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10 Marks150 words
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Robert Bruce Foote and Indian Archaeology — 2020 Paper II
Question · 2020 · Paper II · 10 Marks
Contribution of Robert Bruce Foote to Indian Archaeology
Model Answer
VAID ICSApproach
- Demand of Question: Explain Robert Bruce Foote’s major contributions to the discovery and systematic study of Indian prehistory.
- Structuring the Response: Cover his discoveries, classification of prehistoric tools, field surveys and long-term significance for Indian archaeology.
- Key Dimensions to Cover: Pallavaram, Attirampakkam, 1863 discovery, Palaeolithic archaeology, Geological Survey of India and “Father of Indian Prehistory”.
Model Answer
Introduction
Robert Bruce Foote (1834–1912), a geologist with the Geological Survey of India, pioneered the scientific study of Indian prehistory and is often regarded as the “Father of Indian Prehistory.”
Major contributions
- Discovery at Pallavaram: In 1863, Foote discovered a Palaeolithic handaxe at Pallavaram near Madras (Chennai), providing the first convincing evidence of Stone Age human occupation in India.
- Attirampakkam discoveries: Along with William King, he identified prehistoric artefacts at Attirampakkam, strengthening evidence for a substantial Lower Palaeolithic tradition in South India.
- Extensive field surveys: Foote systematically surveyed large parts of southern and western India and identified numerous prehistoric sites.
- Tool classification: He documented:
- handaxes;
- cleavers;
- flakes;
- Neolithic implements;
- megalithic remains.
- Geological context: His geological training enabled him to relate stone tools to stratigraphy, river terraces and geomorphological contexts.
- Prehistoric collections: He assembled extensive artefact collections that became important reference materials for later archaeological research.
Thus:
Geology + Archaeological survey + Lithic analysis → Foundation of Indian prehistory
Conclusion
Foote transformed isolated stone finds into a systematic study of India’s prehistoric past and laid the methodological and empirical foundations of Palaeolithic archaeology in India.
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UPSC Anthropology Optional 2020 — Paper II
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1(a) Contribution of Robert Bruce Foote to Indian Archaeology
10 Marks150 words
Syllabus: Paper II > 1.1 Evolution of Indian Culture and Civilization > Prehistoric archaeology in India
Syllabus: Paper II > 5.1 Indian Village > Traditional and changing patterns of settlement
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