Which of the following correctly matches Chalcolithic sites with their cultural features?
Show answer & explanation
Correct answer: B
Explanation
Solution: The correct answer is Navdatoli – Painted pottery; located on Narmada river.
Explanation:
☛ Navdatoli is an important Chalcolithic site located on the banks of the Narmada River in the Khargone (West Nimar) district of Madhya Pradesh.
☛ This site was excavated under the leadership of renowned archaeologist H. D. Sankalia during the 1950s.
☛ Navdatoli is widely recognized for its diverse painted pottery (including painted black-and-red ware and cream-slipped ware) adorned with geometric motifs, plant designs, and animal figures.
☛ The site yielded rich agricultural evidence, including the largest variety of food grains among Chalcolithic settlements (such as wheat, barley, lentil, and rice).
Extra Exam-Relevant Facts:
☛ Kayatha Culture: Located along the Chalisindh (Kalisindh) River in Madhya Pradesh, it is marked by sturdy red-slipped ware with dark brown paintings, copper bangles, and stone-bead caches, dating to around 2000–1800 BCE.
☛ Jorwe Culture: Flourished in Maharashtra (e.g., Jorwe, Inamgaon, Chandoli) between 1400–700 BCE; it represented a rural farming culture featuring painted black-on-red spouted vessels, rather than planned urban centers.
☛ Nevasa: Situated on the Pravara River in Maharashtra, it is a prominent Chalcolithic (Jorwe) and multi-period site, known for microliths, copper tools, and extended urn burials, not early Vedic iron tools.
☛ Ahar-Banas Culture: Another prominent Chalcolithic culture centered in south-eastern Rajasthan (sites like Ahar, Balathal, and Gilund), famous for extensive copper metallurgy.
Important One-Liners for Upcoming Exams:
☛ Which archaeologist extensively excavated the Chalcolithic site of Navdatoli? → H. D. Sankalia
☛ On the banks of which river is the Chalcolithic site Inamgaon located? → Ghod River (Maharashtra)
☛ Which metal was first used by humans during the Chalcolithic period? → Copper
☛ At which Chalcolithic site was a unique copper rhinoceros, elephant, and chariot discovered? → Daimabad (Maharashtra)
☛ Which Rajasthan site is famously known in ancient times as 'Tambavati' (place with copper)? → Ahar