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History Class-4 IVC Part-2

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History Class-4 IVC Part-2 PDF

[pdf-embedder url=”https://www.iaspcsprep.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/History-Class-4.pdf” title=”History (Class-4)”]

The link of PDF of this History Class-4 IVC Part-2 is given below the explanation of the class, you can download the PDF by going below.

 

History Class-4 IVC Part-2

In this History Class-4 IVC Part-2, we will discuss about the Agriculture & Allied activities of the Harappans, Socio-religious aspects of Harappa, etc.

Topics to be covered in this Article :-

  • Agriculture & Allied activities of the Harappans
  • The Socio-Religious aspects of Harappa
  • Decline of the Harappans

 

Agriculture & Allied activities of the Harappans

The sources to know about the agriculture and allied activities of the Harappans are mainly – the Seals and the Pottery.

Sources :- Seals and Pottery

Unicorn Seal
Image Credit : https://www.harappa.com/blog/seals-and-sodalities
Elephant Seal
Image Credit : https://benedante.blogspot.com/

•(1). The Harappans used to also practice agriculture to support not only villagers, but also urban dwellers.

•(2). The evidences of ploughfield from Kalibangan and the evidences of the Teracotta model of plough from Banawali are sufficient to indicate their agrarian practice. However, there is no evidence of wooden plough of the Harappans.

•(3). Irrigation was practiced but not through Canal System. Unlike the Mesopotamians, the Harappans used to irrigate the land through wells and river waters.

•(4). We have found some evidences of a rudimentary level of irrigation through Canal System at Shortughai and Lothal.

•(5). The knowledge of water management and rain-water harvesting has been found from the site Dholavira (in Runn of Kutch) in Gujarat (Kadir island).

•(6). Dholavira has shown a unique system of water harvesting and water management in the form of small dams construction.

•(7). From Dholavira site, the biggest signboard having a longest script of the Harappans has been found and lastly the stone monuments found from Dholavira are the exception among the all Harappan sites.

•(8). The Harappans had the knowledge of various animals and crops such as elephant, camel, tiger, Rhinos, Bulls and even Unicorn (a mythical animal). However, the Harappans have not shown a considerable evidence of their knowledge and utility of cows and horses.

•(9). From the sites of Surkotada, kuntasi etc., the remnants of Horse like animal has been found off the Late Harappan phase.

•(10). Harappans were perhaps the first to produce cotton and using the cotton textiles in the world. Therefore, in the Greek writing, the word “Sindon” has been used for cotton produced in the Indian Subcontinent for various centuries.

•(11). The Harappans also used to produce the crops like wheat, Barley, Rice, Pulses, Vegetables etc. Meat consumption was also common in their diet.

 

The Socio-Religious Aspects of Harappa

Priest King
Image Credit : https://twitter.com/abdaal/status/1618680968155652096
Pashupati Seal
Image Credit : https://mapacademy.io/article/pashupati-seal/
Great Bath
Image Credit : https://www.harappa.com/slide/great-bath-mohenjo-daro-0

•(1). According to some Scholars, the Harappan Society was not egalitarian (not equal). However, the Merchant or Priestly class must have been the dominant players in the Harappan society. For e.g. :— In Mesopotamia, the Priestly Class was the dominant section of the society.

•(2). The evidences from the Harappan sites such as Harappa, Lothal, Mohenjodaro etc. have shown the evidences of Granaries for food stocks and at the same time, small quarters made for the labourers or workers or slaves may have been also used by the Harappans.

•(3). The emergence of Hindu-Religious practices can also be traced from the Harappan times. For e.g. :—
→a). The worshipping of Pashupati Cult is traced from the seal found from Mohenjodaro by John Marshall.
→b). The worshipping of Mother Goddess in the form of Teracotta figurines also began by the Harappans.
→c). The worshipping of plants, trees and animals like Peepal tree, Shami tree and Snakes also began by the Harappans.
→d). The use of Fire-altars found from the sites like Kalibangan, Lothal, Banawali etc. again indicate the differences in their practices within the vast area of Harappan culture because Fire-altar has not been found from any Harappan site.
→e). Unlike the Mesopotamians and Egyptians, no temple has been found from the Harappan site except the Great Bath of Mohenjodaro perhaps used for Religious Ablutions (bathing).

 

Decline of the Harappans

→1). The Population Growth theory
→2). The Climatic Changes theory
→3). The shifting of river waters – causing frequent floods.
→4). Dryness of rivers due to Geological factors
→5). Aryan Invasion theory

The decline of Harappa has to be understood in the backdrop of the following theories given by various scholars such as :—

•(1). Fairservis has given the theory of Population Growth causing pressure on the resources of the Harappans.

