Mehrgarh is a Neolithic site located near which pass?

• A. Bolan
• B. Khyber
• C. Ghabar
• D. Khushal

Answer: (A)

Mehrgarh is a significant archaeological site in the Indian subcontinent, dating back to the Neolithic period, approximately 7000 to 2500 BCE. It is located near the Bolan Pass in present-day Balochistan, Pakistan. This site is pivotal for understanding early agricultural practices and the development of sedentary communities in South Asia.

The Bolan Pass itself has been historically important as a route that links the Indus Valley with the Iranian plateau, making it a crucial pathway for trade and cultural exchanges. Excavations at Mehrgarh have revealed the remains of early farming, domesticated animals, and evidence of one of the earliest known forms of pottery, highlighting the advancements of the time.

The other choices, while they are all passes in the region, do not have the same association with the Mehrgarh archaeological site. The Khyber Pass is more famous for its historical significance in trade and military campaigns but is situated farther north than Mehrgarh. Similarly, Ghabar and Khushal passes do not relate directly to the location of the Neolithic site. Understanding the context of Mehrgarh and its geographical significance provides a clearer insight into early human civilization in the area around the Bolan Pass.