This is a classic 'Cross-Era Elimination' question. While it looks like a test of obscure Harappan sites (Desalpur), it is actually testing your knowledge of Mauryan inscriptions. If you know Sohgaura is a Mauryan site (famous for its copper plate), the question becomes a 5-second sitter.
How this question is built
This question can be broken into the following sub-statements.
Tap a statement sentence to jump into its detailed analysis.
Statement 1
Is Chanhudaro a Harappan (Indus Valley Civilization) archaeological site?
Origin: Web / Current Affairs
Fairness: CA heavy
Web-answerable
"Chanhudaro, Kot Diji, and Desalpur are Harappan sites, with Chanhudaro and Kot Diji in Sindh province, Pakistan, and Desalpur in Kutchh region, ..."
Why this source?
- Explicitly identifies Chanhudaro as a Harappan site.
- Places Chanhudaro in Sindh, Pakistan, consistent with Indus Valley region geography.
THEMES IN INDIAN HISTORY PART I, History CLASS XII (NCERT 2025 ed.) > Chapter 1: Bricks, Beads and Bones > Harappan Settlements > p. 2
Strength: 5/5
“So far, more than 2000 Harappan archaeological sites have been discovered in the Indian sub-continent. Most of the sites are found located between The Indus and The Saraswati river basins. Nearly two-thirds of these settlements are in the Saraswati basin, suggesting its immense importance for the Harappan Civilisation. Among these, five major cities have been identified. These are Rakhigarhi, Mohenjodaro, Harappa, Dholavira and Ganweriwala. The remaining sites come under different categories such as Regional Centres, agricultural villages, ports and manufacturing centres. There were several archaeological cultures in the region prior to the Mature Harappan. These cultures were associated with distinctive pottery, evidence of agriculture and pastoralism, and some crafts.”
Why relevant
States that over 2000 Harappan sites exist across the Indus and Saraswati basins and lists major cities and many smaller sites.
How to extend
A student could locate Chanhudaro on a map to see if it falls within the Indus/Saraswati distribution of Harappan sites, making it likely to be Harappan if it does.
Exploring Society:India and Beyond. Social Science-Class VI . NCERT(Revised ed 2025) > Chapter 6: The Beginnings of Indian Civilisation > Town-Planning > p. 90
Strength: 4/5
“Harappa and Mohenjo-daro, now in Pakistan, were the first two cities of this civilisation to be discovered; their identification goes back to 1924, a century ago. Several sites followed in the Indus plains, which is why the civilisation was initially called 'Indus Valley civilisation'.
Later on, other major cities, such as Dholavira (in Gujarat), Rakhigarhi (in Haryana), Ganweriwala (in the Cholistan desert of Pakistan), and hundreds of smaller sites (such”
Why relevant
Explains that the civilisation includes sites across modern Pakistan and India (Harappa, Mohenjo-daro, Dholavira, Rakhigarhi etc.), showing the geographic spread beyond just one river valley.
How to extend
Compare Chanhudaro’s modern/provincial location to those named (e.g., Sindh/Pakistan region) to assess whether it lies in the known Harappan zone.
Geography of India ,Majid Husain, (McGrawHill 9th ed.) > Chapter 3: The Drainage System of India > SARASWATI-THE MYSTERY OF A LOST RIVER > p. 25
Strength: 4/5
“Archaeological Evidence: Most of the archaeological sites of the then civilization are located on the Saraswati river basin. There are four Harappan and pre-Harappan sites in Punjab, Rajasthan and Uttar Pradesh. These sites are located at Rupar (present Rupnagar), Nihang Khan, Bara and Sirsa valleys. Harappan culture flourished in the western part of Punjab around 2500 B.C. It is believed that the Harappans entered through the Indus Valley into Kalibagan valley on the left bank of Ghaggar (erstwhile Saraswati) and spread to Punjab along the Saraswati River. Carbon dating of the material at Kalibagan suggests that Harappan culture flourished around 2500 B.C. in India and existed for 1000 years.”
Why relevant
Notes that most Harappan sites are in the Indus/Saraswati basins and that Harappan culture flourished in the western Punjab and spread along these rivers.
How to extend
Use the river-basin pattern to check if Chanhudaro is situated in the Indus basin, which would support it being a Harappan site.
