In the context of the Indus Valley Civilization, which structure at Mohenjo daro is considered the largest building discovered at the site?

Introduction / Context:
This question focuses on a key feature of the Indus Valley Civilization, specifically the urban site of Mohenjo daro. Knowing the major structures at this site, such as the Great Bath, the Great Granary and other public buildings, helps students understand the planning, economy and social life of one of the earliest urban civilizations in South Asia.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• The site under discussion is Mohenjo daro, an important Indus Valley city.
• The question asks about the biggest building found at this site.
• Options include the Great Bath, Great Granary, Assembly Hall and a Rectangular Building.

Concept / Approach:
Archaeology textbooks often describe Mohenjo daro’s major structures. The Great Bath is famous for its unique design and possible ritual use, but in terms of size and storage capability, the Great Granary is considered larger. It is thought to have been used for storing grain, which indicates an organized economy and state control over food resources. The approach is to recall which structure is physically the largest, not simply the most famous.

Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Recall the key public structures at Mohenjo daro: Great Bath, Great Granary, Assembly Hall and other buildings. Step 2: Distinguish between importance and size; the Great Bath is very important but not the largest in area. Step 3: Remember that the Great Granary consisted of massive storage blocks and took up a very large built up area. Step 4: Compare the options and note that only the Great Granary is widely described as the largest structure. Step 5: Select Great Granary as the correct answer.

Verification / Alternative check:
To verify, you can connect this with a broader understanding of Indus Valley economy. Large granaries at Harappa and Mohenjo daro suggest centralized collection and distribution of grain, which would require a huge structure. In contrast, the Great Bath was a sophisticated but smaller ceremonial tank, and the Assembly Hall and other rectangular buildings were not of comparable size. Standard exam keys and reference books consistently identify the Great Granary as the largest building at Mohenjo daro.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:
Great Bath: Architecturally important and unique, but not the largest building; it is more of a large tank than a massive building block.
Assembly Hall: This was a significant hall, but it did not match the scale and storage capacity of the granary.
Rectangular Building: This description is vague and does not refer to any famous largest building at the site.

Common Pitfalls:
Many learners instinctively choose the Great Bath because they remember it as a very famous structure from Mohenjo daro. The trap is to confuse fame with size. Another error is not distinguishing between different Indus Valley sites and mixing buildings found at Harappa, Mohenjo daro and other locations. Always focus on what the question specifically asks: the biggest building at Mohenjo daro, which is the Great Granary.

Final Answer:
The largest building at Mohenjo daro is the Great Granary.