•(2). Similarly, Allchin & Allchin has given the theory of Climatic Changes and causing the decline of the Harappans. The Harappans used the baked bricks on a massive scale indicating they must have used the forest products for burning the mud bricks. Hence, compromising the ecological balance of the area.

•(3). H.T. Lambrick has given the theory of shifting of river-course of river Indus behind the flooding of Mohenjodaro and Chanhudaro cities of Harappa. Since, Mohenjodaro being the capital of Harappa was destroyed multiple times due to floodings. Therefore, a centralised control over the Harappan Cities may have been lost completely.

•(4). The dryness of the river water of Ghaggar and Hakra (ancient Saraswati) caused due to the geological factors adversely affected the majority of the Harappan cities. The natural factors such as earthquake, rock-faulting, lack/ failure of monsoon etc. also contributed in the decline of the Harappans.

•(5). The most controversial theory regarding the decline of Harappans is the Aryan Invasion theory. Ram Prasad Chanda was the first scholar who gave this theory in 1920s and subsequently withdrew his theory as well.

•(6). However the scholars like V. Gorden Childe and Mortimer Wheeler have popularized the Aryan Invasion theory on the basis of following factors :—
→ (i) God Indra in Rigveda has also been called as “Purandara” that means “destroyer of forts”.

→ (ii) Battle of Hariyupia is mentioned in Rigveda fought between the Aryans and non-Aryans who have been identified as the Harappans by these scholars.

→ (iii) The existence of Cemetry-H culture on the southwest of Harappa belong to an alien people who may have destroyed the Harappans. However, this theory is rejected by the modern Historians like P.V. Kane, B.B. Lal, George F. Dales. According to them, there is no evidence of attack of Aryans upon the Harappans. Secondly, there is a difference of more than 200 years between the decline of Harappa and the origin of Aryans in India and Thirdly, there was no any Sudden end of Harappans, rather there are evidences of the overlap of the Harappan and other cultures between 1800 to 1500 BCE as well. For e.g. :— Bargaon & Ambakheri villages of UP have shown the evidences of the existence of the OCP (Ochre-Coloured Pottery) culture with the Harappan culture. Similarly, from Bhagwanpura, Dadheri, Katpaloan sites found in Punjab have shown the evidence of the co-existence of PGW (Painted Grey-Ware) cultures with the Harappan people. Hence, it was the Harappan Civilization which declined but their culture continued with some changes to the present generation such as Pashupati cult wearing of Bangles.

 

Class Quiz

Q1. Which of the following sites has yielded evidences of double burial?
a) Kuntasi
b) Dholavira
c) Lothal
d) Kalibangan

Q2. Match list-I with list-II and select the correct answer by using the code given below:-
list-I (Harappan Settlement)        list-II (River on which located)
A. Harappa                                  1. Bhogawati
B. Kalibangan                              2. Ghaggar
C. Lothal                                      3. Ravi
D. Ropar                                      4. SutlejMaharashtra
Codes:-
a) A-3, B-2, C-1, D-4
b) A-3, B-4, C-1, D-2
c) A-4, B-2, C-3, D-1
d) A-1, B-3, C-2, D-4

Q3. What was the social organization of the Indus Valley Civilization believed to be?
a) Matriarchal
b) Patriarchal
c) Egalitarian
d) Caste-based

Q4. Which structure in Mohenjodaro is believed to have been used for public gatherings and religious ceremonies?
a) Granary
b) Great Bath
c) Citadel
d) Assembly Hall

Q5. Which of the following is NOT correctly matched?
a) Harappa – Daya Ram Sahni
b) Lothal – S.R.Rao
c) Surkotada – J.P. Joshi
d) Dholavira – B.K. Thapar

Q6. Famous bull-seal of Indus Valley Civilization was found from which site?
a) Harappa
b) Chanhudaro
c) Mohenjodaro
d) Both a and c

Q7. What is the term used to describe the distinctive pottery style of the Harappan Civilization?
a) Black Polished Ware
b) Red Ware
c) Painted Grey-Ware
d) Black-and-Red Ware

Q8. The decline of the Indus Valley Civilization (IVC) is attributed to:-
a) Invasion by foreign tribes
b) Climate change and ecological factors
c) Economic Collapse
d) All of the above

Q9. Which Harappan site is known for its dockyard and maritime trade?
a) Harappa
b) Mohenjodaro
c) Lothal
d) Kalibangan

Q10. What was the main crop cultivated by the Harappans?
a) Pulses
b) Rice
c) Barley
d) Millet

 

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History Class-4 IVC Part-2

 

History Class-3 IVC Part-1

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History Class-3 IVC Part-1 PDF

[pdf-embedder url=”https://www.iaspcsprep.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/History-Class-3.pdf” title=”History (Class-3)”]

The link of PDF of this History Class-3 IVC Part-1 is given below the explanation of the class, you can download the PDF by going below.

