Ancient Indian History

Choose the Correct Answer

Correct Answer : Option b

Explanation
Statement-I is correct: This is correct because while Neolithic cultures were present in various parts of India (such as Kashmir, Mehrgarh, the Deccan, and the Ganges valley), some regions directly transitioned from Mesolithic to the Iron Age, skipping a distinct Neolithic phase.
Statement-II is correct: In Tamil Nadu and Kerala, there is evidence that Mesolithic cultures transitioned directly into Iron Age megalithic cultures, without a distinct Neolithic phase in between.
Relation between the statements:
While both statements are correct, Statement-II does not explain Statement-I because the absence of Neolithic cultures in some regions is not necessarily explained by the Mesolithic-to-Iron Age transition in Tamil Nadu and Kerala. Other regions may have missed the Neolithic phase due to different environmental or cultural factors.
Thus, option (b) is the correct answer.