Previous Year Question

Damdama is an important Mesolithic archaeological site in the present-day Pratapgarh district of Uttar Pradesh. It was excavated by archaeologists of the University of Allahabad. Research associated with the University of Allahabad records that systematic excavations were carried out here between 1982 and 1987.

Damdama yielded numerous remains associated with Mesolithic habitation and life. These include microlithic tools, bone objects, querns and mullers, anvils, hammer stones, hearths, patches of burnt floors, wild grains and animal bones.

The site is particularly important for its human burials. A total of 41 human burials were discovered here. Evidence of multiple burials was also found. In one burial, the skeletons of three individuals—two males and one female—were found together. This archaeological discovery forms the basis of the question.

Along with Damdama, Sarai Nahar Rai and Mahadaha are also important Mesolithic burial sites of the Middle Ganga Valley. Human skeletons have been recovered from all three sites, which may create confusion. However, the site associated with three human skeletons in a single grave is Damdama.