B.P.S.C. (Pre) 2018

The Decline of the Harappans

Authentic Past Paper Standard Evaluation

According to the report of IIT Kharagpur study group, continuous low rainfall for how many years was the cause of fall of the Indus valley civilization?

Solution & Analysis

Answer: D

Concept Modern paleoclimatology provides scientific data to explain the collapse of ancient urban civilizations where historical records are silent.

Explanation In 2018, researchers from IIT Kharagpur published a study stating that a massive drought lasting for 900 years (starting around 4,350 years ago) led to the decline of the IVC.

Logical Breakup

Logic 1: The study linked the monsoon failure to changes in the El Niño and southward migration of the ITCZ.

Logic 2: This extended dry phase made urban life unsustainable, leading to the abandonment of major cities like Mohenjo-daro.

Active Recall

Question

What other theories exist for the end of the Indus Civilization?

Answer

Theories include Aryan invasion (Wheeler), tectonic shifts/earthquakes, and the drying up of the Saraswati river.

Core Insight

The 900-year drought theory shifts the narrative of collapse from a sudden event to a long-term environmental struggle that forced migration.

According to the report of IIT Kharagpur study group, continuous low rainfall for how many years was the cause of fall of the Indus valley civilization?

Solution & Analysis

Active Recall

Core Insight

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