NTA UGC NET/JRF Exam February-2023 ARCHAEOLOGY

The Kushans primarily used Gold (a) and Copper (b) for their coinage. The most famous and notable among the Kushan coins are the gold coins issued by King Kanishka. These coins carried images of various deities and Greek, Bactrian, and Brahmi legends. The use of gold signified the affluence and prosperity of the Kushan Empire, while the copper coins were more commonly used for everyday transactions. These coins provide invaluable insights into the religious, cultural, and political influences of the Kushan era.

The Greeks (a), Shakas (b), Parthians (c), and Kshatrapas (d) all issued bilingual and biscript coins. Bilingual and biscript coinage is emblematic of the cultural amalgamation and the overlapping territories these dynasties ruled over. The use of two languages and scripts on coins indicates the diversity of the populations under their dominion and the need for broader acceptability of these coins.

The Indo-Greek rulers Menander (a) and Strato I (c) are depicted in different ages from young to old on their coins. This unique representation on coins likely signifies their long rule and might have been used as a tool to showcase their experience, stability, and established reign. The depiction also serves as a historical record, tracing the life journey of these rulers as seen from their youthful vigor to their matured visage.

The river valleys of Jonk (a) and Shivanath (b) are located in Chhattisgarh. Chhattisgarh, rich in mineral resources and forest cover, is drained by several rivers which play a significant role in the state's agriculture and ecology. The Shivanath River, in particular, is a tributary of the Mahanadi River and holds great importance in the region. Similarly, the Jonk River is another significant watercourse in the state.

Stratigraphy pertains to the study and accumulation of strata resulting from Geological deposits (a) and Anthropogenic deposits (c). Stratigraphy is fundamental in archaeology, as it assists in understanding the chronological sequence of human activities over time. Geological deposits refer to the natural layers of earth and rock, while anthropogenic deposits are those resulting from human activities, such as building constructions, disposals, or any form of material culture. Studying these layers allows archaeologists to date sites, understand human behaviour, and interpret the environmental conditions of the past.

The terms Pratoli (a), Gopura (b), and Torana (c) are all types of entryways
• Pratoli refers to a gateway or entrance in Vedic architecture.
• Gopura is a monumental entrance tower, usually ornate, located at the entrance of a temple, especially in Southern India. These structures are distinctive for their intricate sculptures and grandeur.
• Torana is a free-standing ornamental or arched gateway for ceremonial purposes, seen in the Hindu, Buddhist, and Jain architecture. Jagati (d) is a raised platform upon which a temple is situated.

APA (a) and MLA (b) are both reference styles.
• APA (American Psychological Association) is widely used within the social sciences. It emphasizes the author and date of publication, useful for subjects where recent information is crucial.
• MLA (Modern Language Association) is primarily employed in the humanities, especially in writing on language and literature. ICT (c) stands for Information and Communications Technology, and GIS (d) refers to Geographic Information Systems. Neither of these are reference styles.

The Shunga dynasty introduced various features in their art.
• They indeed used Stone as a medium (a) for their art. The shift from wood to stone became more pronounced during this era.
• The Introduction of the human form on a large scale (c) is another attribute of Shunga art. Before the Shunga period, human forms were rarely depicted in large scale.
• The Flowing linear rhythm (d) is also seen in their sculptures, giving a sense of fluidity and movement. Court patronage (b) was not exclusive to the Shungas as it was prevalent in other dynasties as well.

Among the given options, Golbai (a), Deltihuda (c), and Bhartihuda (d) are early farming sites located in Odisha.
• Golbai Sasan is a significant prehistoric archaeological site in Odisha and provides evidence of early rice cultivation.
• Deltihuda and Bhartihuda are also important archaeological sites that give us insights into early agricultural practices in the region. Chirand (b), on the other hand, is located in Bihar.

The Parashurameswara temple (b) and Vaitala temple (d) were not constructed by the Somvanshi rulers.
• Parashurameswara temple is one of the oldest existing temples in Bhubaneswar and exemplifies the early phase of the Kalinga architectural style.
• Vaitala temple, famous for its "khakhara" style of temple architecture, has distinctive features not commonly associated with Somvanshi constructions. The Lingaraja (a) and Brahmeswara (c) temples, on the other hand, have strong associations with the Somvanshi dynasty in terms of architectural style and patronage.