UPSC Prelims 2021 Analysis

Explanation

1. The Guptas of Magadha: The Later Gupta dynasty did indeed succeed the imperial Guptas and ruled parts of Magadha during the early 7th century.

2. The Paramaras of Malwa: The Paramara dynasty emerged much later, around the 9th century, and ruled in central India (Malwa region).

3. The Pushyabhutis of Thanesar: The Pushyabhuti dynasty, also known as Vardhana, flourished in the 6th and 7th centuries and held power in parts of North India, including Thanesar.

4. The Maukharis of Kanauj: The Maukhari dynasty rose to prominence after the Guptas and controlled Kanauj for some time.

5. The Yadavas of Devagiri: The Yadava dynasty, also known as the Seuna dynasty, established their kingdom much later, around the 12th century, in western India.

6. The Maitrakas of Valabhi: The Maitrakas were contemporaries of the Guptas and established an independent kingdom in western India (Gujarat) after being tributary chiefs for a while.

Therefore, the correct answer is 1, 3, 4 and 6.

Explanation

Dholavira is one of the five largest Harappan sites and is located in the present-day state of Gujarat, India. It was a prominent city of the ancient Indus Valley Civilization, flourishing around 4500 years ago.

Dholavira is renowned for its sophisticated water management system, which includes reservoirs, dams, channels, and other hydraulic structures.

Dholavira was a well-planned city with three distinct divisions: the citadel, middle town, and lower town. The city also had a large stadium or public gathering area, suggesting community events or administrative functions. A remarkable discovery at Dholavira was the earliest known signboard, with inscriptions on a large wooden board, indicating the use of writing for communication or identification.

Kalibangan (Rajasthan)

• First site to show ploughed field patterns.
• Fire altars, indicating ritualistic practices.
• Houses made of mud bricks instead of baked bricks.
• No large water reservoirs like Dholavira.

Rakhigarhi (Haryana)

• Largest IVC site in India.
• Evidence of multi-roomed houses, pottery, and jewelry making.
• Skeletons found suggest the continuity of Harappan genes.
• No evidence of large-scale fortifications like Dholavira.

Ropar (Punjab)

• First Harappan site excavated after India’s independence.
• Harappan culture overlapped with later Vedic culture.
• Evidence of burials with pottery and personal belongings.
• Found near the Sutlej River, showing river-based settlement.

Explanation

Burzahom, located in the Kashmir Valley, is an archaeological site known for its Neolithic and Megalithic phases. Rock-cut shrines were not a prominent feature of the Neolithic period. Thus, statement 1 i incorrect.

Ganeshwar is an archaeological site located in Rajasthan, India. It is known for its Copper Hoard Culture, dating back to the Chalcolithic period (approximately 4000-2000 BCE). Ganeshwar is renowned for its large number of copper artefacts, including tools, weapons, and ornaments, providing valuable insights into ancient metallurgy and trade networks.

Chandra-Ketugarh is indeed well-known for its terracotta art. Excavations at Chandra-Ketugarh, located near Kolkata in West Bengal, have revealed a vast collection of terracotta objects dating back to the 3rd century BCE to the 3rd century CE.

Therefore, statements 2 and 3 are correct.