U.P.P.C.S. (Spl) Prelims 2008

Mesolithic Life

Authentic Past Paper Standard Evaluation

In Mesolithic context, evidence of animal domestication has been found at:

Solution & Analysis

Answer: C

Concept The transition from pure hunting to semi-settled animal husbandry began as early as the Mesolithic period (c. 5000 BCE).

Explanation Adamgarh (MP) and Bagor (Rajasthan) are the two primary Mesolithic sites that have yielded skeletal remains of domesticated cattle, sheep, and goats.

Logical Breakup
Adamgarh (C): Located in the Narmada valley, it provided early evidence of humans keeping livestock.
Chopani Mando (D): Known for the transition to pottery and wild rice, but Adamgarh is the standard answer for domestication.

Active Recall

Question

Which two sites are most often cited for earliest animal domestication in India?

Answer

Adamgarh in Madhya Pradesh and Bagor in Rajasthan.

Core Insight

Domestication allowed Mesolithic humans to have a reliable food source, leading eventually to the Neolithic agricultural revolution.