Question

Given below are two statements : one is labelled as
Assertion (A) and the other is labelled as Reason (R).
Assertion (A): Prehistoric archaeology reconstructs the culture of past mankind. Reason (R): Reconstruction is done through the artefacts. In the light of the above statements, choose the most appropriate answer from the options given below :

• A. Both (A) and (R) are correct and (R) is the correct explanation of (A)
• B. Both (A) and (R) are correct but (R) is not the correct explanation of (A)
• C. (A) is correct but (R) is not correct
• D. (A) is not correct but (R) is correct

Hint:

Prehistoric archaeology reconstructs ancient human culture mainly through the study of artefacts because prehistoric societies left no written records.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is A

Concept: Prehistoric archaeology is the branch of archaeology that studies human societies before the invention of writing. Since prehistoric people left no written records, archaeologists reconstruct their culture and way of life using:
• Artefacts,
• Tools,
• Pottery,
• Bones,
• Habitation remains,
• Burials. Artefacts serve as the primary evidence for understanding prehistoric human culture.

Step 1: Analyzing Assertion (A). Assertion (A) states: \[ \text{Prehistoric archaeology reconstructs the culture of past mankind.} \] This statement is correct. The main objective of prehistoric archaeology is to study:
• Human evolution,
• Ancient technology,
• Subsistence practices,
• Settlement patterns,
• Social and cultural life. Since prehistoric societies had no written language, archaeology becomes the major source for reconstructing their culture. Thus: \[ \text{Assertion (A) is correct.} \]

Step 2: Analyzing Reason (R). Reason (R) states: \[ \text{Reconstruction is done through artefacts.} \] This statement is also correct. Artefacts include:
• Stone tools,
• Pottery,
• Weapons,
• Ornaments,
• Housing remains. By studying these materials, archaeologists infer:
• Technology,
• Economy,
• Social organization,
• Religious beliefs,
• Daily life. Hence: \[ \text{Reason (R) is correct.} \]

Step 3: Checking whether Reason explains Assertion. The assertion says: \[ \text{Prehistoric archaeology reconstructs past culture} \] The reason explains: \[ \text{How reconstruction is achieved — through artefacts} \] Therefore:
• Reason directly explains the assertion,
• Both statements are logically connected. Hence: \[ \boxed{\text{Both (A) and (R) are correct and (R) is the correct explanation of (A)}} \]

Step 4: Final conclusion. Thus, the correct answer becomes: \[ \boxed{\text{(A) Both (A) and (R) are correct and (R) is the correct explanation of (A)}} \]