Mesopotamian monarch, restoring temples and releasing political prisoners.

• The beginning of agriculture in northern Mesopotamia occurred around 7000-6000 BCE.
• The first writing in Mesopotamia appeared around 3200 BCE.
• The development of the cuneiform script happened by approximately 2600 BCE.
• Sumerian was replaced by Akkadian around 2400 BCE.

• Statement I is true: The use of bronze tools around 3000 BCE indeed played a crucial role in the urban development of cities like Uruk.
• Statement II is false: The Akkadian language replaced Sumerian around 2400 BCE, not 3200 BCE. Writing in Mesopotamia began around 3200 BCE, but it was in Sumerian, not Akkadian.

Sargon was the ruler of Akkad around 2370 BCE. Several centuries later, a statue of Sargon, recovered by Babylonians, was repaired under the instructions of their then ruler, Nabonidus.

• The earliest temples were constructed around 5000 BCE.
• Uruk developed into a significant city around 3000 BCE.
• The Assyrian kingdom was established around 1100 BCE.
• Alexander conquered Babylon in 331 BCE.