NTA UGC NET/JRF Exam, December 2023 (Anthropology)

Total Questions: 100

31. In archaeological studies, reconstruction of palaeo-climate has been the domain of:

Correct Answer: C. Environmental Archaeology and GeoArchaeology
Solution:Environmental Archaeology and GeoArchaeology focus on the reconstruction of palaeo-climate. These subfields study ancient environmental conditions through the analysis of soil, sediments, and other geological and biological materials.

Environmental Archaeology examines how past human activities were influenced by and adapted to environmental changes, while Geo-Archaeology uses geological techniques to understand the physical context of archaeological sites. Ethnoarchaeology, Settlement Archaeology, Cognitive Archaeology, Action Archaeology, Experimental Archaeology, and Archaeometry do not specifically address palaeo-climate reconstruction.

32. The prehistoric 'rock art' is the characteristic element of :

Correct Answer: D. Upper Palaeolithic Culture of Europe
Solution:The prehistoric 'rock art' is characteristic of the Upper Palaeolithic Culture of Europe. Upper Palaeolithic rock art, such as the famous cave paintings of Lascaux and Altamira, represents some of the earliest known artistic expressions by Homo sapiens.

These artworks typically depict animals, human figures, and abstract symbols. The Lower Palaeolithic cultures in both India and Europe did not produce such sophisticated art forms. Thus, Upper Palaeolithic rock art is distinct and significant in understanding early human symbolic behaviour and culture.

33. The stratigraphic and sedimentological studies assist to reconstruct:

Correct Answer: B. Relative chronology
Solution:Stratigraphic and sedimentological studies assist in reconstructing relative chronology. These studies analyze the layers of sediment or rock (strata) and their sequence to establish a chronological framework for archaeological sites. Relative chronology helps determine the order of events and cultural phases without assigning specific dates.

Absolute chronology provides precise dating, tangible behaviour relates to physical evidence of activities, and intangible behavior involves non-material aspects of past societies. Therefore, relative chronology is the correct focus of stratigraphic and sedimentological studies.

34. The 'Kitchen Middens' are associated with archaeological sites located at:

Correct Answer: C. Lake margins
Solution:The 'Kitchen Middens' are associated with archaeological sites located at lake margins. Kitchen middens are ancient refuse heaps composed of shells, animal bones, pottery, and other domestic waste. These middens are typically found near water sources such as lakes, where early humans had access to abundant food resources.

Hilltop, foothill, and loessic sands do not commonly feature kitchen middens. Lake margins provided ideal locations for sustained human settlement and the accumulation of domestic waste, making them the typical context for kitchen middens.

35. The bronze figures of a 'dancing girl' was unearthed from the ruins of:

Correct Answer: A. Mohenjodaro
Solution:The bronze figure of a 'dancing girl' was unearthed from the ruins of Mohenjodaro. This iconic artifact from the Indus Valley Civilization dates back to around 2500 ВСЕ and showcases the advanced metallurgical skills of the Harappans.

The figure is notable for its realistic depiction of a young girl in a dynamic pose, suggesting a sophisticated understanding of human anatomy and movement. Harappa, Kot Diji, and Kalibangan are other important Indus Valley sites but did not yield the 'dancing girl' artifact. Thus, Mohenjodaro is the correct site associated with this discovery.

36. Based on the presence of 21% to 45% reworked flakes in the stone age assemblages west of Aravalli hill ranges, Prof. V.N. Misra named the industry as:

Correct Answer: C. Luni Industry
Solution:Based on the presence of 21% to 45% reworked flakes in the stone age assemblages west of the Aravalli hill ranges, Prof. V.N. Misra named the industry as the Luni Industry. The Luni River basin provided abundant raw materials for prehistoric tool-making, leading to a distinct lithic tradition characterized by a high proportion of reworked flakes.

The Rohti, Nevasan, and Aravalli industries are different lithic traditions with varying characteristics. The reworked flakes indicate a high degree of tool recycling and modification, a hallmark of the Luni Industry.

37. The distribution patterns of Buffalo deity and Bull deity in Harappan culture signify:

Correct Answer: C. Buffalo deity is well represented in Early Harappan and Bull deity in matured Harappan
Solution:The distribution patterns of the Buffalo deity and Bull deity in Harappan culture signify that the Buffalo deity is well represented in the Early Harappan, and the Bull deity is prominent in the Mature Harappan phase.

This differentiation reflects the evolving religious and symbolic practices within the Harappan civilization. The Early Harappan phase features more buffalo imagery, while the Mature phase sees an increase in bull representations, indicating shifts in religious focus or societal structure. Both deities are part of Harappan culture.

38. In Megalithic cultural context, the 'Menhir' represents:

Correct Answer: A. A burial type of monolith
Solution:In the Megalithic cultural context, the 'Menhir' represents a burial type of monolith. Menhirs are large, upright stones erected as part of funerary practices, often marking graves or serving as memorials. They are found in various megalithic cultures worldwide and are significant for understanding prehistoric mortuary customs.

Multiple stones in a burial context are not typically referred to as menhirs (option B), and hero stones or victory pillars have different cultural connotations and uses (options C and D). Thus, a menhir as a burial monolith is the correct interpretation.

39. The Neolithic site represented by the presence of copper axes and objects and the absence of stone axes and blades is:

Correct Answer: (E) (*)

40. The non-geometric and geometric lithic tools of miniature size are characteristic of:

Correct Answer: C. Mesolithic Culture
Solution:The non-geometric and geometric lithic tools of miniature size are characteristic of the Mesolithic Culture. The Mesolithic period, also known as the Middle Stone Age, is marked by the production of microlithssmall, often geometrically shaped stone tools used as parts of composite tools and weapons. These microliths include both nongeometric forms, such as small blades and points, and geometric forms, like triangles, trapezes, and crescents. Neolithic Culture is characterized by larger, polished stone tools; Megalithic Culture by large stone structures and burials; and Palaeolithic Culture by larger, more primitive stone tools. Thus, the miniature lithic tools are a defining feature of the Mesolithic period.