Q81. Which distinct type of pottery is predominantly associated with the Ganeshwar-Jodhpura cultural complex?
Prehistoric Rajasthan: RAS Prelims MCQs
119 RAS Prelims MCQs on prehistoric Rajasthan cover the period before written records, from the Palaeolithic to the Bronze Age. The questions ask which site belongs to which phase, which excavator worked where and which tools mark each culture. Didwana, Bagor, Ahar and Ganeshwar come up repeatedly, so learn each site with its district, river and phase.
Practice questions based on the RPSC RAS Prelims syllabus. They follow the exam pattern but are not past-paper questions.
Showing 81–90 of 119 questions
Q82. Identify the incorrect statement regarding the Ganeshwar civilization.
Explanation
Ganeshwar was a major center for copper production, situated near the Khetri mines, and its tools are known for their high purity. While microliths were also used, the claim that it was a primary center for iron smelting is incorrect. Iron technology emerged much later in history. Ganeshwar’s significance lies entirely in its early mastery of copper metallurgy during the Chalcolithic phase.
Q83. Consider the following statements regarding the artifacts found at Ganeshwar:
I. Hundreds of copper arrowheads were discovered here.
II. The site yielded numerous copper fish hooks indicating fishing as an economic activity.
III. The copper objects possess up to 99% purity.
IV. Massive iron agricultural implements were the staple finds.
Which of the above statement(s) is/are incorrect?
I. Hundreds of copper arrowheads were discovered here.
II. The site yielded numerous copper fish hooks indicating fishing as an economic activity.
III. The copper objects possess up to 99% purity.
IV. Massive iron agricultural implements were the staple finds.
Which of the above statement(s) is/are incorrect?
Explanation
Ganeshwar has yielded an incredible number of copper artifacts, including hundreds of arrowheads and numerous fish hooks, reflecting its specialized metallurgy. Chemical analysis shows that these copper objects possess an extremely high level of purity, sometimes reaching 99%. However, the claim that massive iron implements were staple finds is incorrect, as Ganeshwar is a Chalcolithic site where iron was not yet utilized.
Q84. What explains the abundant presence of copper fish hooks at the Ganeshwar site?
Explanation
The abundance of copper fish hooks at Ganeshwar suggests that fishing was a significant economic activity for the inhabitants. This implies that during the site’s occupation, the Kantli river and its environment were much wetter than they are today. Perennial water bodies or large seasonal pools likely supported robust aquatic life, allowing the Ganeshwar people to supplement their diet through specialized fishing.
Q85. Read the following statements regarding the metallurgical importance of Ganeshwar and select the correct option:
Statement I: The Ganeshwar culture is believed to have supplied raw copper and finished copper goods to the Harappan civilization.
Statement II: Ganeshwar is geographically close to the Khetri copper deposits, making it an ideal metallurgical center.
Statement I: The Ganeshwar culture is believed to have supplied raw copper and finished copper goods to the Harappan civilization.
Statement II: Ganeshwar is geographically close to the Khetri copper deposits, making it an ideal metallurgical center.
Explanation
Ganeshwar is widely regarded as a major metallurgical hub due to its proximity to the Khetri copper deposits. The community not only smelted copper for local use but is also believed to have supplied raw copper and finished goods to the Harappan civilization. This relationship highlights the interconnectedness of regional cultures and the vital role Rajasthan’s mineral wealth played in history.
Q86. What is the generally accepted chronological position of the Ganeshwar culture in relation to the Indus Valley Civilization?
Explanation
The Ganeshwar culture occupies a significant place in protohistoric chronology. It flourished primarily during the late fourth and third millennia BCE, making it contemporary with the Pre-Harappan and Early Harappan phases. Its period of activity extended into the Mature Harappan phase, during which it likely served as a critical source of copper for urban centers, bridging different regional cultural traditions effectively.
Q87. The significant archaeological potential of Ganeshwar was brought to light primarily through the efforts of which archaeologist?
Explanation
R.C. Agrawal was the primary archaeologist responsible for bringing the immense significance of the Ganeshwar site to light. Through his surveys and excavations in the 1970s, he identified the unique copper-rich culture and its distinct pottery. His work established Ganeshwar as a major center of early metallurgy, fundamentally changing our understanding of the relationship between regional sites and the Harappan civilization.
