U.P.P.C.S. Prelims 2009

Harappan Geography

Authentic Past Paper Standard Evaluation

Indus Valley Civilization was placed on the banks of which river(s), they were? 1. Sindhu, 2. Chenab, 3. Jhelum, 4. Ganga

Solution & Analysis

Answer: B

Concept The core of the Indus Valley Civilization lay in the northwest, centered around the Indus (Sindhu) river and its major tributaries.

Explanation While sites are found near the Indus, Chenab, and Jhelum, no Harappan site has been found in the middle or lower Ganga valley.

Logical Breakup

Sindhu, Chenab, Jhelum: All hosted IVC settlements (e.g., Mohenjo-daro, Manda).

Ganga (4): The Ganga valley became the focus of urbanization only during the 'Second Urbanization' (Vedic/Mahajanapada period).

Active Recall

Question

Why did the Indus people not settle in the Ganga valley?

Answer

The dense forests and heavy rainfall of the Ganga valley required iron tools to clear, which the Bronze-Age Harappans did not possess.

Core Insight

The geography of the IVC was bounded by the Thar desert in the east and the mountain ranges in the west, utilizing the fertile floodplains of the Indus system.

Indus Valley Civilization was placed on the banks of which river(s), they were? 1. Sindhu, 2. Chenab, 3. Jhelum, 4. Ganga

Solution & Analysis

Active Recall

Core Insight

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