Explanation: The Indus Valley Civilization, one of the world's earliest urban civilizations, flourished in the northwestern regions of the Indian subcontinent around 2600 BCE to 1900 BCE. Two of its most prominent urban centers were Mohenjo-Daro and Harappa. These cities were part of a larger network of settlements that included smaller towns and villages.
Mohenjo-Daro, located in the lower Indus Valley in present-day Sindh, Pakistan, was a major urban center. Its strategic location near the mouth of the Indus River made it a hub for trade and commerce. However, this location also made it vulnerable to invasions launched from the sea or the river mouth. The proximity to the river mouth meant that any enemy approaching from the sea could easily reach Mohenjo-Daro, making it less defensible.
On the other hand, Harappa, located in the upper Indus Valley in present-day Punjab, Pakistan, was situated further inland. This geographical position provided a natural barrier against invasions launched from the mouth of the Indus Valley. The distance from the river mouth meant that any potential invaders would have to travel further inland, making it more difficult and time-consuming to reach Harappa. This strategic advantage made Harappa relatively safer from invasions compared to Mohenjo-Daro.
Understanding the geographical context of these ancient cities is crucial for comprehending their strategic importance and the challenges they faced. The location of Harappa in the upper Indus Valley provided it with a defensive advantage, making it a safer city from invasions launched at the mouth of the Indus Valley. This strategic positioning was a key factor in the city's ability to maintain its status as a major urban center within the Indus Valley Civilization.
In summary, the correct answer is Harappa because its inland location in the upper Indus Valley provided it with a natural defense against invasions launched from the mouth of the Indus River, making it safer compared to Mohenjo-Daro, which was more vulnerable due to its proximity to the river mouth.