The correct option is (c).
Explanation
Mehrgarh is one of the earliest and most significant Neolithic sites in the Indian subcontinent, located in the Kachi Plain of Balochistan (Pakistan). It provides crucial archaeological evidence regarding the origins of settled life, agriculture, and animal domestication in the region.
Statement-wise Analysis:
- Statement 1 is Incorrect: Mehrgarh is located near the Bolan Pass, which is a strategic gateway connecting the Indian subcontinent to Iran and Afghanistan. It is not associated with the route to China.
- Statement 2 is Correct: Excavations at the site provide a chronological record of the transition from a hunting-gathering lifestyle to a settled farming and herding economy. Early levels contain bones of wild animals (deer, pig), while later levels show a dominance of domesticated animals (sheep, goats, cattle).
- Statement 3 is Correct: The architectural remains at Mehrgarh consist of square or rectangular houses made of mud bricks. These structures often featured multiple compartments, some of which were likely used for grain storage.
Key Takeaway:
Mehrgarh is a pivotal Neolithic site near the Bolan Pass characterized by early evidence of wheat and barley cultivation, the transition from hunting to herding, and the construction of compartmentalized mud-brick houses.