Part of: Miscellaneous Indian Gk set 94

Based on its location, which city is safer from an outside invasion launched at the mouth of the Indus Valley?

Category: Miscellaneous Indian Gk

Hint: Consider the relative positions of the cities in relation to the Indus Valley.

Correct Answer: B) Harappa

Exam Relevance: UPSC, SSC, Bank PO, Civil Services

Difficulty: Moderate

Explanations:

The Indus Valley Civilization was one of the earliest urban civilizations in the world, with major cities like Mohenjo-Daro and Harappa. These cities were strategically located along the Indus River, which played a crucial role in their development and sustenance. However, their locations also had implications for their safety from external invasions.

Mohenjo-Daro, one of the largest cities of the Indus Valley Civilization, is located in the Sindh province of present-day Pakistan, near the mouth of the Indus River. This location, while advantageous for trade and agriculture, also made it vulnerable to invasions launched from the sea. The proximity to the coast meant that any naval force could easily reach and attack the city, making it less safe from such threats.

Harappa, on the other hand, is located further inland in the Punjab province of Pakistan. This inland position provided a strategic advantage, as it was less accessible to naval forces and thus safer from invasions launched at the mouth of the Indus Valley. The distance from the coast made it more difficult for invaders to reach Harappa, thereby reducing the risk of attack.

Understanding the geographical context of these cities is essential for comprehending their strategic importance. The Indus River, being a major waterway, facilitated trade and communication but also posed a threat in terms of invasions. The location of a city relative to the river and the coast determined its vulnerability to external attacks.

Therefore, based on the geographical locations of Mohenjo-Daro and Harappa, Harappa is safer from an outside invasion launched at the mouth of the Indus Valley. This question tests the understanding of the strategic importance of geographical locations in ancient civilizations and the implications of coastal versus inland positions.

Option Analysis:
  • Option A: This option is incorrect because Mohenjo-Daro is located near the mouth of the Indus River, making it more vulnerable to invasions launched from the sea. Its coastal position makes it less safe compared to cities further inland.
  • Option B: This option is correct because Harappa is located further inland from the Indus River, making it safer from invasions launched at the mouth of the Indus Valley. Its inland position provides a strategic advantage against coastal attacks.
  • Option C: This option is incorrect because there is enough information provided to determine which city is safer from an invasion launched at the mouth of the Indus Valley. The geographical locations of the cities are key to answering the question.
  • Option D: This option is incorrect because one of the given cities, Harappa, is indeed safer from an invasion launched at the mouth of the Indus Valley. The question can be answered based on the provided information.

Mnemonic: Remember "H" for Harappa, "H" for Higher ground, safer from invasion.

Back to Miscellaneous Indian Gk set 94 – Practice all questions