NTA UGC NET/JRF Exam February-2023 ARCHAEOLOGY

The Upper Paleolithic period marks a time of advancements in tool-making techniques and the development of more specialized tools.
• Re-touched Blade (a): Blades that have been modified with additional flaking are considered re-touched. This process enhances the blade's functionality and sharpness.
• Aurignacian Burin (b): A burin is a tool associated with the Aurignacian culture, primarily used for engraving or carving.
• Aurignacian end scraper (c): These are tools associated with the Aurignacian culture, used primarily to treat animal hides. Cleavers (d) are more typical of the earlier Acheulean tool culture, which predates the Upper Paleolithic.

Indian Archaeological Society, New Delhi, has been instrumental in publishing various journals and books related to the field of archaeology.
• Puratattva (a): This is the journal of the Indian Archaeological Society. It covers a broad range of topics related to archaeology.
• Pura Pravaha (d): Another publication by the society. Ancient India (b) and Pragdhara (c) are not publications of the Indian Archaeological Society.

A.K. Sharma has excavated numerous archaeological sites throughout his distinguished career.
• Sirpur (a): This site in Chhattisgarh was excavated by A.K. Sharma. It revealed a plethora of Buddhist, Shaiva, and Vaishnava antiquities.
• Pachrahi (b): Not excavated by A.K. Sharma.
• Rajim (c): A famous pilgrimage spot in Chhattisgarh was excavated by him. Malhar (d) was not excavated by A.K. Sharma.

The term "Mayamata" refers to a Sanskrit treatise on housing architecture and iconography in India.
• Hastiprishtha (a): Translates to "elephant's back." It's a term used to describe an apsidal temple, resembling the back of an elephant.
• Dviyashravritta (b): Another term related to temple architecture. Shala (c) and Harantara (d) are not terms specifically used for an apsidal temple in Mayamata.

Ash mounds are a distinctive feature of the Neolithic archaeological sites in South India.
• Kupgal (a): Located in Karnataka, this site is known for its ash mounds, which are indicative of pastoral and agricultural activities.
• Budihal (b): Another site in Karnataka, where ash mounds have been identified. Watgal (c) has some Neolithic traits but isn't as renowned for ash mounds as the other two. Pallavaram (d), located in Tamil Nadu, is more associated with prehistoric Paleolithic findings and not ash mounds.

Harappan civilization, or the Indus Valley civilization, is known for its urban centers, script, and mature phase.
• Farmana (a): Located in Haryana, Farmana is an important Harappan site. •Badli (b): Another site associated with the Harappan culture.
• Hansi (c): It is not primarily associated with the Harappan civilization. •Khokhrakot (d): While it has ancient importance, it's not specifically a Harappan site.

Harappan civilization, especially the mature phase, showcases a range of tools suitable for various tasks.
• Lothal (a): An important port city of the Harappans located in Gujarat. Tools such as lunate harvesting tools and long chert blades have been found here. • Surkotada (b): Another Harappan site in Gujarat where similar tools were found.
Rangpur (c): It's also in Gujarat and has yielded such tools. Ropar (d) in Punjab is a Harappan site, but the particular tools mentioned are more famously associated with the sites in Gujarat.

Fire altars are key indicators of ritualistic and religious practices during the Harappan civilization.
• Kalibangan (a): Located in Rajasthan, it's known for its unique grid pattern and fire altars.
• Lothal (b): As a port city, Lothal had a sophisticated drainage system, dockyard. and fire altars.
• Banawali (c): Located in Haryana, it too showcased evidence of fire altars. •Mohenjodaro (d) in Pakistan is one of the most famous Harappan sites, but fire altars are not its most prominent feature.

Tamil Nadu in South India has been a seat of ancient cultures, and multiple archaeological sites confirm this.
• Attirampakkam (a): Located near Chennai, this site has provided evidence of early stone tool cultures.
• Gudiyam (b): Another site near Chennai that has yielded paleolithic tools. Anagwadi (c) and Sangankallu (d) are not located in Tamil Nadu. They're more associated with the state of Karnataka.