Q. Which of the following statements with regard to the Megalithic Age in India is/are correct?
1.Megaliths refer to stone structures used as burial monuments or non-sepulchral commemorative memorials.
2.Dolmenoid cists, cairn circles, and capstones represent prominent sepulchral megalithic architectural types.
3.Megalithic sites are geographically confined to the peninsular state of Tamil Nadu.
Select the answer using the code given below:

[A] 1 and 2 only

[B] 2 and 3 only

[C] 1 only

[D] 1, 2 and 3

Answer: A
Notes:

Detailed Explanation:

  • Statement 1 is correct: Megaliths (“large stones”) served as stone-built graves (sepulchral) or erect memorial stones like menhirs (non-sepulchral).
  • Statement 2 is correct: Major structural forms include box-like stone chambers (dolmenoid cists), stone boulder rings around a central pit (cairn circles), and mushroom-shaped stone slabs (capstones/hoodstones).
  • Statement 3 is incorrect: While peninsular South India (Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Maharashtra) has the highest concentration of megaliths, they are not exclusive to Tamil Nadu—megalithic sites also exist in the Vindhyan region, Kashmir (Burzahom), and North-East India.
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