Part of: Miscellaneous Indian Gk set 130

Which of the three are NOT two of the ancient cities of India.

Category: Miscellaneous Indian Gk

Hint: Consider the geographical location of ancient Indian cities.

Correct Answer: C) Pakistan

Exam Relevance: UPSC, SSC, Bank PO

Difficulty: Easy

Explanations:

The question asks which of the three options are NOT two of the ancient cities of India. To understand this, we need to delve into the history of ancient Indian cities, particularly those associated with the Indus Valley Civilization.

The Indus Valley Civilization, also known as the Harappan Civilization, was one of the world's earliest urban civilizations, flourishing around 2600-1900 BCE. It was centered 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 Mohenjo Daro and Harappa.

Mohenjo Daro, meaning "Mound of the Dead," is located in the Sindh province of present-day Pakistan. It was a major urban center of the Indus Valley Civilization and is known for its advanced urban planning, including a sophisticated drainage system and grid-like city layout. Despite its current location in Pakistan, Mohenjo Daro is considered an ancient Indian city due to its historical and cultural significance in the broader context of Indian civilization.

Harappa, located in the Punjab province of present-day Pakistan, is another significant city of the Indus Valley Civilization. It was discovered in 1920 and has since provided valuable insights into the ancient urban life and culture of the region. Like Mohenjo Daro, Harappa is also considered an ancient Indian city, even though it is situated in modern-day Pakistan.

The option "Pakistan" refers to the modern country, which was created in 1947. It is not an ancient city and does not belong to the historical context of the Indus Valley Civilization. Therefore, it is the correct answer as it is not one of the ancient cities of India.

It is important to note that the geographical boundaries of ancient civilizations do not align with modern political boundaries. The Indus Valley Civilization spanned across regions that are now part of both India and Pakistan, and the cities of Mohenjo Daro and Harappa are recognized as significant parts of ancient Indian history.

Option Analysis:
  • Option A: Mohenjo Daro is one of the ancient cities of India, part of the Indus Valley Civilization. It is located in present-day Pakistan but is considered an ancient Indian city.
  • Option B: Harappa is another ancient city of India, also part of the Indus Valley Civilization. It is located in present-day Pakistan but is considered an ancient Indian city.
  • Option C: Pakistan is a modern country and not an ancient city. It is the correct answer as it is not one of the ancient cities of India.
  • Option D: "None of the above" is incorrect because both Mohenjo Daro and Harappa are ancient cities of India, even though they are located in present-day Pakistan.

Mnemonic: Remember: M and H for Mohenjo Daro and Harappa.

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