Which of the following archaeological sites of Neolithic age is not known for 'ash mounds'?

Question

Accepted Answer

The correct option is 1:

The correct answer is **Burzahom**. Burzahom is a critical Neolithic site located in the Kashmir Valley. It is famously known for its unique cultural features, particularly the presence of **pit-dwellings** (or subterranean houses) and the burial of domestic dogs with their masters. The site provides strong evidence of an agrarian and hunting community adapting to the cold climate of the region. However, unlike the contemporary Neolithic sites in South India, Burzahom is not associated with 'ash mounds.' Ash mounds are large deposits of burnt cow dung, typically found in the Deccan region, which are understood to be the remnants of seasonal cattle pens or ritualistic burnings associated with pastoral communities. Since Burzahom represents a distinct cultural complex (Kashmir Neolithic) focused on pit-dwelling and specific burial practices, the characteristic 'ash mounds' found in the Southern Neolithic complex are absent here.

The incorrect option is 2:
**Utnoor** is a prominent Neolithic site located in Telangana, South India, and is one of the most significant sites known for its substantial 'ash mounds.' These mounds are direct evidence of periodic burning of massive accumulations of cattle dung, establishing Utnoor as a key center for pastoralism during the Neolithic period in the Deccan.

The incorrect option is 3:
**Pallavoy** (or Palavoy), situated in Andhra Pradesh, is another classic example of a South Indian Neolithic site associated with the 'ash mound' complex. Similar to Utnoor and Kupgal, the presence of these ash deposits indicates that the inhabitants of Pallavoy were pastoralists who maintained large herds of cattle.

The incorrect option is 4:
**Kupgal** is located in Karnataka and is recognized as an archaeological site containing clear evidence of Neolithic habitation and the distinctive 'ash mounds.' The existence of these ash deposits confirms Kupgal's involvement in the widespread South Indian Neolithic cultural tradition characterized by cattle rearing and the burning of accumulated manure.