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GS Paper IUPSC Prelims 2024
South Indian Kingdoms
Question No. 1Interactive Test Mode
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+2-0.66

Q1. Consider the following information: | Archaeological Site | State | Description | | :--- | :--- | :--- | | 1. Chandraketugarh | Odisha | Trading Port town | | 2. Inamgaon | Maharashtra | Chalcolithic site | | 3. Mangadu | Kerala | Megalithic site | | 4. Salihundam | Andhra Pradesh | Rock-cut cave shrines | In which of the above rows is the given information correctly matched?

Consider the following information:

Archaeological SiteStateDescription
1. ChandraketugarhOdishaTrading Port town
2. InamgaonMaharashtraChalcolithic site
3. MangaduKeralaMegalithic site
4. SalihundamAndhra PradeshRock-cut cave shrines

In which of the above rows is the given information correctly matched?

Select the correct option below (or cross out options to eliminate)
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Official Answer Key & Detailed Solution

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Official UPSC Answer KeyUPSC Prelims 2024 • Ancient History

Correct Answer: Option (B) — 2 and 3

Concept & Option Breakdown

Standard Reference Verified

Row 1 is incorrectly matched: Chandraketugarh is an archaeological site situated in West Bengal (near Kolkata), not Odisha. It was an ancient port city and trading hub dating from the pre-Mauryan to the Gupta periods.

Row 2 is correctly matched: Inamgaon is a prominent Chalcolithic site in Maharashtra representing the Jorwe culture (both Early and Late Jorwe phases).

Row 3 is correctly matched: Mangadu is a recognized Megalithic site located in Kerala, known for urn burials and megalithic monuments.

Row 4 is incorrectly matched: Salihundam in Andhra Pradesh is a major Buddhist structural site with stupas, chaityas, and viharas, but it does not contain rock-cut cave shrines.

Elimination Heuristic & Exam Approach

Elimination Technique: Chandraketugarh is a well-known ancient Bengal site, making Row 1 incorrect and eliminating options (a) and (d). Salihundam is primarily famous as a structural hilltop Buddhist stupa site rather than rock-cut caves, ruling out Row 4.

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Question Specifications & Syllabus Mapping

Examination & YearUPSC Civil Services Preliminary Examination 2024 (Q1)
Paper & Marking SchemeGS Paper I • 2 Marks (-0.66 Negative for incorrect response)
Syllabus Subject & TopicAncient History → South Indian Kingdoms
Official Answer KeyOption (B) — 2 and 3

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Frequently Asked Questions — UPSC Prelims 2024 Q1

What is the official answer for UPSC Prelims 2024 GS Paper I Question 1 (Ancient History)?

The official UPSC answer key for this 2024 Ancient History (South Indian Kingdoms) question is Option (B): "2 and 3". Correct attempts carry 2 Marks with -0.66 Negative penalty for wrong answers.

Which UPSC Prelims syllabus topic does this 2024 question belong to?

This question belongs to GS Paper I under the subject "Ancient History" and micro-topic "South Indian Kingdoms". You can explore all repeated questions from South Indian Kingdoms in Acme AI's 3D Prelims PYQ Realm or practice 50 full-length and sectional tests in the APT Prelims Test Series.

How can I solve this South Indian Kingdoms UPSC Prelims question using option elimination?

Elimination Technique: Chandraketugarh is a wellknown ancient Bengal site, making Row 1 incorrect and eliminating options (a) and (d). Salihundam is primarily famous as a structural hilltop Buddhist stupa site rather than rockcut caves, ruling out Row 4.

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