[Solved] Identification of Harappan Sites | Sohgaura Copper Plate

Which one of the following is not a Harappan site?

[UPSC CSE Prelims 2019, Paper I]

Detailed Solution & Historical Context

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.

Authentic Source Evidence

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.

Analytical Breakdown

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.

Conceptual Deep Dive & Logic

"What is the historical significance of the Sohgaura site?"

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

Examiner's Mindset & Pro-Tip

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

Topic Clusters (click to see related topic questions)

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