UPSC CSE Prelims
Question 45
Consider the following statements:
- Pali texts contain the first definite references to coins, e.g., kahapana, nikkha, kamsa, and kakanika.
- The literary evidence from Pali texts is corroborated by archaeological evidence of punch-marked coins from many sites, most of them made of silver.
The above statements have been associated with which of the following?
- Emergence of urban life
- Transition to money economy
Select the answer using the code given below:
View correct answer and explanation
Correct answer: C
Correct Option: C
Explanation: Pali references to named coins and archaeological silver punch-marked currency point to monetised transactions alongside the growth of early urban centres.
Statement-wise Analysis:
Statement 1: Correct - Coins facilitated trade, markets and commercial networks linked with the second urbanisation.
Statement 2: Correct - References to currencies and coin finds are direct evidence of a transition toward a money economy.
Option-wise Analysis:
A: Incorrect - Omits supported item(s) 2.
B: Incorrect - Omits supported item(s) 1.
C: Correct - This option includes the supported item(s) and excludes the unsupported ones.
D: Incorrect - Omits supported item(s) 1, 2.