Which archaeological site provides the oldest evidence of the Neolithic era among the following locations in South Asia?

Introduction / Context:
The Neolithic era marks the transition from hunting gathering to agriculture and settled life. In South Asia, several archaeological sites provide evidence of Neolithic cultures. Among them, Mehrgarh is especially important because it shows very early farming and herding practices. Questions about the oldest Neolithic evidence among a list of sites are common in exams on ancient Indian and South Asian history.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• The question asks for the site that presents the oldest evidence of the Neolithic era among the listed locations.
• The options are Chirand, Mehrgarh, Burzahom, Daimabad and Inamgaon.
• We must compare the approximate dates and significance of these sites.

Concept / Approach:
Mehrgarh, located in present day Balochistan in Pakistan, dates back to around the seventh millennium BCE and provides very early evidence of farming, herding and settled life. Chirand in Bihar, Burzahom in Kashmir, Daimabad in Maharashtra and Inamgaon in the Deccan are also important prehistoric sites, but they are generally dated later than Mehrgarh. Recognising Mehrgarh as one of the oldest Neolithic sites in the region is the key to answering correctly.

Step-by-Step Solution:

Verification / Alternative check:
Archaeological summaries and textbooks consistently highlight Mehrgarh as a key early farming settlement that predates the mature Harappan cities. It is often described as one of the earliest known Neolithic sites in South Asia. The other sites are important but do not go back as far in time, which confirms that Mehrgarh is the correct option.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:

• Chirand: A Neolithic site in Bihar, but generally later than Mehrgarh in date.
• Burzahom: A Neolithic and Megalithic site in Kashmir dated later than the earliest phases of Mehrgarh.
• Daimabad: More famous as a Chalcolithic site in Maharashtra with later artefacts.
• Inamgaon: A Chalcolithic and later settlement in the Deccan, not as early as Mehrgarh.

Common Pitfalls:
One common mistake is to focus on sites within present day India and overlook Mehrgarh because it lies in modern Pakistan. Another error is to assume that more widely mentioned names like Burzahom must be the oldest. A clear understanding that Mehrgarh predates the main Harappan phase and represents an early farming community helps avoid these errors.

Final Answer:
Correct answer: Mehrgarh.