The correct option is (c) 1, 2 and 3 only
Explanation
The term "Megalith" refers to large stone structures, typically used to construct burial sites or memorials. In the Indian context, the Megalithic culture is predominantly associated with the
Iron Age (roughly 1000 BCE onwards) in Peninsular India. However, the practice existed in other periods and regions, varying significantly in chronology and cultural context.
Statement-wise Analysis
- Statement 1 is Correct: The practice of erecting megaliths was prevalent in Kashmir. Notable sites like Burzahom and Gufkral contain megalithic menhirs. Unlike the Iron Age megaliths of the south, the megaliths in Kashmir are associated with the Neolithic period.
- Statement 2 is Correct: North-East India has a rich tradition of megalithism. It is found in regions like Meghalaya, Manipur, and Nagaland. In some communities (e.g., the Khasis and Nagas), this is a living tradition where stones are still erected to commemorate ancestors.
- Statement 3 is Correct: The Deccan and South India are the heartlands of the Megalithic culture in India. Thousands of sites are found across Maharashtra (Vidarbha region), Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, Kerala, and Tamil Nadu. These are typically associated with the Iron Age and Black and Red Ware pottery.
- Statement 4 is Incorrect: The Gangetic Plains are not characterized by the practice of erecting megaliths. This region was dominated by other cultures such as the Ochre Coloured Pottery (OCP) culture, Copper Hoards, and later the Painted Grey Ware (PGW) and Northern Black Polished Ware (NBPW) cultures. While some megalithic finds exist on the southern fringes (Vindhyas/Allahabad), the practice was not prevalent in the Gangetic Plains proper.
Key Takeaway
Megalithic culture in India is not limited to a single time period or region. While predominantly an
Iron Age phenomenon in Peninsular India (Deccan/South), it is also found in
Kashmir (Neolithic) and
North-East India, but is notably absent in the Gangetic Plains.