Part of: Miscellaneous Indian Gk set 58

What city was 400 miles south of Harappa?

Category: Miscellaneous Indian Gk

Hint: Consider the location of Harappa and the known ancient cities in the region.

Correct Answer: A) Mahonjo-Daro

Exam Relevance: UPSC, SSC, Civil Services, Geography Exams

Difficulty: Easy

Explanations:

The Indus Valley Civilization, also known as the Harappan Civilization, was one of the earliest urban civilizations in the world, flourishing around 2600 BCE to 1900 BCE. This civilization was primarily located in the northwestern regions of the Indian subcontinent, which today includes parts of Pakistan and northwest India. Two of the most prominent cities of this civilization were Harappa and Mohenjo-Daro.

Harappa is located in the Punjab region of Pakistan, near the Ravi River. It was one of the first sites to be excavated and recognized as part of the Indus Valley Civilization. The city of Harappa was a significant urban center with well-planned streets, drainage systems, and a variety of artifacts that have been found during archaeological excavations.

Mohenjo-Daro, on the other hand, is located in the Sindh province of Pakistan, near the Indus River. It is approximately 400 miles south of Harappa. Mohenjo-Daro is considered one of the largest and most advanced cities of the Indus Valley Civilization. It is known for its sophisticated urban planning, including a grid-like street layout, a large bath complex, and a granary. The city was a major center for trade and administration, and it has provided valuable insights into the social, economic, and cultural aspects of the civilization.

The question asks for a city that is 400 miles south of Harappa. Given the geographical locations of the ancient cities in the Indus Valley region, Mohenjo-Daro fits this description. The other options provided—Central Asia, Arabia, and China—are either not specific cities or are geographically distant from the Indus Valley region, making them incorrect choices.

Understanding the geographical layout of the Indus Valley Civilization is crucial for comprehending the historical and cultural context of this ancient civilization. The relative positions of Harappa and Mohenjo-Daro provide insight into the extent and organization of the civilization, as well as the trade and communication networks that existed between these urban centers.

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.
  • Option B: This option is incorrect. Central Asia is not a specific city and is geographically far from the Indus Valley region where Harappa and Mohenjo-Daro are located.
  • Option C: This option is incorrect. Arabia is not a specific city and is located far from the Indus Valley region, making it an implausible answer.
  • Option D: This option is incorrect. China is a country and not a specific city, and it is geographically distant from the Indus Valley region, making it an incorrect choice.

Mnemonic: H2M: Harappa to Mohenjo-Daro, heading south

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