 

History Class-3 IVC Part-1

In this History Class-3 IVC Part-1, we will discuss about the Harappan Civilization, Origin of Harappans, etc.

Topics to be covered in this Article :-

  • The Harappan Civilization
  • Origin Of Harappans
  • The Extent of Empire and Urbanization

 

The Harappan Civilization

The Harappan civilization, also known as the Indus Valley civilization, was one of the world’s earliest urban civilizations. Flourishing in the vast floodplains of the Indus River and its tributaries, the civilization emerged around 3300 BCE and thrived for nearly 2,000 years, until around 1300 BCE. Named after the modern-day city of Harappa in Pakistan, where its remains were first discovered, the Harappan civilization encompassed a large area extending from modern-day northeast Afghanistan to Pakistan and northwest India.

 

Origin of Harappans

•1). Born out of the womb of Indian Subcontinent in 1922, the sites of Harappa and Mohenjodaro were discovered by the scholars like Dayaram Sahni and Rakhal Das Banerjee respectively. However, John Marshall and Mortimer Wheeler also played a crucial role in the discovery and excavation  of the Harappan cites.

•2). Since, Harappa was the first site excavated by the scholars, It has been named as the “Harappa Civilization”. In other words, Harappa was a type-site.

•3). John Marshall had used the name “Indus Valley Civilization” due to the location of the Harappan sites mainly on river bank Indus. But after India’s Independence, various other sites of Harappa were excavated outside the river Indus mainly in the Ghaggar-Hakra river valley. Therefore, Current Government of India named it the Sindhu-Saraswati Civilization.

•4). According to the Diffusionist theory, the Harappans were the migrants who came from the pockets of West Asia and settle down in the Indian Subcontinent. According to them, on the basis of Racial Study, the Harappans were divided into 4 races:-
(i) Mediterranean race
(ii) Mangoloids race
(iii) Proto – Australoids race
(iv) Alpines race
and majority of the Harappan belongs to the Mediterranean Race. However, the Diffusionist theory has been rejected by the Modern Historians regarding the origin of Harappa, it was long drawn process through which the Harappan Civilization emerged between 2600 BCE and 1900 BCE.

•5). The Neolithic-Chalcolithic Cultures emerged in the Indian Subcontinent from C. 5000 BCE onwards in the form of the sites like Mehargarh, Saraikhola, Rahman-dheri etc. formed the basis for the emergence of pre-harappans and early-harappans in the Indian Subcontinent.

•6). The pre-harappan and early-harappan cultures shared various cultural practices with continuity and change. Therefore, in the mature-harrapan phase many cultural practices of the early-harappans continued with some modifications.

•7). Hence, under the above background. the Harappan Civilization emerged due to the strong-will and hard labour of the Harappans from 2600 BCE onwards.

•8). The equation i.e. R1 + R2   +  R3 = Harappan Civilization well establishes the process of the emergence of Harappan civilization where  R1 stands for the perfect balance between the Harappan Cities and the villages in the surrounding whereas R2 stands for a balance between the city to city interaction within the Harappan territories and  R3 stands for a perfect relationship between the cities of Harappa with the other cities of contemporary civilizations as Mesopotamia (Irag), Sumeria (Gulf Nations), and Egyptian and Mycenean (Greek) civilizations.

♦♦ It is important to note here, as long as the Harappans were able to maintain a perfect balance between R1 , R2   and  R3, they prospered in the Indian Subcontinent, but when they compromised it, the decline of the Harappans was set-in.

Extent of Empire
Image Credit : https://www.quora.com/

The Extent of Empire and Urbanization

According to some scholars, the Harappans may have been an Empire because of the following reasons:-
•1). It was an extensive civilization extended from Sutkagendor in the west on the Makran Coast to Alamgirpur near Meerut of UP as the eastern point of the Harappans. Similarly, Manda in Kashmir and Daimabad in Maharashtra are the Northern and Southern-most point of the Harappans.

•2). Shortughai on the border of Afghanistan and Pakistan acted as the overland post of Harappa for trade and commerce. Hence, Harappans were extended to a vast area of 2.18 million square kilometers which is much bigger than the Egyptian Civilization and even today’s Pakistan.

