Part of: Miscellaneous Indian Gk set 83

Name the most Ancient Civilisation of Pakistan?

Category: Miscellaneous Indian Gk

Hint: Consider the geographical location and the timeline of ancient civilizations.

Correct Answer: C) Indus Valley Civilisation.

Exam Relevance: UPSC, SSC, Civil Services, State PSC

Difficulty: Easy

Explanations:

The Indus Valley Civilisation, also known as the Harappan Civilisation, is one of the earliest known urban civilisations in the world. It flourished in the northwestern regions of the Indian subcontinent, primarily in the area that is now Pakistan. The civilisation is named after the Indus River, which was a crucial part of its development and sustenance.

The Indus Valley Civilisation is believed to have emerged around 3300 BCE and reached its peak between 2600 BCE and 1900 BCE. It is one of the three major early civilisations of the Old World, alongside the Egyptian and Mesopotamian civilisations. The civilisation is known for its advanced urban planning, with well-organized cities featuring a grid layout, sophisticated drainage systems, and multi-story buildings.

Two of the most prominent cities of the Indus Valley Civilisation are Harappa and Mohenjo-Daro. These cities were well-planned and had a high degree of standardisation in their construction. The civilisation also had a unique script, which has not yet been fully deciphered, and a variety of artefacts that suggest a rich cultural and economic life.

The civilisation declined around 1900 BCE, possibly due to a combination of factors including climate change, environmental degradation, and invasions by nomadic tribes. Despite its decline, the Indus Valley Civilisation left a significant legacy, influencing the development of later cultures in the region.

Understanding the Indus Valley Civilisation is crucial for comprehending the historical and cultural context of the Indian subcontinent. It provides insights into the early development of urbanisation, governance, and cultural practices in the region. The civilisation's advanced urban planning and technological innovations continue to be studied and admired by historians and archaeologists.

Option Analysis:
  • Option A: The Incan Civilisation is incorrect because it was located in South America, not in the region of present-day Pakistan. The Incan Civilisation flourished in the Andean region of South America, primarily in what is now Peru.
  • Option B: The Vedic Civilisation is incorrect because it refers to the early Indo-Aryan culture that developed in the Indian subcontinent, primarily in the region of present-day India. It is not the most ancient civilisation in the region of present-day Pakistan.
  • Option C: The Indus Valley Civilisation is the correct answer because it is the oldest known civilisation in the region of present-day Pakistan, dating back to around 3300 BCE. It is known for its advanced urban planning and the cities of Harappa and Mohenjo-Daro.
  • Option D: "None of the above" is incorrect because the Indus Valley Civilisation is a well-documented and significant ancient civilisation in the region of present-day Pakistan.

Mnemonic: IVC for Indus Valley Civilisation

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