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UPSC CSE Prelims 2019, Paper I

Ancient Indian Geography & Sites

Authentic Past Paper Standard Evaluation

Which one of the following is not a Harappan site?

Solution & Analysis

Answer: C

Concept The Indus Valley Civilization (IVC) spanned parts of modern India, Pakistan, and Afghanistan. Differentiating between IVC sites and later historical sites (Mauryan/Gupta) is crucial.

Explanation Sohgaura is located in Gorakhpur, UP. It is famous for the Sohgaura copper plate inscription, which is a Mauryan-era record (not Harappan) regarding famine relief measures.

Logical Breakup
Logic 1: Chanhudaro (Sindh), Kot Diji (Sindh), and Desalpur (Gujarat) are well-documented Harappan settlements.
Logic 2: Sohgaura belongs to the historical period (Mauryan) and is notable for providing evidence of state-led food security in ancient India.

Active Recall

Question

What is the historical significance of the Sohgaura site?

Answer

It provides the earliest known copper-plate inscription in India, detailing Mauryan administrative efforts to combat famine.

Core Insight

While IVC was primarily western/north-western, Mauryan sites like Sohgaura indicate the eastward shift of political power towards the Gangetic plains.

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