Which of the following is generally considered the oldest major civilisation in the world?

Introduction / Context:
This question checks your understanding of ancient world civilisations. Competitive exams frequently ask which civilisation is considered the oldest among the major river-valley cultures that laid the foundations of organised societies, writing systems and states.

Given Data / Assumptions:
• We are comparing well-known ancient civilisations. • The time frame is the Bronze Age and earlier historical periods. • Archaeological and historical evidence is used to rank civilisations by antiquity.

Concept / Approach:
The Mesopotamian Civilisation, located between the rivers Tigris and Euphrates (in present-day Iraq and surrounding areas), is widely regarded as one of the earliest, if not the earliest, major civilisations. City-states such as Ur, Uruk and Babylon developed early writing (cuneiform), complex administrations and monumental architecture much earlier than many other famous civilisations.

Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Identify the options that are usually placed among the earliest civilisations. Step 2: Recall the approximate starting dates: Mesopotamia around 3500–3000 BCE, Egypt and the Indus Valley slightly later, and classical Chinese civilisation later still. Step 3: Recognise that Mesopotamia is often called the "cradle of civilisation" because of its early development of cities and writing. Step 4: Compare all options and choose the one most consistently described as the oldest major civilisation. Step 5: Select "Mesopotamian Civilisation" as the correct answer.

Verification / Alternative check:
Standard history books refer to Mesopotamia as the cradle of civilisation due to the early Sumerian city-states and their advanced records, law codes and temples. While some archaeological discoveries may push back dates for certain cultures, mainstream general knowledge still treats Mesopotamian Civilisation as the earliest of the well-known river-valley civilisations.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:
Option Harappan (Indus Valley) Civilisation: Very advanced and ancient, but generally considered slightly later than early Mesopotamian city-states. Option Chinese Civilisation: Also ancient, but its early dynasties developed after the first Mesopotamian and Egyptian states. Option Egyptian Civilisation: One of the earliest, but usually ranked after the earliest Sumerian phases of Mesopotamia. Option Minoan Civilisation: A Bronze Age civilisation on Crete, beginning much later than the earliest Mesopotamian cities.

Common Pitfalls:
Many learners confuse "oldest civilisation" with "oldest continuous civilisation" and may mistakenly choose China or Egypt. For exam purposes, when asked for the oldest major civilisation among common textbook options, you should associate this title with Mesopotamian Civilisation in the land between the rivers Tigris and Euphrates.

Final Answer:
Thus, the civilisation generally considered the oldest major civilisation in the world is the Mesopotamian Civilisation.