THEMES IN INDIAN HISTORY PART I, History CLASS XII (NCERT 2025 ed.) > Chapter 1: Bricks, Beads and Bones > 10.3 New techniques and questions > p. 21
Strength: 3/5
“An extensive survey in Kutch has revealed a number of Harappan settlements and explorations in Punjab and Haryana have added to the list of Harappan sites. While Kalibangan, Lothal, Rakhi Garhi and most recently Dholavira have been discovered, explored and excavated as part of these efforts, fresh explorations continue. Over the decades, new issues have assumed importance. Where some archaeologists are often keen to obtain a cultural sequence, others try to understand the logic underlying the location of specific sites. They also grapple with the wealth of artefacts, trying to figure out the functions these may have served. Since the 1980s, there has also been growing international interest in Harappan archaeology.”
Why relevant
Describes ongoing surveys and discoveries of Harappan settlements in varied regions (Kutch, Punjab, Haryana, Gujarat), indicating the civilisation’s wide and still-expanding site list.
How to extend
Because new Harappan sites continue to be identified, a student should treat presence in the broader Indus region as suggestive and look for excavation reports naming Chanhudaro.
History , class XI (Tamilnadu state board 2024 ed.) > Chapter 1: Early India: From the Beginnings to the Indus Civilisation > Nomenclature, Phases and Chronology > p. 10
Strength: 3/5
“As Harappan Civilisation. This civilisation did not appear all of a sudden. The beginnings of the Neolithic villages in this region go back to about 7000 BCE at the Neolithic site of Mehrgarh. Harappan culture is divided into various phases: • Early Harappan: Mature Harappan; 3000-2600 BCE: 2600-1900 BCE • Early Harappan: Late Harappan; 3000-2600 BCE: 1900-1700 BCE The urban phase was prevalent in the mature Harappan period and began to decline afterwards. The Indus valley site of Harappa was first visited by Charles Mason in 1826 CE (AD), and Amri by Alexander Burnes in 1831. The site of Harappa was destroyed for laying the railway line from Lahore to Multan.”
Why relevant
Gives the chronological phases (Early, Mature, Late Harappan) and that the urban phase corresponds to the Mature Harappan period.
How to extend
If Chanhudaro has archaeological strata or artifacts datable to the Mature Harappan period (2600–1900 BCE), that would be consistent with it being a Harappan site.
Statement 2
Is Kot Diji a Harappan (Indus Valley Civilization) archaeological site?
Origin: Web / Current Affairs
Fairness: CA heavy
Web-answerable
"Chanhudaro, Kot Diji, and Desalpur are Harappan sites, with Chanhudaro and Kot Diji in Sindh province, Pakistan, and Desalpur in Kutchh region, ..."
Why this source?
- Explicitly names Kot Diji as a Harappan site.
- Places Kot Diji in the Indus region (Sindh, Pakistan), linking it to the Harappan/Indus Valley context.
"there are sites like Sutkagendor and Kot Diji which are among the small Harappan settlements"
Why this source?
- Scholarly passage groups Kot Diji explicitly among 'small Harappan settlements'.
- Notes Kot Diji shows distinctive Harappan planning traits, supporting its identification as a Harappan site.
"(Evidence from Kalibangan, Kot Diji, Jalilpur and Sarai Khola.) ... the toy carts and ‘cakes’, the latter in particular (from Kot Diji and Jalilpur), are to be noted."
Why this source?
- Links Kot Diji with typical Harappan painted motifs (evidence cited from Kot Diji).
- Cites specific Harappan-related artifacts from Kot Diji (toy carts and 'cakes'), indicating cultural affiliation.
THEMES IN INDIAN HISTORY PART I, History CLASS XII (NCERT 2025 ed.) > Chapter 1: Bricks, Beads and Bones > Harappan Settlements > p. 2
Strength: 5/5
“So far, more than 2000 Harappan archaeological sites have been discovered in the Indian sub-continent. Most of the sites are found located between The Indus and The Saraswati river basins. Nearly two-thirds of these settlements are in the Saraswati basin, suggesting its immense importance for the Harappan Civilisation. Among these, five major cities have been identified. These are Rakhigarhi, Mohenjodaro, Harappa, Dholavira and Ganweriwala. The remaining sites come under different categories such as Regional Centres, agricultural villages, ports and manufacturing centres. There were several archaeological cultures in the region prior to the Mature Harappan. These cultures were associated with distinctive pottery, evidence of agriculture and pastoralism, and some crafts.”
Why relevant
Most Harappan sites are located between the Indus and Saraswati river basins and include many regional centres beyond the five major cities.
How to extend
Locate Kot Diji on a map to see if it falls within the Indus/Saraswati basin; if so, its location matches the common spatial pattern of Harappan sites.
