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UPSC CSE Prelims 1998, Paper I

Historical Evolution of India

Authentic Past Paper Standard Evaluation

What is the correct chronological order in which the following appeared in India? 1. Gold coins, 2. Punch-marked silver coins, 3. Iron plough, 4. Urban culture

Solution & Analysis

Answer: D

Concept Tracing the evolution of civilization in India from Bronze Age urbanism to the introduction of sophisticated currency.

Explanation Indus Valley was urban (c. 2500 BCE); Iron tools appeared in the Vedic period (c. 1000 BCE); Punch-marked coins (c. 6th century BCE); and Gold coins (Indo-Greeks, c. 2nd century BCE).

Logical Breakup
4 (Urban Culture): Harappan civilization (first urbanization).
3 (Iron Plough): Vedic/Later Vedic period agricultural expansion.
2 (Punch-marked coins): Mahajanapada period/Mauryan period.
1 (Gold coins): Introduced widely by Indo-Greeks and later Kushans.

Active Recall

Question

What triggered the 'Second Urbanization' in India?

Answer

The use of iron tools (like the iron plough) allowed for clearing the dense forests of the Gangetic plain, leading to agricultural surplus and the rise of cities.

Core Insight

The transition from punch-marked silver to gold coins reflects the increasing complexity and international reach of Indian trade by the 2nd century BCE.

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