In early Indian history, which metal was most probably the first to be widely used for making tools and simple ornaments?

Introduction / Context:
The sequence in which different metals came into use is an important part of ancient history and archaeology. Knowing which metal appeared first helps us understand the transition from stone tools to metal tools and the development of early civilisations. This question specifically asks about the first metal most probably used in the Indian subcontinent.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• The focus is on the earliest widely used metal in India.
• We are dealing with common tools and simple ornaments, not rare ceremonial objects only.
• We assume the standard archaeological chronology accepted in school level history.

Concept / Approach:
Archaeological evidence shows that human societies generally moved from the Stone Age to the Copper Age and then to the Bronze Age and Iron Age. Copper is relatively easy to extract from ore and can be worked at lower temperatures compared to iron. Although precious metals like gold and silver were known, they were rare and used mainly for decoration rather than everyday tools.

Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Recall the typical order of metal use in many civilisations: copper appears before bronze and iron. Step 2: Notice that gold and silver, while ancient, were not used as the main metal for tools. Step 3: Iron technology in India became widespread only later, in the Iron Age. Step 4: Aluminium requires advanced extraction methods and is a modern industrial metal. Step 5: Therefore, copper fits as the earliest widely used metal in India.

Verification / Alternative check:
You can cross check this by recalling terms like Chalcolithic culture, where chalco refers to copper. Many early Indian sites, including those influenced by the Indus Valley civilisation and later Chalcolithic cultures, show copper tools and ornaments. These appear before the large scale use of iron in the archaeological record.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:
Option B, gold, was rare and mainly decorative. Option C, silver, similarly did not become the primary metal for tools. Option D, iron, became important later and marks a separate technological age. Option E, aluminium, requires modern industrial processes and was not available to ancient societies.

Common Pitfalls:
Learners sometimes confuse cultural value with chronological order, thinking that gold or iron must be first because they sound more important. Another error is not distinguishing between occasional ceremonial use of a metal and its widespread practical use. Remember that in exam questions about the first metal, copper is the safe and well supported answer.

Final Answer:
Thus, the metal most probably used first in early Indian history was copper.