Q88. The archaeological site of Kalibangan derives its name from the local language meaning:
Explanation
The name ‘Kalibangan’ is derived from the local Rajasthani language, where ‘Kali’ means black and ‘Bangan’ refers to bangles. The site earned this name because of the large quantities of broken black terracotta and faience bangles found scattered across the surface of the archaeological mounds. These artifacts reflect the vibrant craft traditions and personal adornment practices of the ancient Harappan people.
Q89. Match List-I with List-II regarding the Pre- Harappan pottery fabrics of Kalibangan:
| Pre-Harappan Pottery Fabric | Distinguishing Feature |
|---|---|
| A. Fabric A | i. Sturdy red ware with incised designs on the interior |
| B. Fabric B | ii. Carelessly potted, light weight, and painted in black and white |
| C. Fabric C | iii. Thick, robust ware heavily rusticated on the lower part |
| D. Fabric D | iv. Purple/plum red slip with black paintings |
Explanation
Pre-Harappan Kalibangan is identified by six distinct pottery fabrics. Fabric A is light, carelessly potted, and painted in black and white. Fabric B features robust, rusticated surfaces. Fabric C is distinguished by its purple red slip with black paintings. Fabric D consists of sturdy red ware with characteristic incised designs on the interior. These variations reflect the diverse ceramic traditions present.
Q90. The discovery of a ploughed field surface at Kalibangan is remarkably significant because:
Explanation
The discovery of a preserved ploughed field at Kalibangan is a landmark in world archaeology. Located in the Pre-Harappan level, it provides the earliest definitive evidence of systematic agriculture using a plough. The grid pattern of furrows suggests that farmers practiced mixed cropping, a sophisticated technique. This find highlights the advanced state of agricultural knowledge in the Ghaggar-Hakra valley during antiquity.Answer key for these questions
| Q | Correct answer |
|---|---|
| 81 | (a) Kapi-varni (Ochre Coloured Pottery) |
| 82 | (c) It was a primary center for large-scale iron smelting in ancient India. |
| 83 | (c) IV only |
| 84 | (c) The Kantli river possessed sufficient water bodies or pools supporting a robust aquatic life during that period |
| 85 | (a) Both Statement I and Statement II are correct. |
| 86 | (d) It was contemporary to the Pre-Harappan and Early Harappan phases, extending into the Mature phase |
| 87 | (a) R.C. Agrawal |
| 88 | (c) Black Bangles |
| 89 | (a) A-ii, B-iii, C-iv, D-i |
| 90 | (d) It provides the earliest known archaeological evidence of an agricultural ploughed field in the world |
Key facts from Prehistoric Rajasthan
- Didwana in Nagaur district is a Lower Palaeolithic site, excavated by V. N. Misra among others.
- Bagor in Bhilwara district stands on the Kothari river and is a Mesolithic site with early evidence of animal domestication.
- Ahar, in the Mewar region, gives its name to the Ahar or Banas Chalcolithic culture; its first excavation was in 1953 by Akshay Kirti Vyas.
- Ganeshwar in Sikar district lies on the Kantli river and supplied copper to the Harappan civilization.
- Kalibangan in Hanumangarh district is a Harappan site, so it is the odd one out among Lower Palaeolithic sites.
- The Chalcolithic period is the one marked by the joint use of stone and copper.
Frequently asked questions
How many RAS Prelims practice MCQs are there on Prehistoric Rajasthan?
This page has 119 practice MCQs on Prehistoric Rajasthan (Rajasthan History, Art and Culture). Each has the correct answer, and most have an explanation.
Where is the Bagor site and what is it known for?
Bagor is in Bhilwara district, on the banks of the Kothari river. It is a Mesolithic site, known for its microlithic tools and for some of the earliest evidence of animal domestication in the Indian subcontinent. V. N. Misra led its excavation.
Which river is linked to the Ganeshwar site?
The Kantli river, in Sikar district. Ganeshwar yielded a large number of copper objects, and it is described as a copper-supplying centre to the Harappan civilization, which makes it one of the most quoted Chalcolithic sites of the state.
What does the term Chalcolithic mean?
It describes a culture that used both stone and copper tools side by side. In Rajasthan the Chalcolithic Ahar or Banas culture flourished in the Banas river system of the south-east, with Ahar in Udaipur district as its type site.