Geography of India ,Majid Husain, (McGrawHill 9th ed.) > Chapter 3: The Drainage System of India > SARASWATI-THE MYSTERY OF A LOST RIVER > p. 25
Strength: 4/5
“Archaeological Evidence: Most of the archaeological sites of the then civilization are located on the Saraswati river basin. There are four Harappan and pre-Harappan sites in Punjab, Rajasthan and Uttar Pradesh. These sites are located at Rupar (present Rupnagar), Nihang Khan, Bara and Sirsa valleys. Harappan culture flourished in the western part of Punjab around 2500 B.C. It is believed that the Harappans entered through the Indus Valley into Kalibagan valley on the left bank of Ghaggar (erstwhile Saraswati) and spread to Punjab along the Saraswati River. Carbon dating of the material at Kalibagan suggests that Harappan culture flourished around 2500 B.C. in India and existed for 1000 years.”
Why relevant
Harappan and pre‑Harappan sites occur across Punjab, Rajasthan and Uttar Pradesh along the Saraswati/ Ghaggar basin, indicating the civilisation had many dispersed sites.
How to extend
Check whether Kot Diji lies along the Indus/Saraswati tributary system or in regions cited (western Punjab/Rajasthan) to support plausibility.
THEMES IN INDIAN HISTORY PART I, History CLASS XII (NCERT 2025 ed.) > Chapter 1: Bricks, Beads and Bones > 10.3 New techniques and questions > p. 21
Strength: 4/5
“An extensive survey in Kutch has revealed a number of Harappan settlements and explorations in Punjab and Haryana have added to the list of Harappan sites. While Kalibangan, Lothal, Rakhi Garhi and most recently Dholavira have been discovered, explored and excavated as part of these efforts, fresh explorations continue. Over the decades, new issues have assumed importance. Where some archaeologists are often keen to obtain a cultural sequence, others try to understand the logic underlying the location of specific sites. They also grapple with the wealth of artefacts, trying to figure out the functions these may have served. Since the 1980s, there has also been growing international interest in Harappan archaeology.”
Why relevant
Ongoing surveys and explorations (e.g., in Kutch, Punjab, Haryana) have repeatedly added new Harappan sites, showing the inventory of sites is large and still growing.
How to extend
Consult archaeological survey reports or site lists (or maps) to see if Kot Diji appears among sites added by these surveys.
THEMES IN INDIAN HISTORY PART I, History CLASS XII (NCERT 2025 ed.) > Chapter 1: Bricks, Beads and Bones > Bricks, Beads and Bones The Harappan Civilisation > p. 1
Strength: 5/5
“The Harappan seal (Fig.1.1) is possibly the most distinctive artefact of the Harappan or Indus valley civilisation. Made of a stone called steatite, seals like this one often contain animal motifs and signs from a script that remains undeciphered. Yet we know a great deal about the lives of the people who lived in the region from what they left behind – their houses, pots, ornaments, tools and seals – in other words, from archaeological evidence. Let us see what we know about the Harappan civilisation, and how we know about it. We will explore how archaeological material is interpreted and how interpretations sometimes change.”
Why relevant
Harappan seals (steatite with animal motifs and signs) are distinctive artefacts used to identify Harappan contexts archaeologically.
How to extend
Investigate whether Kot Diji yields Harappan‑type seals, bricks, or other distinctive material culture to infer an association.
Exploring Society:India and Beyond. Social Science-Class VI . NCERT(Revised ed 2025) > Chapter 6: The Beginnings of Indian Civilisation > Town-Planning > p. 90
Strength: 3/5
“Harappa and Mohenjo-daro, now in Pakistan, were the first two cities of this civilisation to be discovered; their identification goes back to 1924, a century ago. Several sites followed in the Indus plains, which is why the civilisation was initially called 'Indus Valley civilisation'.
Later on, other major cities, such as Dholavira (in Gujarat), Rakhigarhi (in Haryana), Ganweriwala (in the Cholistan desert of Pakistan), and hundreds of smaller sites (such”
Why relevant
The civilisation was initially named 'Indus Valley' because many early discoveries (Harappa, Mohenjo‑daro) were in the Indus plains; later other major sites (Dholavira, Rakhigarhi) expanded the known range.
How to extend
Determine if Kot Diji is geographically in the Indus plains like the early known sites, which would make an Indus‑Civilisation attribution plausible.
Statement 3
Is Sohgaura a Harappan (Indus Valley Civilization) archaeological site?
