Question

Arrange the following culture periods in chronological order.
A. Ahar culture
B. Sunga-Kusana-Gupta
C. Kayatha culture
D. Malwa culture
Choose the correct answer from the options given below:

• A. A, B, C, D
• B. A, D, C, B
• C. B, A, D, C
• D. C, A, D, B

Hint:

When faced with a chronological sequencing question, first look for the item that is clearly from a different major era (e.g., prehistoric vs. historic). Here, the Sunga-Kusana-Gupta period is historical, while the others are prehistoric (Chalcolithic). Placing this last can often eliminate most of the incorrect options.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is D

Step 1: Understanding the Concept:
The question requires arranging archaeological cultures and historical periods of India in the correct chronological sequence, from earliest to latest.
Step 2: Detailed Explanation:
First, identify the nature of each item. A, C, and D are Chalcolithic (Copper-Stone Age) cultures, while B is a historical period. The Chalcolithic period precedes the historical period, so B must be the last in the sequence. This immediately narrows down the possibilities.
Next, let's establish the chronology of the Chalcolithic cultures, which are mainly found in Central India and Rajasthan:
- C. Kayatha culture: Dated to c. 2450–1700 BCE. It is considered the earliest Chalcolithic culture in the Malwa region.
- A. Ahar culture (or Banas culture): Dated to c. 3000–1500 BCE. It is largely contemporary with the Kayatha culture but is often placed after it in regional sequences.
- D. Malwa culture: Dated to c. 1900–1400 BCE. This culture follows the Kayatha and Ahar phases and is the most widespread Chalcolithic culture of Central India.
- B. Sunga-Kusana-Gupta: This represents successive dynasties of the Early Historical and Classical periods of India, spanning from c. 2nd century BCE to the 6th century CE. This is clearly the latest period.
Step 3: Final Answer:
The correct chronological order from earliest to latest is: Kayatha culture (C) $\rightarrow$ Ahar culture (A) $\rightarrow$ Malwa culture (D) $\rightarrow$ Sunga-Kusana-Gupta period (B). The sequence is C, A, D, B.