Consider the following statements regarding the transition from Rigvedic society to Megalithic practices: 1. Rigvedic society was primarily pastoral and centered in the North-West. 2. Megalithic practices were centered in the Deccan and South and involved iron technology. 3. Both cultures existed simultaneously without any chronological overlap. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

The correct option is (a) 1 and 2 only. Explanation The two distinct cultural phases in ancient Indian history: the Early Vedic (Rigvedic) civilization, primarily located in the North-West, and the Megalithic culture, which is predominantly associated with the Iron Age in Peninsular India. Understanding their geographical distribution, economic base, and technological status is key to answering this question. Statement-wise Analysis - Statement 1 is Correct. The Rigvedic society (c. 1500–1000 BCE) was primarily centered in the Sapta Sindhu region (the land of seven rivers), covering present-day Punjab, Haryana, and parts of Afghanistan and Pakistan. Their economy was predominantly pastoral, with cattle rearing being the chief source of wealth, while agriculture was a secondary occupation. - Statement 2 is Correct. The Megalithic culture in India is largely concentrated in the Deccan and South India, though sites are found elsewhere. These cultures are characterized by large stone burials (megaliths) and are intrinsically linked to the introduction and extensive use of iron technology (tools and weapons) in the peninsula. This marks the Iron Age in South India. - Statement 3 is Incorrect. The Rigvedic culture and the Megalithic culture of South India are generally viewed as chronologically distinct phases in the broad timeline of Indian history. The Rigvedic period (Bronze/Copper context) is dated roughly between 1500 BCE and 1000 BCE. The Megalithic culture in South India (Iron Age context) typically spans from c. 1200/1000 BCE to 300 CE. While there may be a marginal overlap at the transition point, they did not exist simultaneously as parallel major cultures; rather, the Megalithic culture is a later development corresponding roughly to the Later Vedic and post-Vedic periods in the North. Key Takeaway: Rigvedic society was a North-Western, pastoral, Copper/Bronze Age culture, whereas the Megalithic culture was a South Indian, Iron Age civilization known for its distinctive stone burials.

NCERT Class 6 History — Chapter 4: What books and burials tell us

mcqhard

Consider the following statements regarding the transition from Rigvedic society to Megalithic practices:

Rigvedic society was primarily pastoral and centered in the North-West.
Megalithic practices were centered in the Deccan and South and involved iron technology.
Both cultures existed simultaneously without any chronological overlap.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

Official previous-year question

Verified 1 Aug 2026.

Options

A1 and 2 only
B2 only
C1 and 3 only
D1, 2 and 3

Did you get this right?

Solution

The correct option is (a) 1 and 2 only.

Explanation

The two distinct cultural phases in ancient Indian history: the Early Vedic (Rigvedic) civilization, primarily located in the North-West, and the Megalithic culture, which is predominantly associated with the Iron Age in Peninsular India. Understanding their geographical distribution, economic base, and technological status is key to answering this question.

Statement-wise Analysis

Statement 1 is Correct. The Rigvedic society (c. 1500–1000 BCE) was primarily centered in the Sapta Sindhu region (the land of seven rivers), covering present-day Punjab, Haryana, and parts of Afghanistan and Pakistan. Their economy was predominantly pastoral, with cattle rearing being the chief source of wealth, while agriculture was a secondary occupation.
Statement 2 is Correct. The Megalithic culture in India is largely concentrated in the Deccan and South India, though sites are found elsewhere. These cultures are characterized by large stone burials (megaliths) and are intrinsically linked to the introduction and extensive use of iron technology (tools and weapons) in the peninsula. This marks the Iron Age in South India.
Statement 3 is Incorrect. The Rigvedic culture and the Megalithic culture of South India are generally viewed as chronologically distinct phases in the broad timeline of Indian history. The Rigvedic period (Bronze/Copper context) is dated roughly between 1500 BCE and 1000 BCE. The Megalithic culture in South India (Iron Age context) typically spans from c. 1200/1000 BCE to 300 CE. While there may be a marginal overlap at the transition point, they did not exist simultaneously as parallel major cultures; rather, the Megalithic culture is a later development corresponding roughly to the Later Vedic and post-Vedic periods in the North.

Key Takeaway: Rigvedic society was a North-Western, pastoral, Copper/Bronze Age culture, whereas the Megalithic culture was a South Indian, Iron Age civilization known for its distinctive stone burials.

Your note

More from Chapter 4: What books and burials tell us

Consider the following statements comparing Harappan cities and Megalithic cultures: 1. Harappan cities show extensive use of iron weapons. 2. Megalithic burials contain iron axes and daggers. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

medium

Which of the following features is primarily used by archaeologists to identify the sex of a skeletal remain?

medium

Consider the following statements regarding the Rigveda: 1. It is the oldest Veda, composed approximately 3500 years ago. 2. It was written down and printed immediately after its composition. 3. The hymns, known as sukta, were composed by sages (rishis). Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

medium

Which group of deities is most frequently invoked and considered central in the Rigvedic hymns?

easy

Consider the following statements regarding the language of the Rigveda: 1. It is written in Old or Vedic Sanskrit. 2. Vedic Sanskrit is identical to the Sanskrit taught in schools today. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

easy

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The correct option is (a) 1 and 2 only.

Explanation

Statement-wise Analysis

Statement 1 is Correct. The Rigvedic society (c. 1500–1000 BCE) was primarily centered in the Sapta Sindhu region (the land of seven rivers), covering present-day Punjab, Haryana, and parts of Afghanistan and Pakistan. Their economy was predominantly pastoral, with cattle rearing being the chief source of wealth, while agriculture was a secondary occupation.
Statement 2 is Correct. The Megalithic culture in India is largely concentrated in the Deccan and South India, though sites are found elsewhere. These cultures are characterized by large stone burials (megaliths) and are intrinsically linked to the introduction and extensive use of iron technology (tools and weapons) in the peninsula. This marks the Iron Age in South India.
Statement 3 is Incorrect. The Rigvedic culture and the Megalithic culture of South India are generally viewed as chronologically distinct phases in the broad timeline of Indian history. The Rigvedic period (Bronze/Copper context) is dated roughly between 1500 BCE and 1000 BCE. The Megalithic culture in South India (Iron Age context) typically spans from c. 1200/1000 BCE to 300 CE. While there may be a marginal overlap at the transition point, they did not exist simultaneously as parallel major cultures; rather, the Megalithic culture is a later development corresponding roughly to the Later Vedic and post-Vedic periods in the North.