History • Ancient IndiaHard

Examine the salient features of the Megalithic culture in peninsular India: 1. Megalithic burial sites are characterized by large stone enclosures, urns, and cists containing iron implements, black-and-red ware pottery, and skeletal remains. 2. The economy associated with these sites was purely pastoral, with no evidence of settled agriculture, iron metallurgy, or specialized craft production. 3. Prominent Megalithic sites in South India include Adichanallur, Brahmagiri, and Piklihal, which provide crucial insights into early Iron Age transitions. Which of the statements given above are correct?

A. 1 and 3 only✓ Correct Answer

B. 1 and 2 only

C. 2 and 3 only

D. 1, 2 and 3

💡 Solution & Explanation

Statements 1 and 3 are correct because Megalithic burials frequently contain grave goods such as specialized black-and-red pottery and iron weapons, and sites like Brahmagiri and Adichanallur mark significant Iron Age settlements in the southern peninsula. Statement 2 is incorrect because excavations reveal advanced iron smelting technology, craft specialization, and evidence of paddy cultivation alongside pastoralism. The transition to iron tools enabled forest clearance and agricultural expansion in the river valleys of South India.

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