GS PrelimsHistory (Ancient India)IVC Indus Valley Civilization1998

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 Select the correct answer using the codes given below:

A

III, IV, I, II

B

III, IV, II, I

C

IV, III, I, II

D

IV, III, II, I

Correct Answer: Option D

Explanation

1. The question asks for the correct chronological order of appearance in India. 2. Urban culture: Emerged first with the Indus Valley Civilization (Bronze Age, pre-dating widespread iron use or coinage). (Chronological position: 1st) 3. Iron plough: Became widespread during the Later Vedic period and Mahajanapada era (around 1000 BCE - 600 BCE), significantly impacting agriculture after the decline of the primarily urban IVC. (Chronological position: 2nd) 4. Punch marked silver coins: These were among the earliest coins in India, appearing around the 6th century BCE (Mahajanapada period) and used extensively during the Mauryan empire. (Chronological position: 3rd) 5. Gold coins: Introduced later, notably by the Indo-Greeks (around 2nd century BCE) and Kushanas (around 1st century CE). (Chronological position: 4th) 6. The correct sequence is Urban culture (4), Iron plough (3), Punch marked silver coins (2), Gold coins (1). This corresponds to IV, III, II, I. 7. Option (D) matches this sequence.

More History (Ancient India) PYQs

View all History (Ancient India) questions →

Master UPSC Revision

Get 10,000+ topic-wise MCQs, spaced repetition, daily CSAT challenges, and detailed performance analytics.

Coming Soon to Play Store
Coming Soon to Play Store