Q. Consider the following information:
| Archaeological Site | State | Description |
|---|
| 1. Chandraketugarh | Odisha | Trading Port town |
| 2. Inamgaon | Maharashtra | Chalcolithic site |
| 3. Mangadu | Kerala | Megalithic site |
| 4. Salihundam | Andhra Pradesh | Rock-cut cave shrines |
In which of the above rows is the given information correctly matched? (UPSC Prelims 2024)
Answer:
2 and 3
Notes: The correct answer is
[B] 2 and 3. This question tests the precise geographical and functional classification of major archaeological sites in India.
- Chandraketugarh (Row 1 – Incorrect): While it was indeed a significant ancient trading port town famous for its terracotta art, it is located in West Bengal (North 24 Parganas district), not Odisha. It was part of the ancient Gangaridai kingdom.
- Inamgaon (Row 2 – Correct): Located in Maharashtra on the banks of the Ghod River, it is one of the most intensively excavated and significant Chalcolithic (Copper Age) farming settlements in India, belonging to the Jorwe culture.
- Mangadu (Row 3 – Correct): Located in Kerala (Kollam district), this site is well-known for its Megalithic urn burials and iron implements, representing the Iron Age culture of the deep South.
- Salihundam (Row 4 – Incorrect): While Salihundam is in Andhra Pradesh (Srikakulam district), it is famous for its hilltop Buddhist Stupas and monasteries (Viharas) dating back to the 2nd century BCE, not for rock-cut cave shrines.