📚 Part of: Ancient Indian History & Archaeology Mcqs

Largest city of the Indus Valley Civilization

Category: Miscellaneous Indian Gk

Correct Answer: A) Mohenjo-Daro.

Exam Relevance: UPSC Civil Services, IAS Prelims, State PSC Exams, History Olympiads

Difficulty: Moderate

Concept notes:

The Indus Valley Civilization, also known as the Harappan Civilization, was one of the world's earliest urban civilizations, flourishing around 2600-1900 BCE. Mohenjo-Daro, located in present-day Pakistan, was one of its largest and most significant cities, known for its advanced urban planning and sophisticated architecture.

Common Mistakes:
  • Confusing Mohenjo-Daro with other ancient cities like Harappa.
  • Believing that the Indus Valley Civilization was centered in India only.
  • Misunderstanding the chronological period of the Indus Valley Civilization.
Explanation:

The Indus Valley Civilization, also known as the Harappan Civilization, was one of the earliest urban civilizations in the world, flourishing between approximately 2600 and 1900 BCE. It was centered in the northwestern regions of the Indian subcontinent, primarily in what is now Pakistan and parts of northwestern India. The civilization is named after the Indus River, which was a crucial part of its development and sustenance.

Mohenjo-Daro, located in the Sindh province of present-day Pakistan, was one of the largest and most significant cities of the Indus Valley Civilization. It was a well-planned city with a grid layout, indicating advanced urban planning. The city featured a sophisticated drainage system, public baths, and a granary, showcasing the high level of technological and architectural development of the civilization.

The city of Mohenjo-Daro was divided into two main parts: the citadel and the lower city. The citadel was the administrative and religious center, while the lower city was the residential area. The Great Bath, a large public bath, was a notable feature of the citadel, suggesting the importance of water and hygiene in the culture.

The Indus Valley Civilization is known for its uniformity in artifacts and architecture, suggesting a centralized government or a shared cultural identity. The civilization had a script, though it remains undeciphered, and used seals for trade and administrative purposes. The economy was primarily based on agriculture, with evidence of trade with Mesopotamia and other regions.

In contrast, the other options provided are not related to the Indus Valley Civilization. Hindu Kush is a mountain range in Central Asia, Xi'an is a city in China, and Giza is a city in Egypt, each associated with different ancient civilizations. Understanding the geographical and cultural context of the Indus Valley Civilization is crucial to identifying Mohenjo-Daro as the largest city of this civilization.

In summary, Mohenjo-Daro stands out as the largest and most advanced city of the Indus Valley Civilization, showcasing the urban planning and technological sophistication of this ancient civilization.

Option Analysis:
  • Option A: Mohenjo-Daro is the correct answer. It was one of the largest and most advanced cities of the Indus Valley Civilization, located in the Sindh province of present-day Pakistan. The city was well-planned with a grid layout, public baths, and a sophisticated drainage system, indicating a high level of urban development.
  • Option B: Hindu Kush is incorrect. Hindu Kush is a mountain range in Central Asia, not a city. It is located in parts of Afghanistan and Pakistan but has no direct connection to the Indus Valley Civilization.
  • Option C: Xi'an is incorrect. Xi'an is a city in China, known for the Terracotta Army, and has no relation to the Indus Valley Civilization. It is a common misconception to confuse ancient cities from different regions.
  • Option D: Giza is incorrect. Giza is a city in Egypt, famous for the Great Pyramids and the Sphinx. It is part of the ancient Egyptian civilization, not the Indus Valley Civilization. This option might be chosen due to a lack of distinction between different ancient civilizations.

Mnemonic: M for Mohenjo-Daro, M for Major, M for Metropolis

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