Consider the following statements with reference to early trade:1.There are references of numerous river-ports in ancient India.2.There were large entrepots of goods and traffic.Which of the above statements is/are correct?Select the correct answer from the code given below:

1. A

   Both 1 and 2

   Both 1 and 2. Statement 1 is correct because historical and archaeological sources provide numerous references to river-ports and coastal ports engaged in vibrant inland and maritime trade across ancient India. Statement 2 is also correct as major urban centers served as large entrepots facilitating the collection, storage, and redistribution of diverse commodities and heavy traffic. Therefore, both statements accurately reflect the economic and trade conditions of early India.

2. B

   Neither 1 nor 2

   Neither 1 nor 2. This option incorrectly claims that both statements regarding river-ports and entrepots are false. However, historical evidence clearly confirms the existence of both riverine trade hubs and major goods distribution centers in ancient times.

3. C

   Only 1

   Only 1. This option incorrectly asserts that only the first statement about river-ports is correct while dismissing the second. In reality, large entrepots for goods and traffic were equally vital features of the early trading network.

4. D

   Only 2

   Only 2. This option mistakenly suggests that only the second statement regarding entrepots is valid while rejecting the first. Historical records, however, contain ample references to numerous river-ports across ancient India.

Summary. Official key is (a). Both statements hold: ancient India had many river-ports, and large entrepots of goods and traffic. Literary and archaeological notices of Ganga–Yamuna and coastal trade sit beside entrepot towns that stored and redistributed cargo. Neither statement is a modern invention, so ‘only 1’ or ‘only 2’ drops a true limb. The keyed choice is both 1 and 2.