RAS question
The Sothi culture, found in northern Rajasthan, is considered a precursor to which civilization?
Correct answer: (A) Indus Valley Civilization.
The Sothi culture of northern Rajasthan is treated as a pre-Harappan or early Harappan precursor to the Indus Valley Civilization.
Explanation
Sothi culture is linked with northern Rajasthan, especially the Ganganagar-Hanumangarh region, and with sites such as Sothi and Nohar. It is a pre-Harappan or early Harappan culture, not a later or separate tradition. Ancient Asia, "Preliminary Studies on Exploration in Middle Reaches of Ghaggar River Basin" treats Sothi/Kalibangan-I pottery as a yardstick for identifying Pre/Early Harappan sites in the Ghaggar basin, and describes Mature Harappan culture as the succeeding phase of cultural evolution in the region. That sequence explains why Sothi is considered a precursor to the Indus Valley, or Harappan, civilization: its material culture shows the transition from pre-Harappan levels towards the mature Harappan phase.
Why the other options are wrong
- (B) Painted Grey Ware belongs to a later horizon and Ancient Asia, "Preliminary Studies on Exploration in Middle Reaches of Ghaggar River Basin" treats it separately from the Pre/Early Harappan Sothi horizon.
- (C) Ganeshwar is a separate copper-age culture, not the civilization for which Sothi is described as a precursor.
- (D) Ahar-Banas is a southeastern Rajasthan culture, whereas Sothi is placed in northern Rajasthan and tied to the pre-Harappan or early Harappan sequence.
Concept
This tests the RAS history concept of Rajasthan's protohistoric cultures and their place in the Harappan sequence. It recurs because northern Rajasthan sites such as Sothi, Nohar and Kalibangan connect local archaeology with the wider Indus Valley Civilization framework.