An Encyclopaedia of Indian Archaeology v1.c9.s17.30

v1.c9.s17.30

*4.17.1 N.-w. region.* The Megalithic culture of the Kashmir valley is post-Neolithic, a single type of monuments, viz. menhirs [4.17], being known. The monuments are roughly semicircular in shape, constructed of a group of upright stones, and are to be found at BURZAHOM, SHADIPUR, BEGAGUND, GOFKRAL HARIPARIGOM, PAMPUR, WAZTAL and BRAH. Excavation at BURZAHOM has revealed that these upright stones were buttressed with rubble. The megaliths are not associated with burials; at best they are memorials. Associated with the Megalithic level at BURZAHOM is found black burnished pottery, coarse in fabric and low in polish. Besides a wheel-made red ware of coarse fabric is predominant. The miniature vase is the characteristic shape in the red ware. A straggling continuation of polished stone axes and bone tools from the preceding Neolithic culture [4.6.1] forms part of the cultural matrix.