Origin: Weak / unclear
Fairness: Borderline / guessy
Indirect textbook clues
THEMES IN INDIAN HISTORY PART I, History CLASS XII (NCERT 2025 ed.) > Chapter 1: Bricks, Beads and Bones > Harappan Settlements > p. 2
Strength: 5/5
“So far, more than 2000 Harappan archaeological sites have been discovered in the Indian sub-continent. Most of the sites are found located between The Indus and The Saraswati river basins. Nearly two-thirds of these settlements are in the Saraswati basin, suggesting its immense importance for the Harappan Civilisation. Among these, five major cities have been identified. These are Rakhigarhi, Mohenjodaro, Harappa, Dholavira and Ganweriwala. The remaining sites come under different categories such as Regional Centres, agricultural villages, ports and manufacturing centres. There were several archaeological cultures in the region prior to the Mature Harappan. These cultures were associated with distinctive pottery, evidence of agriculture and pastoralism, and some crafts.”
Why relevant
States that most Harappan sites lie between the Indus and the Saraswati river basins and that nearly two-thirds of sites are in the Saraswati basin.
How to extend
A student could locate Sohgaura on a map and see whether it lies in the Indus–Saraswati zone; if not, that lowers the prior probability it is Harappan.
Geography of India ,Majid Husain, (McGrawHill 9th ed.) > Chapter 3: The Drainage System of India > SARASWATI-THE MYSTERY OF A LOST RIVER > p. 25
Strength: 4/5
“Archaeological Evidence: Most of the archaeological sites of the then civilization are located on the Saraswati river basin. There are four Harappan and pre-Harappan sites in Punjab, Rajasthan and Uttar Pradesh. These sites are located at Rupar (present Rupnagar), Nihang Khan, Bara and Sirsa valleys. Harappan culture flourished in the western part of Punjab around 2500 B.C. It is believed that the Harappans entered through the Indus Valley into Kalibagan valley on the left bank of Ghaggar (erstwhile Saraswati) and spread to Punjab along the Saraswati River. Carbon dating of the material at Kalibagan suggests that Harappan culture flourished around 2500 B.C. in India and existed for 1000 years.”
Why relevant
Mentions specific Harappan and pre‑Harappan site distribution in Punjab, Rajasthan and Uttar Pradesh and describes Harappan spread along the Ghaggar (Saraswati).
How to extend
Check whether Sohgaura is in Uttar Pradesh or along the Ghaggar/Saraswati catchment to assess plausibility of Harappan affiliation.
Exploring Society:India and Beyond. Social Science-Class VI . NCERT(Revised ed 2025) > Chapter 6: The Beginnings of Indian Civilisation > Town-Planning > p. 90
Strength: 4/5
“Harappa and Mohenjo-daro, now in Pakistan, were the first two cities of this civilisation to be discovered; their identification goes back to 1924, a century ago. Several sites followed in the Indus plains, which is why the civilisation was initially called 'Indus Valley civilisation'.
Later on, other major cities, such as Dholavira (in Gujarat), Rakhigarhi (in Haryana), Ganweriwala (in the Cholistan desert of Pakistan), and hundreds of smaller sites (such”
Why relevant
Notes that besides the few major cities, hundreds of smaller Harappan sites exist across the Indus plains and adjoining regions.
How to extend
Use this pattern to treat Sohgaura as plausibly one of many smaller settlements if it is geographically within the broader Indus/Saraswati outer zone.
THEMES IN INDIAN HISTORY PART I, History CLASS XII (NCERT 2025 ed.) > Chapter 1: Bricks, Beads and Bones > 10.3 New techniques and questions > p. 21
Strength: 3/5
“An extensive survey in Kutch has revealed a number of Harappan settlements and explorations in Punjab and Haryana have added to the list of Harappan sites. While Kalibangan, Lothal, Rakhi Garhi and most recently Dholavira have been discovered, explored and excavated as part of these efforts, fresh explorations continue. Over the decades, new issues have assumed importance. Where some archaeologists are often keen to obtain a cultural sequence, others try to understand the logic underlying the location of specific sites. They also grapple with the wealth of artefacts, trying to figure out the functions these may have served. Since the 1980s, there has also been growing international interest in Harappan archaeology.”
Why relevant
Describes ongoing surveys and that new Harappan sites continue to be discovered in regions like Kutch, Punjab and Haryana.
How to extend
A student could infer that absence of early mention does not rule out Harappan identity and should check survey/excavation reports for Sohgaura.
THEMES IN INDIAN HISTORY PART I, History CLASS XII (NCERT 2025 ed.) > Chapter 1: Bricks, Beads and Bones > Bricks, Beads and Bones The Harappan Civilisation > p. 1
Strength: 5/5
“The Harappan seal (Fig.1.1) is possibly the most distinctive artefact of the Harappan or Indus valley civilisation. Made of a stone called steatite, seals like this one often contain animal motifs and signs from a script that remains undeciphered. Yet we know a great deal about the lives of the people who lived in the region from what they left behind – their houses, pots, ornaments, tools and seals – in other words, from archaeological evidence. Let us see what we know about the Harappan civilisation, and how we know about it. We will explore how archaeological material is interpreted and how interpretations sometimes change.”
