A very heavy concentration of Malwa settlements of the Chalcolithic period was found in the:

Correct option is B

The Correct Answer is B: central Narmada basin.

Explanation:

• Malwa culture (1900-1400 BCE) was a prominent Chalcolithic culture of central India.
• It was primarily found in the Narmada basin, with key sites like Navdatoli and Eran.

Key Points:

• Malwa culture developed advanced agriculture and pottery techniques.
• Characterized by black-on-red painted pottery.
• Inhabited fortified settlements with planned structures.

Additional Information:

• Paleolithic Age (2.5 million BCE – 10,000 BCE): Early human evolution, stone tools, hunter-gatherers.
• Mesolithic Age (10,000 BCE – 8000 BCE): Transition to agriculture, microlithic tools.
• Neolithic Age (8000 BCE – 2000 BCE): Beginning of farming, domestication of animals, permanent settlements.
• Chalcolithic Age (3000 BCE – 700 BCE): Copper tools, pottery, and early trade networks.
• Bronze Age (3300 BCE – 1300 BCE): Indus Valley Civilization flourished.
• Iron Age (1200 BCE – 600 BCE): Use of iron tools, Vedic period, emergence of Mahajanapadas.