In the Pleistocene period either the Yamuna once flowed into the Indus, or the Sutlej flowed into the Yamuna and one major tributary of either had shifted from the Ganga to the Indus or vice versa.
Which of the following is/are the basis of the above assertion ?
1. The Nadi-Sukta of the Rigveda
2. The explorations of the Sutlej and the Yamuna by Robert Bruce Foote
3. The presence of the same species of dolphins in both the Indus and the Ganga river systems
Select the answer using the code given below :
Pleistocene River System Assertion Basis
The question asks for the basis of an assertion about river system changes during the Pleistocene period, specifically concerning the Yamuna, Indus, and Sutlej rivers.
Evaluating Assertion Basis Statements
We need to determine which of the given statements logically supports the assertion:
- Statement 1: The Nadi-Sukta of the Rigveda
The Nadi Sukta lists various rivers known during the Rigvedic period. While it mentions the Ganga, Yamuna, Sutlej, and Indus, its geographical interpretation regarding specific Pleistocene hydrological connections is debated and not considered direct evidence for the assertion's complex river shifts. - Statement 2: Explorations of Sutlej and Yamuna by Robert Bruce Foote
Robert Bruce Foote was a geologist known for his work on prehistoric archaeology and stone tools. His explorations did not primarily focus on mapping Pleistocene river dynamics or establishing connections between the Indus and Ganga systems in the way implied by the assertion. - Statement 3: Presence of the same species of dolphins
The presence of closely related or identical species of freshwater dolphins (like the Ganges river dolphin and Indus river dolphin) in both the Indus and Ganga river systems provides biological evidence. Such shared fauna suggests past hydrological connectivity, where river systems might have merged or shifted, allowing species migration. This aligns with the assertion's premise of river system changes and interconnections during the Pleistocene.
Conclusion on Assertion Basis
Based on the analysis, the biological evidence from dolphin species distribution (Statement 3) is the most direct and scientifically accepted basis for inferring past connections and shifts between major river systems like the Indus and Ganga during geological periods like the Pleistocene. Statements 1 and 2 lack the necessary scientific or historical weight to directly support this specific paleohydrological assertion.
Therefore, only statement 3 provides a valid basis for the assertion.
Important Questions from Ancient History
The speakers of major Indian languages belong to how many language families?
Which one of the following was NOT a way in which kings in ancient India attempted to claim a higher status?
Match List-I with List-II and select the correct answer using the code given below the Lists:
List-I
(unit in use in early India)
List-II (content) A. Muhurta 1. Measure of weight B. Raktika 2. Measure of time C. Angula 3. Metre of poetry D. Pada 4. Measure of length In the Mesopotamian records, which one of the following terms was used for the Indus Valley (Harappans)?
In Egypt, ancient mummies can be found to have their arteries intact due to well preserved:
