The Indus Valley Civilization is noted for excellence in which of the following fields, reflecting its high level of development?

Introduction / Context:
This question asks about the areas in which the Indus Valley (Harappan) Civilization particularly excelled. Competitive exams often highlight how advanced this civilisation was in urban planning, building techniques and craft production. Recognising that their achievements were broad-based, covering town planning, architecture and craftsmanship, helps you appreciate the overall sophistication of Harappan society rather than restricting it to a single aspect.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• The options mention town planning, architecture, craftsmanship, and a combined 'All of these'.
• We are asked what the Indus Valley Civilization 'specialised in'.
• We assume the standard archaeological description of Harappan cities and crafts.
• We consider whether its excellence was limited to one field or spread across several.

Concept / Approach:
The Harappan Civilization is famous for its grid-pattern streets, elaborate drainage systems, standardised bricks and well-planned cities like Mohenjo-daro and Harappa. This indicates advanced town planning and architecture. At the same time, numerous artefacts like seals, beads, pottery and metal objects show a very high level of craftsmanship in shell-work, bead-making, metallurgy and terracotta art. Therefore, it is not correct to say that the Indus people were outstanding only in one of these areas. In exam-style questions, the safest and most accurate choice is 'All of these' when asked about planning, architecture and craftsmanship together.

Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Recall that Indus cities were laid out in a grid pattern with main streets and side lanes intersecting at right angles, indicating strong town planning.Step 2: Remember the presence of impressive structures like the Great Bath, granaries and citadels, which display architectural skill.Step 3: Consider the fine seals, beads, pottery, metal tools and ornaments unearthed from the sites; these reflect specialised craftsmanship and artistic ability.Step 4: Since the civilisation excelled in all three fields – town planning, architecture and craftsmanship – we cannot restrict it to just one.Step 5: Select 'All of these' as the correct answer.

Verification / Alternative check:
Most history textbooks summarise Harappan achievements under headings such as town planning, architecture and crafts. Exam preparation books often provide separate sections detailing their planned streets and drains, large public buildings and refined handicrafts. When such a question is framed with an 'All of these' option, model answers consistently choose that option, confirming that the civilisation is recognised for excellence in all these areas.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:
Town planning: This is correct but incomplete; it ignores the architectural and artistic achievements.Architecture: Again correct but not exhaustive; architecture is only one dimension of Harappan sophistication.Craftsmanship and specialised arts: True, but not the only notable strength of the civilisation. Selecting this alone underestimates its urban planning and built environment.

Common Pitfalls:
A common exam trap is to pick the first obviously correct option (such as town planning) without checking whether another option (like 'All of these') provides a more complete answer. Students may also memorise one iconic feature, like the Great Bath, and forget that there were equally impressive craft industries. To avoid such mistakes, always read the entire set of options and ask yourself whether more than one option is clearly true; if so, 'All of these' is often the best choice when it accurately summarises the civilisation's strengths.

Final Answer:
The Indus Valley Civilization specialised in town planning, architecture and craftsmanship, so the correct choice is “All of these”.