•3). The level of Uniformity found in the bricks, seals, ceilings, weights and measures across the Harappan cities indicate a centralized control may have been exercised by some authority either it could be Priest or the king.

•4). However, Some Historians are are of the opinion that Harappans may have been controlled by some Mercantile class because of their engagement in the trade and commercial activities. For e.g.:- the Lothal Dockyard.

Lothal Dockyard
Image Credit : https://www.quora.com/

Map
Image Credit : https://www.quora.com/

 

•5). The most important contribution of Harappa to the modern civilization happens to be their urban characteristics such as:-
→ (A.) Their town planning used to consist of the main features like:-

  • (i) Fortification
  • (ii) laying down the town planning into forms:- (a) Citadel and; (b) lower towns.

     However, there are 2 exceptions:-

  • (a) Chanhudaro lacks Citadel.
  • (b) Dholavira has middle town in between.
  • (iii) Well-planned states designed on the Grid-pattern where normally the roads or states used to interact with each other at 90o.
  • (iv) The emphasis on cleanliness and hygiene by the Harappans were par excellence on the parameters of even the modern days.
  • (v) The construction of houses and buildings was designed upon the “English-bond” style under which the bricks were placed or
    laid down in a typical arrangement i.e. vertical along with horizontal bricks.

→ (B.) The urban pattern of Harappa was supported by their trade and commerce and the agricultural practices performed by the nearby villages. Even some harappan cities used to perform the practice of agriculture. For eg.:- Kalibangan in Rajasthan has shown the evidence of the ploughed field. Similarly, Lothal has shown the evidence of the Bazaar Street of the Harappa. Lothal and Mohenjodaro have been as the “Mound of the Dead” because of discovering the skeletons of the Harappans from these sites.

→ (C.) Because of their long-distance trade, the Harappan towns were able to prosper during 2600 BCE to 1900 BCE. For e.g.:- The inscription of the King Sargaon of Akkad dated 2350 BCE mentions the ships of Dilmun, Magan, and Meluhha used to dock on the parts of Ur, Kish, Nippur, Susa of the Mesopotamian Civilization.

 

Practice Question

Ques. The ancient civilization in Indian Sub-continent differed from those of Egypt, Mesopotamia and Greece that its culture and traditions have been preserved without a breakdown to the present day. Comment. (200 words) (2015)

 

Class Quiz

Q1. The Great Bath, found in the excavations of the Harappan city of Mohenjodaro, was likely used for:-
a) Religious rituals
b) Daily bathing
c) Agricultural irrigation
d) Cooking purposes

Q2. Match list-I with list-II and select the correct answer from the code given below:-
list-I (Harappan Site)        list-II (Location)
A. Manda                        1. Rajasthan
B. Daimabad                   2. Haryana
C. Kalibangan                 3. Jammu and Kashmir
D. Rakhigarhi                  4. Maharashtra
Codes:-
a) A-1, B-2, C-3, D-4
b) A-2, B-3, C-4, D-1
c) A-3, B-4, C-1, D-2
d) A-4, B-1, C-2, D-3

Q3. Ploughed field was discovered at which site?
a) Mohenjodaro
b) Kalibangan
c) Harappa
d) Lothal

Q4. What evidence suggests that Harappan society was well-organized?
a) Standardized weights and measures
b) Hierarchical social structure.
c) Strict caste system
d) Heavy taxation

Q5. Which of the following was NOT a feature of Harappan cities?
a) Well-planned streets
b) Advanced drainage system
c) Fortified walls
d) Pyramids

Q6. What was the primary material used for the construction of houses in Harappan cities?
a) Wood
b) Stone
c) Mud bricks
d) Concrete

 

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History Class-3 IVC Part-1

 

History Class-2 Pre-Historic Period

by
History Class-2 Pre-Historic Period PDF

[pdf-embedder url=”https://www.iaspcsprep.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/History-Class-2.pdf” title=”History (Class-2)”]

The link of PDF of this History Class-2 is given below the explanation of the class, you can download the PDF by going below.

 

History Class-2 Pre-Historic Period

In this History Class-2, we will discuss about the Introduction to History, Sources of History, Periods of History, etc.

