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FURTHER RESOURCES

PHOTOGRAPHS OF ARTEFACTS FROM BURZAHOM

PAINTED SPOUTED POT

A History of Ancient and Early Medieval India by Upinder Singh

Chapter 3: Student resources
Page 1 of 4
 HARVESTER WITH TWO PERFORATIONS

STONE ADZE

A History of Ancient and Early Medieval India by Upinder Singh

Chapter 3: Student resources
Page 2 of 4
 BARBED ARROWHEAD

QUESTIONS AND ISSUES TO THINK ABOUT

A history of ancient India from prehistory to the 12th century generates hundreds of
questions. Given below are some questions of varied complexity and detail. These can be
used as a basis for writing essays, class discussions, or as issues to think about.

1. Discuss the meaning and implications of the terms ‘domestication’ and ‘food
production’.
2. What are the various ways in which archaeologists have tried to explain the
transition to domestication?
3. Discuss the various scientific techniques used in reconstructing early subsistence
practices.
4. Why is Mehrgarh considered such an important site?
5. What are the implications of the new data regarding areas of early agriculture in
the Indian subcontinent?
6. Discuss the varied chronology and patterns of the transition to agriculture in
different parts of the subcontinent.
7. What are the ways in which archaeologists have explained the relationship
between neolithic settlements and ash mounds in South India?

A History of Ancient and Early Medieval India by Upinder Singh

Chapter 3: Student resources
Page 3 of 4
 8. How can we assess the possible symbolic significance of female figurines? Why
is it problematic to give all female figurines a blanket label of ‘Mother
Goddesses’?
9. Discuss how ethno-archaeology can make an important contribution in helping us
understand the lives of early hunter-gatherers and farmers.
10. Discuss the relationship between hunting, animal husbandry, and farming in
ancient times.
11. How can the different types of formal burial practices in the Neolithic age be
interpreted?

Photographs © Archaeological Survey of India

A History of Ancient and Early Medieval India by Upinder Singh

Chapter 3: Student resources
Page 4 of 4