Consider the following statements regarding the Megalithic Sites: Thes...
Answer:
Introduction:
Megalithic sites are archaeological sites where large stones, known as megaliths, are used to construct various structures. These structures are found in different parts of the world and are considered important for understanding ancient civilizations and their cultural practices. In the Indian context, megalithic sites are found mainly in the southern parts of the country, particularly in Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, and Tamil Nadu.
Statement 1: These were constructed as commemorative memorials.
The statement is correct. Megalithic sites in India were constructed as commemorative memorials. These sites contain various types of megalithic structures such as dolmens, cairns, menhirs, and stone circles. These structures were built to commemorate the dead and were used as burial sites or memorials. The megaliths were often inscribed with symbols or carvings that represented the beliefs and rituals of the people who built them. The presence of human remains and burial goods at these sites further supports the idea that they were used for commemorative purposes.
Statement 2: The majority of the megaliths in India belong to the Chalcolithic period.
The statement is incorrect. The majority of the megaliths in India do not belong to the Chalcolithic period. The Chalcolithic period in India corresponds to the transition between the Neolithic and Bronze Age, characterized by the use of copper and stone tools. Megalithic structures, on the other hand, are found in different periods ranging from the Neolithic to the Iron Age. They are not limited to a specific time period and were built over a span of several centuries.
Conclusion:
In conclusion, statement 1 is correct as megalithic sites in India were constructed as commemorative memorials. However, statement 2 is incorrect as the majority of the megaliths in India do not belong to the Chalcolithic period. Megalithic structures can be found in different periods ranging from the Neolithic to the Iron Age.
Consider the following statements regarding the Megalithic Sites: Thes...
A large number of megalithic hat stones were found from a single site during a recent archaeological salvage excavation conducted by the Kerala State Archaeology Department at Nagaparamba in Kuttippuram village, near Tirunavaya.
- Megalithic Sites were constructed either as burial sites or commemorative(non-sepulchral) memorials.
- The former are sites with actual burial remains, such as dolmenoid cists (box-shaped stone burial chambers), cairn circles (stone circles with defined peripheries) and capstones (distinctive mushroom-shaped burial chambers found mainly in Kerala).
- Non-sepulchral megaliths include memorial sites such as menhirs.
- In India, archaeologists trace the majority of the megaliths to the Iron Age (1500 BC to 500 BC).
- In India, these are concentrated in the states of Maharashtra (mainly in Vidarbha), Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Andhra Pradesh and Telangana.
Hence only statement 1 is correct.
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