The correct option is (c).
Explanation
Mehrgarh is one of the earliest and most significant archaeological sites in the Indian subcontinent, dating back to approximately 7000 BCE. It provides crucial evidence regarding the transition from hunting and gathering to settled agriculture and animal domestication during the Neolithic period.
- Statement 1 is correct: The site of Mehrgarh is located in the Kachi Plain of Balochistan (in modern-day Pakistan). This region consists of a fertile alluvial plain, which was conducive to early agricultural activities, specifically the cultivation of wheat and barley.
- Statement 2 is correct: Mehrgarh is situated near the Bolan Pass. The Bolan Pass is a strategic gateway connecting the Indian subcontinent with Iran and Afghanistan. This location facilitated cultural interactions and the movement of people and goods in prehistoric times.
Key Takeaway: Mehrgarh is a Neolithic site located on the fertile Kachi Plain near the Bolan Pass, recognized as one of the earliest centers of agriculture and herding in South Asia.