Understanding the Bharatpur Archaeological Site Question

The question asks us to identify the statement that is NOT correct regarding the Bharatpur Archaeological site. To answer this, we need to examine each statement based on known information about this historical location.

Let's analyze each option provided:

Analyzing Statement 1: Location in West Bengal

Statement 1 says: "It is located in West Bengal". Historical and archaeological sources indicate that the significant archaeological site known as Bharatpur, often discussed in the context of protohistoric and early historic periods, is indeed situated in the Purba Bardhaman district of West Bengal, India. This site is known for yielding evidence of different cultural phases.

Based on archaeological findings and geographical location, this statement appears to be correct.

Analyzing Statement 2: Location in Rajasthan and Migratory Birds

Statement 2 says: "It is situated in Rajasthan, from where the traces of bones of migratory birds were found." There is a famous Bharatpur located in Rajasthan, known for the Keoladeo National Park (formerly Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary), which is a major habitat for migratory birds. However, this is a natural reserve primarily focused on ecology and ornithology, not the archaeological site of the same name in West Bengal.

The archaeological site of Bharatpur that is relevant in the context of ancient cultures and settlements is located in West Bengal, not Rajasthan. Therefore, claiming the archaeological site is in Rajasthan is incorrect. While bones of fauna, including birds, might be found at archaeological sites, the primary reason this statement is incorrect is the misidentification of the location of the archaeological site.

This statement is NOT correct with respect to the Bharatpur Archaeological site.

Analyzing Statement 3: Period I Evidence

Statement 3 says: "For period I, there was evidence for fishing, hunting and agriculture." Archaeological excavations at sites often reveal the subsistence patterns of early inhabitants. Period I at sites like Bharatpur (West Bengal), which represent earlier phases, typically show evidence of communities relying on a mix of resource exploitation strategies including fishing (from nearby rivers), hunting (of local fauna), and early forms of agriculture. These activities are common subsistence methods for communities during the protohistoric period to which Period I at Bharatpur often corresponds.

Based on typical findings for early periods at such sites, this statement appears plausible and aligns with archaeological reports from Bharatpur, West Bengal.

Analyzing Statement 4: Period II Evidence

Statement 4 says: "Period II provided evidence of the use of iron and northern black polished ware". Period II at the Bharatpur archaeological site in West Bengal is generally associated with later cultural phases, moving into the Iron Age and early historic period. The introduction and use of iron technology became prevalent during this time, leading to advancements in tools and agriculture. Northern Black Polished Ware (NBPW) is a distinctive type of pottery that is a hallmark of the Iron Age and early historical periods (roughly 700-200 BCE) in the Gangetic plain and surrounding regions, including parts of West Bengal. Its presence indicates trade, cultural contact, and a specific chronological marker.

Evidence of iron use and NBPW is indeed characteristic of Period II at the Bharatpur archaeological site in West Bengal.

Based on archaeological findings, this statement appears correct.

Identifying the Incorrect Statement about Bharatpur Archaeological Site

Comparing the analysis of all statements, Statement 2 is the only one that contains factually incorrect information regarding the location of the Bharatpur Archaeological site. The site is in West Bengal, not Rajasthan. While Rajasthan has a place named Bharatpur famous for birds, it is a different location and context.

Therefore, the statement that is NOT correct is the one claiming the Bharatpur Archaeological site is in Rajasthan.

Conclusion

The statement that is NOT correct with regard to the Bharatpur Archaeological site is that it is situated in Rajasthan from where the traces of bones of migratory birds were found.

Revision Table: Bharatpur Archaeological Site Facts

Additional Information on Bharatpur Archaeological Site and NBPW

The archaeological site at Bharatpur in West Bengal is significant for understanding the cultural sequence from the Chalcolithic to the Early Historic periods in the region. Excavations have revealed different phases of occupation.

• Chalcolithic Period: Earliest phase, often showing evidence of early farming and use of copper.
• Iron Age / Early Historic Period: Subsequent phases marked by the introduction of iron technology and pottery types like NBPW. NBPW is notable for its glossy surface and fine fabric, indicating sophisticated pottery techniques. It is found across large parts of the Indian subcontinent and is crucial for dating sites in the Early Historic period.

Understanding the specific characteristics of different periods and the geographical location is key to correctly evaluating statements about archaeological sites like Bharatpur.