Topics to be covered in this Article :-

  • Introduction to History
  • Historic System of Dating
  • Methods of Dating in History
  • Sources of History
  • Periods of History
  • Pre-Historic Period

 

Introduction to History

  • The word “History” originates from the Greek word “Historia” which means inquiry or knowledge acquired by the investigation.
  • History refers to the study of past events set in chronological order.
  • In simple language, History is all about the study of past events to understand your present and to make your future much better.
  • Father of History : Herodotus
  • Father of Modern History : Leopold von Ranke
  • Father of Indian History : Megasthenes

 

Historic System of Dating

Historic System of Dating

Time in History is calculated in years using BC (BCE) Before Christ (Before Common Era) and AD (CE) Anno Domini (Common Era).

Note :- BC Dates work as negative numbers. e.g.: 2000 BC is much further in the past than 200 BC.

 

Methods of Dating in History

The methods of dating in history are as follows :-

  • Radiocarbon Dating :- It is also referred to as Carbon-14 (C-14) dating. C-14 is a weak radioactive isotope of carbon. It is a method that uses the decay of Carbon-14 to estimate the age of organic materials as old as approximately 60000 years. An age could be estimated by measuring the amount of Carbon-14 present in the sample and comparing this against an internationally used reference standard.
  • Pollen Analysis :- The history of climate and vegetation is known through examining plant residues, especially through Pollen Analysis. On this basis, it is suggested that agriculture was practiced in Rajasthan and Kashmir around 7000-6000 BC.
  • Dendro-chronology :- It refers to the number of tree rings in wood. By counting the number of tree rings in the wood, the date of the wood could be arrived, So, it is the scientific method of dating tree rings (also called growth rings) to the exact year they were formed in a tree.

 

Sources of History

♦ Records of past events are the Sources of History.
♦ The Sources of History are broadly categorized as :- 1) Archaeological Sources, 2) Literary Sources.

1.) Archaeological Sources :- Archaeological Sources are the sources that include material evidence such as the remains of monuments or ancient buildings, pottery, tools, coins, inscriptions, paintings, etc. These are the sources that have no written records available. The archaeological sources are as follows :-

  • Fossil remains
  • Monuments
  • Artifacts
  • Inscriptions
  • Coins
  • Sculpture and Paintings

2.) Literary Sources :- Literary Sources are the sources that have written records available such as manuscripts, literature, biographies, etc. The literary sources are as follows :-

  • Manuscripts
  • Literature
  • Language
  • Foreigners’ Writings

 

Periods of History

Periods of History

 

Pre-Historic Period

Pre-Historic Period

 

Lower Palaeolithic Phase
(Image Source: https://www.doorsteptutor.com/Exams/)

 

(I). Palaeolithic Age

→ (1). The Palaeolithic Age in the Indian Subcontinent began in the period of 20 lakh years ago till 4 lakh years from the present time.

→ (2). Lower Palaeolithic Age:- The Lower Palaeolithic age is characterized by the emergence of 2 traditions of stone tools such as Achuelian and Sohanian.

  • (a.) Achuelian Tradition:-
    (i) This tradition is identified with the use of Hand axes and Cleavers.
    (ii) Dr. Robert Bruce Foote had discovered the first Hand Axe from Pallavaram near Chennai in 1863 and subsequently Cleaver from Attirampakkam was also discovered.
    (iii) The sites of Achuelian tradition are missing in the Western Ghats, Coastal Areas and in the North-eastern part of India due to heavy rainfall.
  • (b) Sohanian Tradition:-
    (i) The Sohanian tradition is identified with Chopper and Chopping tools which were based upon the flaking technique.
    (ii) The sites of this tradition have been found mainly in the packet of the river bank of Sohan in today’s Pakistan.
    Therefore, right from the beginning of the evolution of mankind in India there were the existence of multiple stone based cultures.

→ (3). Middle and Upper Palaeolithic Age:-

  • (a). In this phase, the Home-Habilis was fully transformed into the Home-Erectus (i.e. Bi-pedal Ape).
  • (b). H.D. Sankalia had discovered various middle palaeolithic sites near Maharashtra. the river bank of Pravara located in Maharashtra.
  • (c). The Flake industry was now well-established and the tools like scrapers, borers, points etc. were added into the list of stone tools.
  • (d). The Upper Palaeolithic age is known for the emergence of Home Sapiens for the first time on the Earth as well as in India.
  • (e). Dr. Vishnu Wakankar was the first who discovered the caves of Bhimbetka in Madhya Pradesh through which we came to know about the cave paintings for the first time.
  • (f). Subsequently more than a dozen of caves were discovered in Bhimbetka from the Palaeolithic to Mesolithic era in the form of the Rock-paintings. Besides Bhimbetka caves like Lakhu-diyar (in Uttarakhand), Azamgarh (in Vindhyas) have also shown the evidences of rock-paintings and mesolithic art.

