What does the ‘Ash Mounds’ from Deccan symbolise?

Answer & Explanation

Answer: [B]

The 'Ash Mounds' from Deccan symbolize remnants of the settlements of Neolithic cattle keepers. The term "Ash Mounds" refers to archaeological sites found in the Deccan region of India, particularly associated with the Neolithic period.

These mounds are characterized by the presence of ash layers, along with other archaeological remains such as pottery, stone tools, animal bones, and evidence of habitation. The ash is believed to have accumulated over time from domestic hearths and fires used by the Neolithic communities.

The presence of these ash mounds indicates the settlement patterns and activities of the Neolithic communities in the Deccan region. The Neolithic period in India was marked by the transition from a hunter-gatherer lifestyle to settled agricultural communities. Cattle rearing and agriculture played a crucial role in their subsistence.

The ash mounds are considered remnants of the settlements of these early agricultural communities, particularly those engaged in cattle rearing. They provide valuable insights into the social, economic, and cultural aspects of the Neolithic communities in the Deccan region.

While Vedic sacrifices (option D) were an important ritual practice in later periods, the ash mounds from Deccan are associated with the earlier Neolithic settlements and not directly related to Vedic sacrifices.