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 cities were Mohenjo-Daro and Harappa. These cities were centers of trade, culture, and administration, and their locations played a crucial role in their development and significance.
Mohenjo-Daro, located in the Sindh province of present-day Pakistan, was situated near the Arabian Sea. This strategic location allowed the city to develop extensive trade networks, both within the subcontinent and with regions beyond, such as Mesopotamia. The proximity to the sea facilitated maritime trade, which was a significant aspect of the Indus Valley Civilization's economy. Archaeological evidence, including the discovery of dockyards and seals, supports the existence of a well-developed sea trading route from Mohenjo-Daro.
In contrast, Harappa, located in the Punjab region of present-day Pakistan, was situated further inland. While Harappa was also a major urban center and had trade connections, its location did not provide the same direct access to the Arabian Sea as Mohenjo-Daro. Therefore, Harappa's trade was more likely to have been based on overland routes rather than maritime ones.
Understanding the geographical context of these ancient cities is essential for comprehending their roles in the Indus Valley Civilization. The location of Mohenjo-Daro near the Arabian Sea made it a hub for maritime trade, which was a key factor in its development and prosperity. This knowledge is crucial for students studying the history and geography of ancient India, as it highlights the importance of geographical factors in the development of ancient civilizations.
In summary, Mohenjo-Daro is the correct answer because its location near the Arabian Sea made it more likely to have a sea trading route compared to Harappa, which was located further inland. This example illustrates the significant impact of geography on the economic and cultural development of ancient cities.