 

(II). Mesolithic Period

The Mesolithic period is identified with the following features:-
→(1). Homo Sapiens were the chief architect of this culture in around 10000 BCE in India.
→(2). They learnt the art of use of fire for cooking food or baking milk and also warming themselves in the cold climatic conditions.
→(3). Microliths discovered by C.L. Carlyle were identified with this phase in the form of small and sharp stone tools designed on the geometric pattern.
→(4). The transformation of early human being into a sedentary life or settled life have started from this era as the domestication of animals was practiced first by the people of mesolithic culture.
→(5). There are some important sites like Chopani Mande (UP), Mahadaha (UP), Damdama (UP), Ragore (Rajasthan) and Tilwara (Rajasthan).

 

(III). Neolithic Period

→(1). The term “Neolithic” was coined by John Lubbock. It means the era of new stone age.
→(2). This era has said to begun in the Indian Subcontinent from circa (approx) 10000 BCE onwards.
→(3). This era also witnessed a climatic transformation i.e. Pleistocene era (cold climatic) was changing into the Holocene era (warm climatic).
→(4). Home-Sapiens Sapiens (Modern Man) became the chief architect of the Neolithic culture which is identified on the basis of following features:-

  • (a). The beginning of Agriculture, for e.g.→ Mehargarh in the Bolan Valley of Baluchistan in today’s Pakistan is the oldest Agriculture site in the Indian Sub- continent shown the evidences of the cultivation of Wheat, Barley and Cotton (c. 7000 BCE).
  • (b). The people of this culture started living on a permanent piece of land. Therefore, the Pastoral hunter-gatherer society transformed into a settled society in this era. For e.g.→ The sites like Jericho (Jordon), Catal Huyuk (Turkey), Tepe Guran (Iran) have shown the evidences of the permanent settlement in West Asia as well.
  • (c). The emergence of large villages was also a chief characteristic of the neolithic culture.
  • (d). Pottery was invented for the first time in this era and a site of Chopani Mande in UP has given the earliest and the oldest evidence of Pottery (c. 6500 BCE).
  • (e). The neolithic culture has been found in various pockets of India indicating a massive transformation took place in this era. Therefore, V. Gordon Childe has termed it as the “Neolithic Revolution”.
  • (f). The prominent sites of the Neolithic culture have been found in the Northwest and Southern part of India such as Mehargarh, Rana Ghundai, Sarai-khola in the Northwest and Utnur, Piklihal, T. Narsinpur, Paiyampalli etc. from South India.
  • (g). In the Eastern and North-eastern part of India, the sites of Belan Valley of UP such as Koldihawa, Mahagara, Chopani Mando are the prominent sites. In the North-eastern part of India, Daojali Hading in Assam is the most prominent neolithic site.
  • (h). The Neolithic Age contributed in the emergence of various culture across the subcontinent like Burzahom and Gufkral belong to J&K have shown the evidences of the Pit-dwelling and domestication of dogs and other animals from the Neolithic culture. Therefore, there has always been variety of cultural practices followed even in the Neolithic era right from the beginning. It also paved way for the the emergence of Chalcolithic cultures from c. 5000 BCE onwards across the Indian Subcontinent such as Amri, Balathal, Rangpur, Kalibangan etc.
Neolithic Culture
(Image Source: https://www.insightsonindia.com/)

 

Class Quiz

Q1. According to the excavated evidence, the domestication of animals begun in-
a) Lower Palaeolithic period
b) Middle Palaeolithic period
c) Upper Palaeolithic period
d) Mesolithic period

Q2. Name the site which has revealed the earliest evidence of settled life?
a) Dholavira
b) Kile Gul Mohammad
c) Kalibangan
d) Mehargarh

Q3. Given below are the location of four archaeological sites in India:-
(A) Paiyampalli
(B) Bhimbetka
(C) Hunsgi
(D) Burzahom
Which among the following presents the correct order of their locations from North to South?
a) A, B, C, D
b) B, C, A, D
c) B, D, A, C
d) D, B, C, A

Q4. Which of the following is not a subdivision of the Stone Age?
a) Mesolithic Age
b) Iron Age
c) Palaeolithic Age
d) Neolithic Age

Q5. Which of the following is NOT a characteristic of the Neolithic Age?
a) Introduction of agriculture and domestication of animals
b) Emergence of settled agricultural communities
c) Use of advanced metal tools
d) Development of pottery and weaving

Q6. Which hominid species is associated with the Lower Palaeolithic Period?
a) Homo erectus
b) Hamas sapiens
c) Homo habilis
d) Australopithecus

 

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History Class-2 Pre-Historic Period

 

History Class-1

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History Class-1 PDF

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The link of PDF of this History Class-1 is given below the explanation of the class, you can download the PDF by going below.

 

History Class-1

In this History Class-1, we will discuss about the Syllabus of History for Prelims and Mains, UPSC History Trend Analysis for Prelims and Mains, Some Previous Years UPSC History Questions for Prelims and Mains etc.

Syllabus for UPSC Prelims (History):-

  • History of India and Indian National Movement.

 

Syllabus for UPSC Mains (History):-

  • Indian culture will cover the salient aspects of Art Forms, literature, and Architecture from ancient to modern times.
  • Modern Indian history from about the middle of the eighteenth century until the present- significant events, personalities, issues.
  • The Freedom Struggle — its various stages and important contributors/contributions from different parts of the country.
  • Post-independence consolidation and reorganization within the country.
  • History of the world will include events from the 18th century such as the Industrial Revolution, world wars, redrawal of national boundaries, colonization, decolonization, political philosophies like communism, capitalism, socialism, etc.— their forms and effects on society.

 

UPSC History Trend Analysis (Prelims)

History Prelims Trend Analysis

 

UPSC History Trend Analysis (Mains)

History Mains Trend Analysis

 

Some Previous Years’ UPSC Prelims Questions (History)

Q1. With reference to Indian freedom struggle, Usha Mehta is well-known for (2011)
a) Running the Secret Congress Radio in the wake of Quit India Movement.
b) Participating in the Second Round Table conference.
c) Leading a contingent of Indian National Army.
d) Assisting in the formation of Interim Government under Pandit Jawahar Lal Nehru.

 

Q2. With reference to Ryotwari Settlement, Consider the following statements: (2012)
1. The rent was paid directly by the peasants to the Govt.
3. The lands were surveyed and assessed before being taxed.
3. The lands were surveyed and assessed before being taxed.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
a) 1 only
b) 1 and 2 only
c) 1, 2 and 3
d) None

 

Q3.Consider the following Bhakti Saints: (2013)
1. Dadu Dayal
2. Guru Nanak
3. Tyagaraja

Who among the above was/were preaching when the Lodi dynasty fell and Babur took over ?
a) 1 and 3
b) 2 only
c) 2 and 3
d) 1 and 2

 

Q4. The Partition of Bengal made by Lord Curzon in 1905 lasted until (2014)
a) the First World War when Indian troops were needed by the British and the Partition was ended.
b) King George V abrogated Curzon’s Act at the Royal Durbar in Delhi in 1911.
c) Gandhiji launched his Civil Disobedience Movement.
d) the Partition of India in 1947 when East Bengal became East Pakistan.

 

Q5. Who of the following organized a march on the Tanjore Coast to break the Salt Law in April 1930? (2015)
a) V.O. Chidambaram Pillai
b) C. Rajagopalachari
c) K. Kamaraj
d) Annie Besant

 

Q6. Banjaras during the medieval period of Indian History were generally (2016)
a) agriculturists
b) warriors
c) weavers
d) traders

 

Q7. The object of the Butler Committee of 1927 was to (2017)
a) Define the jurisdiction of the Central & Provincial Governments.
b) Define the powers of the Secretary of State for India.
c) Impose censorship on national press.
d) Improve the relationship between the Government of India and the Indian States.

 

Q8. Which one of the following foreign travellers elaborately discussed about diamonds and diamond mines of India? (2018)
a) Francois Bernier
b) Jean-Baptiste Tavernier
c) Jean de Thevenot
d) Abbe Barthelemy Carre

 

Q9. Which one of the following is not a Harappan site? (2019)
a) Chanhudaro
b) Kot diji
c) Sohgaura
d) Desalpur

 

Q10. With reference to the history of India, “Ulgulan” or the Great Tumult is the description of which of the following events? (2020)
a) The Revolt of 1857
b) The Mapilla Rebellion of 1921
c) The Indigo Revolt of 1859-60
d) Birsa Munda’s Revolt of 1899-1900

 

Q11. Who among the following was associated as secretary with Hindu Female School which later came to be known as Bethune Female School? (2021)
a) Annie Besant
b) Debendranath Tagore
c) Ishwar Chandra Vidyasagar
d) Sarojini Naidu

 

Q12. Consider the following freedom fighters: (2022)
1. Barindra Kumar Ghosh
2. Jogesh Chandra Chatterjee
3. Rash Behari Bose

Who of the above was / were actively associated with the Ghadar Party?
a) 1 and 2
b) 2 only
c) 1 and 3
d) 3 only

