๐Ÿ“š Part of: Ancient Indian History & Geography Mcqs: Indus Valley To Colonial Administration

What city was 400 miles south of Harappa?

Category: Miscellaneous Indian Gk

Correct Answer: A) Mahonjo-Daro.

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

Difficulty: Moderate

Concept notes:

The Indus Valley Civilization was one of the world's earliest urban civilizations, located in the northwestern regions of the Indian subcontinent. Two of its most prominent cities were Harappa and Mohenjo-Daro. Mohenjo-Daro is approximately 400 miles south of Harappa, both situated along the Indus River and its tributaries.

Common Mistakes:
  • Confusing the geographical locations of ancient cities in the Indus Valley Civilization.
  • Misunderstanding the relative positions of Harappa and Mohenjo-Daro.
  • Not being aware of the distance between these two important archaeological sites.
Explanation:

The Indus Valley Civilization, also known as the Harappan Civilization, was one of the earliest urban civilizations in the world, flourishing between 3300 BCE and 1300 BCE. It was primarily located in the northwestern regions of the Indian subcontinent, encompassing parts of present-day Pakistan and northwest India. Two of the most significant cities of this civilization were Harappa and Mohenjo-Daro.

Harappa, located in the Punjab region of Pakistan, was one of the first sites to be excavated and identified as part of the Indus Valley Civilization. It was discovered in 1920 and has since provided valuable insights into the urban planning, architecture, and social structure of the civilization.

Mohenjo-Daro, situated in the Sindh province of Pakistan, is approximately 400 miles south of Harappa. It is one of the largest and most well-preserved cities of the Indus Valley Civilization. Mohenjo-Daro is renowned for its advanced urban planning, including a sophisticated drainage system, grid-like street layout, and multi-story buildings. The city was a major center of trade and commerce, with evidence of extensive trade networks extending to Mesopotamia and other regions.

The distance between Harappa and Mohenjo-Daro underscores the vast expanse of the Indus Valley Civilization and the sophistication of its urban centers. Both cities were built along the Indus River and its tributaries, which provided the necessary resources for the development and sustenance of these urban settlements.

Understanding the geographical relationship between Harappa and Mohenjo-Daro is crucial for comprehending the extent and complexity of the Indus Valley Civilization. This knowledge helps in appreciating the advanced urban planning and societal organization that characterized this ancient civilization. It also highlights the importance of archaeological sites in providing insights into the history and development of human societies.

In summary, Mohenjo-Daro is the correct answer as it is the city located approximately 400 miles south of Harappa, both being significant archaeological sites of the Indus Valley Civilization. The other optionsโ€”Central Asia, Arabia, and Chinaโ€”are not relevant to the geographical context of the Indus Valley Civilization and are therefore incorrect.

Option Analysis:
  • Option A: This option is correct. Mohenjo-Daro is indeed located approximately 400 miles south of Harappa. Both cities were part of the Indus Valley Civilization and are significant archaeological sites that provide insight into ancient urban planning and societal structures.
  • Option B: This option is incorrect. Central Asia is not a city and is geographically far from the Indus Valley Civilization. It is a region that includes several countries and is not directly related to the location of Harappa or Mohenjo-Daro.
  • Option C: This option is incorrect. Arabia is a peninsula located in the Middle East and is not related to the location of Harappa or Mohenjo-Daro. The Indus Valley Civilization was centered in the northwestern regions of the Indian subcontinent, not in the Arabian Peninsula.
  • Option D: This option is incorrect. China is a country located to the north of the Indian subcontinent and is not related to the location of Harappa or Mohenjo-Daro. The Indus Valley Civilization was centered in what is now Pakistan and parts of India, not in China.

Mnemonic: H2M: Harappa to Mohenjo-Daro, a 400-mile journey.

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