The correct answer is: b) Neolithic cultures of Northeast India.
Cupules are small, round depressions carved into rock surfaces. They are found all over the world, and their purpose is often unknown. However, in some cases, they have been linked to religious or ritual practices.
In Sikkim, cupules are found in a number of locations, including the Kangchenjunga National Park and the Tsomgo Lake. They are also found in other parts of Northeast India, such as Meghalaya and Arunachal Pradesh.
The presence of cupules in Sikkim suggests links to the Neolithic cultures of Northeast India. These cultures were characterized by the use of stone tools and the cultivation of crops. They also had a rich spiritual life, and cupules may have been used in religious ceremonies.
The other options are incorrect because:
- Early Buddhist symbolism is not associated with cupules.
- The Indus Valley Civilization was located in what is now Pakistan and India, and it did not extend to Sikkim.
- Hunter-gatherer traditions of Southeast Asia are not associated with cupules.