 

Q13. Who among the following rulers of medieval Gujarat surrendered Diu to Portuguese? (2023)
a) Ahmad Shah
b) Mahmud Begarha
c) Bahadur Shah
d) Muhammad Shah

Some Previous Years’ UPSC Mains Questions (History)

Q1. “In many ways, Lord Dalhousie was the founder of modern India.” Elaborate. (200 Words) [10 Marks] (2013)

 

Q2. The third battle of Panipat was fought in 1761. Why were so many empire-shaking battles fought at Panipat? (150 Words) [10 Marks] (2014)

 

Q3. Mesolithic rock cut architecture of India not only reflects the cultural life of the times but also a fine aesthetic sense comparable to modern painting. Critically evaluate this comment. (200 Words) [12.5 Marks] (2015)

 

Q4. Highlight the differences in the approach of Subhash Chandra Bose and Mahatma Gandhi in the struggle for freedom? (200 Words) [12.5 Marks] (2016)

 

Q5. Why did the ‘Moderates’ fail to carry conviction with the nation about their proclaimed ideology and political goals by the end. of the nineteenth century? (150 Words) [10 Marks] (2017)

 

Q6. Safeguarding the Indian art heritage is the need of the moment. Discuss. (Answer in 150 Words) [10 Marks] (2018)

 

Q7. Examine the linkages between the nineteenth century’s “Indian Renaissance” and the emergence of national identity. (Answer in 150 Words) [10 Marks] (2019)

 

Q8. Pala period is the most significant phase in the history of Buddhism in India. Enumerate. (Answer in 150 Words) [10 Marks] (2020)

 

Q9. Bring out the constructive programmes of Mahatma Gandhi during Non-Cooperation Movement and Civil Disobedience Movement. (Answer in 250 Words) [15 Marks] (2021)

 

Q10. Discuss the main contributions of Gupta Period and chola Period to Indian heritage and culture. (Answer in 250 Words) [15 Marks] (2022)

 

Q11. What was the difference between Mahatma Gandhi and Rabindranath Tagore in their approach towards education and nationalism? (Answer in 150 Words) [10 Marks] (2023)

 

 

History & Culture

 

Ancient Indian History (20 lakh BC-750AD)
  • Pre-History
  • IVC (2500BC-1500BC)
  • Vedic Age (1500BC-600BC) : a) Early Vedic Age (1500BC-1000BC), b) Later Vedic Age (1000BC-600BC)
  • Pre-Mauryan Age (600BC-300BC)
  • Mauryan Age (300BC-200BC)
  • Post-Mauryan Age (200BC-320AD)
  • Gupta Age (320AD-550AD)
  • Post Gupta Age (550AD-750AD)
  • Miscellaneous issues of Ancient India

 

Medieval Indian History
  • Early Medieval India
  • Delhi Sultanate
  • Sher Shah and his times
  • Mughal Empire
  • Marathas

 

 

South Indian History

 

Modern Indian History
  • British Foundation, Expansion, and Consolidation
  • British Policies
  • Revolts and Movements
  • Indian National Movement (1885-1947) : 8 Aspects
  • Communalism and Partition
  • Post Independence (1947-1964)
  • Governor General and Viceroy

Indian National Movement (8 Aspects)

  • Aspect 1 : Foundation of INC and Growth of Indian Nationalism
  • Aspect 2 : Early Nationalism (1885-1947)
  • Aspect 3 : Revolutionary Extremism
  • Aspect 4 : Home Rule Movement (1916) by Annie Besant & Bal Gangadhar Tilak
  • Aspect 5 : Rise of Gandhian Leadership and Gandhian Ideology
  • Aspect 6 : Indian National Movement from 1920-1927
  • Aspect 7 : Indian National Movement from 1927-1934
  • Aspect 8 : Indian National Movement from 1937-1947

 

Indian Art and Culture
  • Art and Architecture
  • Paintings
  • Dance
  • Music
  • Religion and Religious Philosophy
  • Sufi and Bhakti Movement
  • Miscellaneous – Fairs and Festivals etc.

 

World History
  • American Revolution
  • French Revolution
  • Russian Revolution
  • Renaissance, Enlightenment, and Industrial Revolution
  • First World War
  • Second World War
  • Cold War
  • Miscellaneous

 

Some Important Links
History Class-1 YouTube Short Video Click Here
Download History Class-1 PDF Click Here

 

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Subscribe our YouTube Channel Subscribe Now
Join our Telegram Channel Join Now
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For any Query and Feedback, Contact Us at – study@iaspcsprep.com.

 

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History Class-1