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GS Paper IUPSC Prelims 1998
South Indian Kingdoms
Question No. 76Interactive Test Mode
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+2-0.66

Q76. What is the correct chronological order in which the following appeared in India? 1. Gold Coin 2. Punch marked Silver Coin 3. Iron Plough 4. Urban Culture Select the correct answer using the codes given below:

What is the correct chronological order in which the following appeared in India?

  1. Gold Coin
  2. Punch marked Silver Coin
  3. Iron Plough
  4. Urban Culture Select the correct answer using the codes given below:
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 1998 • Ancient History

Correct Answer: Option (D) — 4, 3, 2, 1

Concept & Option Breakdown

Standard Reference Verified

The chronological sequence of these developments in India is:

  1. Urban Culture (4): Emerged during the Bronze Age Harappan/Indus Valley Civilization (c. 2600–1900 BCE).
  2. Iron Plough (3): Came into widespread use in the Gangetic plains during the Later Vedic and early Mahajanapada era (c. 1000–600 BCE).
  3. Punch-marked Silver Coins (2): First metallic currency in India, introduced during the Mahajanapada/Nanda/Mauryan period (c. 6th–5th century BCE).
  4. Gold Coins (1): Regular gold coinage was first issued on a large scale in India by the Indo-Greeks and Kushans (1st century CE onwards).

Thus, the sequence is 4, 3, 2, 1.

Elimination Heuristic & Exam Approach

Indus Valley (Urban Culture) is Bronze Age (~2500 BCE) -> Iron tools (~1000 BCE) -> Silver punch-marked coins (Mahajanapadas, ~6th c. BCE) -> Kushan gold coins (~1st c. CE).

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Question Specifications & Syllabus Mapping

Examination & YearUPSC Civil Services Preliminary Examination 1998 (Q76)
Paper & Marking SchemeGS Paper I • 2 Marks (-0.66 Negative for incorrect response)
Syllabus Subject & TopicAncient History → South Indian Kingdoms
Official Answer KeyOption (D) — 4, 3, 2, 1

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Frequently Asked Questions — UPSC Prelims 1998 Q76

What is the official answer for UPSC Prelims 1998 GS Paper I Question 76 (Ancient History)?

The official UPSC answer key for this 1998 Ancient History (South Indian Kingdoms) question is Option (D): "4, 3, 2, 1". Correct attempts carry 2 Marks with -0.66 Negative penalty for wrong answers.

Which UPSC Prelims syllabus topic does this 1998 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?

Indus Valley (Urban Culture) is Bronze Age (~2500 BCE) > Iron tools (~1000 BCE) > Silver punchmarked coins (Mahajanapadas, ~6th c. BCE) > Kushan gold coins (~1st c. CE).

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