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Introduction & Indus Valley Cities Video Lecture | History for UPSC CSE
FAQs on Introduction & Indus Valley Cities
| 1. What were the main Indus Valley cities and where were they located? |  |
Ans. The two largest Indus Valley Civilisation cities were Harappa and Mohenjo-daro, situated in present-day Pakistan. Other significant urban centres included Dholavira in Gujarat, Kalibangan in Rajasthan, and Lothal. These settlements were strategically distributed across the Indus River valley region, spanning approximately 1.26 million square kilometres, making it geographically larger than contemporary Egyptian and Mesopotamian civilisations.
| 2. How can you identify key features of Indus Valley cities in exam answers? | |
Ans. Indus Valley urban planning demonstrates advanced civic infrastructure: grid-patterned streets, sophisticated drainage systems, standardised brick sizes, and public buildings like granaries and bathing tanks. When answering UPSC history questions, emphasise the absence of grand palaces or temples, suggesting an egalitarian society. Refer to mind maps and flashcards on EduRev to visualise city layouts and architectural distinctions clearly for retention.
| 3. What is the difference between Harappa and Mohenjo-daro civilisation sites? | |
Ans. Both Harappa and Mohenjo-daro were major Indus Valley Civilisation urban centres, but Mohenjo-daro is notably larger and better preserved, showcasing the Great Bath, advanced drainage networks, and residential structures across multiple levels. Harappa, though smaller, revealed evidence of craft production and trade activities. Both sites share similar planning principles, pottery styles, and seals, indicating they were part of a unified cultural network rather than competing settlements.
| 4. Why did the Indus Valley Civilisation cities have such advanced drainage systems? | |
Ans. The Indus Valley's monsoon climate necessitated robust urban drainage infrastructure to prevent flooding and manage water disposal effectively. Archaeological evidence from Mohenjo-daro and other settlements reveals underground pipes, covered drains, and sump pits linked to residential buildings and streets. This drainage sophistication reflects environmental adaptation and suggests civic planning prioritised public health, distinguishing this civilisation from contemporary Bronze Age societies.
| 5. What artefacts and seals tell us about Indus Valley cities society and economy? | |
Ans. Indus Valley seals-typically square, carved with pictographic scripts and animal motifs-indicate organised trade networks and administrative systems. Pottery, beads, weights, and tools discovered across excavation sites reveal craft specialisation and commercial exchange. These material remains demonstrate economic interdependence between urban centres, standardised measurement systems for commerce, and probable long-distance maritime trade links with Mesopotamia and Central Asia.
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Apr 19, 2026 Last updated
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