Ans: D

Exp:

Statement 1 is correct: The pit dwelling is a unique feature of the Early Neolithic of Kashmir Valley. The domestic dogs were buried along with their masters in their graves. At Burzahom, two types have been recognised. One was of circular and oval shapes and the other of rectangular shapes. These pits were dug by the use of picks. Side walls were many times plastered by mud. For entering into the pit-huts, steps used to be dug at one corner of the hut, or wooden stairs were also used. On the living floors were found traces of small and large pits, which were the storage of edible items, like grain or also meat, roots etc.

Statement 2 is correct: People used tools made of polished stones as well as bones. It was characterized by the absence of microliths.

Statement 3 is correct: Neolithic in Kashmir Valley appears to be migration from outside. The presence of the Mesolithic stage was not established here. Perhaps one of the groups from West Asia had reached this Valley. The physical features of the skeletons from Burzahom bear similarities with the West Asian population.

Ans: D

Exp:

Statement 1 is correct: The term ‘microlith’ is strictly to be applied only to tools made on microblades or bladelets having a maximum length of 50 mm and a width of 12 mm or occasionally on small flakes, by blunting one or more margins by steep retouch.

Statement 2 is correct: They are associated with the Mesolithic age. The technological hallmark of this period is tiny stone tools or ‘microliths’. In addition, the Mesolithic people also used non-microlithic tools made of flakes and blades. Mesolithic people made a number of technological innovations like bow and arrow for hunting; querns, grinders and hammer stones for grinding and pulverising plant foods like roots, tubers and seeds; and regular use of fire for Indian Mesolithic Cultures roasting meat, tubers, etc.

Statement 3 is correct: Microliths were too small to be used as tools individually; instead, they were used as components of tools and weapons by being hafted in bone, wood or reed handles and shafts. Microliths were used as tips and barbs of arrowheads and spearheads for forming the cutting edge of knives, sickles, daggers and harpoons.

Ans: A 

Exp:

Bhimbetka rock-art-site is in the Raisen District of Madhya Pradesh. Bhimbetka finds first mention in Indian Archaeological Records (1888) as a Buddhist site, but its painted rock shelters were first discovered in 1957-58 by an Archaeologist, Dr. Vishnu Wakankar of Ujjain. The paintings at Bhimbetka are found on the walls, ceiling and hollows in the shelters. It has been declared as an important World Heritage Site by UNESCO in the year 2003.

Statement 1 is correct: The chief subjects of the prehistoric paintings are scenes of wild animals, hunting, trapping and fishing. Less common are depictions of daily life, dancing, singing, playing musical instruments, celebrating birth, and grieving sickness and death.

Statement 2 is incorrect: They are made in red and white colours and less commonly in green, yellow and black colours derived from minerals in the rocks and earth.

Statement 3 is incorrect: These cave paintings show tremendous similarity to the aboriginal rock paintings of the Savanna regions of Australia, the paintings done by pygmies of the Kalahari Desert and the Paleolithic Lascaux cave paintings of France.

Ans: A

Exp:

The Harappan culture was a Bronze Age civilisation that flourished in the Indus River Valley and its tributaries from c. 2500 to c. 1700 BCE. The Harappans were a highly advanced civilisation, and their cities were well-planned and well-built. They had a sophisticated system of water management and drainage, and they were skilled in agriculture, trade, and manufacturing.

Option 1 is correct: The Harappan civilisation was situated in the fertile plains of the Indus River and its tributaries. While this location was advantageous for agriculture, it also made the civilization vulnerable to natural calamities. Recurring floods, the drying up of rivers, and occasional earthquakes are some of the natural disasters that could have disrupted the infrastructure and agricultural systems of the Harappan cities. Prolonged droughts, in particular, could have led to a decrease in agricultural productivity, impacting the overall sustainability of civilization.

Option 2 is correct: The invasion of Aryans is a theory proposed by some scholars as a potential cause for the decline of the Harappan culture. According to this theory, the Aryans, who were believed to have migrated to the Indian subcontinent, brought superior weapons and swift horses with them. They may have invaded and conquered the Harappan cities. The Rig Veda, one of the oldest sacred texts in India, mentions the destruction of forts, which is seen as a possible indicator of military conflict.

Option 4 is correct: Overexploitation of resources and unsustainable agricultural practices could have led to soil degradation and reduced fertility. If the Harappan people continually exploited the land without proper conservation techniques, the soil might have lost its productivity over time. A decline in agricultural output could have contributed to food shortages, population pressure, and a subsequent decline in civilisation’s urban centres.

Option 3 is incorrect: The development of advanced metallurgy is not typically considered a cause for the decline of the Harappan culture. In fact, the Harappan civilisation was known for its advancements in metallurgy, particularly in copper and bronze. They had developed sophisticated techniques for making metal tools and artifacts. Advanced metallurgy was one of their strengths and contributed to their economic and technological prowess.

Ans: D

Exp:

Statement 1 is correct: The Harappan script, which is yet to be deciphered, is the primary challenge in understanding the metaphysical or philosophical aspects of the Harappan religion. Since the script remains undeciphered, it is difficult to access any metaphysical texts or inscriptions that might provide insights into the spiritual and philosophical aspects of the religion. Essentially, the lack of a key to interpret their written records hinders our ability to understand the deeper, conceptual aspects of their religious beliefs and practices.

Statement 2 is correct:  The Harappans worshipped many of the same deities as the Hindus, including Shiva, Parvati, and Indra. They also had many of the same religious practices, such as yoga, meditation, and fire worship. For example, a seal from the Harappan site of Mohenjo-daro depicts a male deity seated in a yogic posture, surrounded by animals. This deity is believed to be a prototype of the Hindu god Shiva. Another seal from Mohenjo-daro depicts a fire altar. This suggests that the Harappans practiced fire worship, which is an important part of Hinduism.

In addition to sharing many of the same deities and religious practices, the Harappan religion and Hinduism also share many of the same symbols. For example, the swastika is a sacred symbol in both religions.

Statement 3 is correct: Evidence of animal worship can be found in the mythical and composite creatures depicted in Harappan art and figurines. These creatures, such as human-faced goats or part-animal, part-human figures, suggest complex mythological and possibly religious beliefs that involve the veneration of animals. This provides evidence of their reverence for animals as part of their religious practices.