CAPF 2016

Ancient Technological History

Authentic Past Paper Standard Evaluation

The earliest literary references to iron in the Indian Sub-continent are found in the

Solution & Analysis

Answer: C

Concept The technological transition from the Copper Age to the Iron Age in India is reflected in the linguistic shifts of the Vedic texts.

Explanation The Yajurveda (c. 1000 BCE) contains the first clear references to iron. It uses the terms 'Krishna-ayas' (black metal) and 'Shyama-ayas' to distinguish iron from copper (*Lohit-ayas*).

Logical Breakup

Option C is Correct: While the Rigveda mentions 'Ayas', it generally refers to copper or bronze. The specific distinction of iron appears first in the Yajurveda.

Significance: This matches archeological evidence of iron usage in the Painted Grey Ware (PGW) culture of the Indo-Gangetic divide.

Active Recall

Question

What does the term 'Krishna-ayas' mean?

Answer

It means 'black metal', the term used in later Vedic texts to describe iron.

Core Insight

The introduction of iron in the Yajurveda era enabled the clearing of dense forests in the Gangetic plain, leading to permanent agriculture and state formation.

The earliest literary references to iron in the Indian Sub-continent are found in the

Solution & Analysis

Active Recall

Core Insight

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