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U.P.P.C.S. Prelims 1998

Ancient Technology

Authentic Past Paper Standard Evaluation

The earliest evidence of the use of iron in India has been discovered from:

Solution & Analysis

Answer: B

Concept The transition from Bronze to Iron technology was a major catalyst for the second urbanization in the Gangetic plains.

Explanation Atranjikhera (Etah district, UP) has yielded iron tools and slag associated with the Painted Grey Ware (PGW) culture, dating back to c. 1000 BCE.

Logical Breakup
Atranjikhera (B): Traditionally cited in older textbooks as the earliest site for iron smelting and tools.
Note: Recent excavations in Tamil Nadu (Mayiladumparai) have pushed iron dates much further back, but Atranjikhera remains the standard answer in many curriculum-based MCQs.

Active Recall

Question

How did iron technology change ancient Indian society?

Answer

Iron axes and ploughshares allowed for the clearing of dense Gangetic forests, leading to surplus agriculture and the rise of the first cities after the Harappan era.

Core Insight

Atranjikhera is a benchmark site that connects the technological shift to the social transformation of the later Vedic period.

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