Consider the following statements: Statement I: The cities of the s

Consider the following statements:

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Statement I: The cities of the second urbanization in Indian history are mainly located in the Ganga valley
Statement II: Advanced iron technology, ensuring an agrarian surplus is instrumental to this process of urbanization

Both the statements are individually true and Statement II is the correct explanation of Statement I

Both the statements are individually true but Statement II is not the correct explanation of Statement I

Statement I is true but Statement II is false

Statement I is false but Statement II is true

Answer is Right!

Answer is Wrong!

This question was previously asked in

UPSC CAPF – 2014

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Both Statement I and Statement II are individually true, and Statement II is the correct explanation for Statement I. The second urbanization in India (around the 6th century BCE) saw the rise of major cities, primarily located in the middle Ganga valley. This development was closely linked to significant advancements in iron technology, which facilitated large-scale forest clearing and improved agricultural productivity, leading to an agrarian surplus.

The Second Urbanization (Mahajanapada period) was concentrated in the Ganga valley. Advanced iron technology enabled agrarian surplus, which supported the growth of non-agricultural populations and led to urbanization.

The iron tools like axes and ploughshares made it possible to cultivate the fertile but densely forested Ganga plain extensively. The resulting surplus production could feed a growing urban population not directly involved in agriculture, fostering trade, crafts, and administrative centres which developed into cities. Notable cities of this period include Pataliputra, Rajagriha, Vaishali, Shravasti, Kaushambi, and Varanasi.

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