Difficulty: Easy
Correct Answer: In the north-western part of the Indian subcontinent along the Indus and its tributaries
Explanation:
Introduction / Context:
The question tests basic but very important map-based knowledge about the Harappan, or Indus Valley, Civilization. Competitive exams often expect you to know not only the approximate dates of this civilisation but also the broad geographical region where its major cities such as Harappa and Mohenjodaro were located. This helps connect archaeology, river systems and modern political boundaries in a single concept.
Given Data / Assumptions:
Concept / Approach:
The Harappan Civilization is called the Indus Valley Civilization because many of its earliest and most important cities were located along the Indus River and its tributaries. These lie mainly in the north-western part of the Indian subcontinent, spread across what is today Pakistan and parts of north-western India (including regions of Punjab, Haryana, Rajasthan and Gujarat). While a few sites appear outside this core, the heartland is clearly the Indus and associated river systems in the north-west, not the later Gangetic core or the Deccan plateau.
Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Recall that the name Indus Valley Civilization itself points to the basin of the Indus River as the main area of development.Step 2: Visualise a map showing key sites such as Harappa, Mohenjodaro, Rakhigarhi, Dholavira and Kalibangan in Pakistan and north-western India.Step 3: Note that these locations cluster in the north-western part of the subcontinent, along the Indus and its important tributaries and neighbouring rivers.Step 4: Compare this with the Gangetic plain, which became prominent later during the Vedic and post-Vedic periods, not during the Harappan era.Step 5: Recognise that the Deccan plateau and eastern coastal plains were not the primary centres of Harappan urban culture.Step 6: Therefore, the only option that correctly summarises the main Harappan region is the north-western part of the Indian subcontinent along the Indus and its tributaries.
Verification / Alternative check:
Any standard history or geography textbook that includes a map of Harappan sites will show a dense cluster in present-day Pakistan (Sindh and Punjab provinces) and adjoining parts of north-western India. This confirms that the civilisation flourished mainly along the Indus River, its tributaries and related river systems such as the now-dry Ghaggar-Hakra. Exam guides also phrase this as the civilisation developing in the north-western region of the Indian subcontinent, matching our chosen option closely.
Why Other Options Are Wrong:
Across the entire Gangetic plain of northern and eastern India: The Gangetic plain rose to prominence mainly in the later Vedic age and early historic period, not in the mature Harappan phase.Only in the Deccan plateau region of peninsular India: The Deccan was not the core of Harappan urbanism; most Harappan sites are north-western and western, not deep in the plateau.Along the eastern coastal plains near the Bay of Bengal: There is no evidence that the main Harappan centres were concentrated along the Bay of Bengal coast.
Common Pitfalls:
A frequent error is to associate every ancient Indian civilisation with the Ganga because the Ganga region is central in later history. Another mistake is to think in modern political terms and forget that the Harappan heartland lies largely in present-day Pakistan, which may lead some candidates to pick an option that sounds more broadly 'Indian'. To avoid these mistakes, always remember that the Harappan or Indus Valley Civilization was primarily a north-western riverine civilisation centred on the Indus and its tributaries.
Final Answer:
The Harappan Civilization primarily developed in the north-western part of the Indian subcontinent along the Indus River and its tributaries.
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