Why relevant
Identifies distinctive Harappan artefacts (seals, bricks, pottery) used to recognize Harappan sites from archaeological evidence.
How to extend
Look for presence/absence of such artefacts at Sohgaura (e.g., seals, typical pottery, brick patterns) to evaluate the claim.
Statement 4
Is Desalpur a Harappan (Indus Valley Civilization) archaeological site?
Origin: Web / Current Affairs
Fairness: CA heavy
Web-answerable
"Chanhudaro, Kot Diji, and Desalpur are Harappan sites, with Chanhudaro and Kot Diji in Sindh province, Pakistan, and Desalpur in Kutchh region, ..."
Why this source?
- Explicitly lists Desalpur among Harappan sites.
- Provides geographic context by placing Desalpur in the Kutchh region, consistent with Indus Valley locations.
THEMES IN INDIAN HISTORY PART I, History CLASS XII (NCERT 2025 ed.) > Chapter 1: Bricks, Beads and Bones > Harappan Settlements > p. 2
Strength: 5/5
“So far, more than 2000 Harappan archaeological sites have been discovered in the Indian sub-continent. Most of the sites are found located between The Indus and The Saraswati river basins. Nearly two-thirds of these settlements are in the Saraswati basin, suggesting its immense importance for the Harappan Civilisation. Among these, five major cities have been identified. These are Rakhigarhi, Mohenjodaro, Harappa, Dholavira and Ganweriwala. The remaining sites come under different categories such as Regional Centres, agricultural villages, ports and manufacturing centres. There were several archaeological cultures in the region prior to the Mature Harappan. These cultures were associated with distinctive pottery, evidence of agriculture and pastoralism, and some crafts.”
Why relevant
Gives the broad geographic pattern: most Harappan sites lie between the Indus and Saraswati river basins, with nearly two-thirds in the Saraswati basin.
How to extend
A student could check whether Desalpur lies within these basins (using a map) to assess plausibility that it might be a Harappan site.
THEMES IN INDIAN HISTORY PART I, History CLASS XII (NCERT 2025 ed.) > Chapter 1: Bricks, Beads and Bones > 10.3 New techniques and questions > p. 21
Strength: 4/5
“An extensive survey in Kutch has revealed a number of Harappan settlements and explorations in Punjab and Haryana have added to the list of Harappan sites. While Kalibangan, Lothal, Rakhi Garhi and most recently Dholavira have been discovered, explored and excavated as part of these efforts, fresh explorations continue. Over the decades, new issues have assumed importance. Where some archaeologists are often keen to obtain a cultural sequence, others try to understand the logic underlying the location of specific sites. They also grapple with the wealth of artefacts, trying to figure out the functions these may have served. Since the 1980s, there has also been growing international interest in Harappan archaeology.”
Why relevant
Notes that extensive surveys (including in Gujarat and Kutch) have revealed many Harappan settlements and that fresh explorations continue.
How to extend
If Desalpur is in Gujarat/Kutch or near areas of recent surveys, one could search excavation/survey reports for Desalpur as a candidate site.
Exploring Society:India and Beyond. Social Science-Class VI . NCERT(Revised ed 2025) > Chapter 6: The Beginnings of Indian Civilisation > Town-Planning > p. 90
Strength: 4/5
“Harappa and Mohenjo-daro, now in Pakistan, were the first two cities of this civilisation to be discovered; their identification goes back to 1924, a century ago. Several sites followed in the Indus plains, which is why the civilisation was initially called 'Indus Valley civilisation'.
Later on, other major cities, such as Dholavira (in Gujarat), Rakhigarhi (in Haryana), Ganweriwala (in the Cholistan desert of Pakistan), and hundreds of smaller sites (such”
Why relevant
Lists major Harappan cities including Dholavira (in Gujarat) and mentions hundreds of smaller sites beyond the original Indus plains finds.
How to extend
Knowing Dholavira and many smaller sites are in Gujarat, a student can use a regional site-list or map to see if Desalpur appears among known Gujarat Harappan sites.
Geography of India ,Majid Husain, (McGrawHill 9th ed.) > Chapter 3: The Drainage System of India > SARASWATI-THE MYSTERY OF A LOST RIVER > p. 25
Strength: 3/5
“Archaeological Evidence: Most of the archaeological sites of the then civilization are located on the Saraswati river basin. There are four Harappan and pre-Harappan sites in Punjab, Rajasthan and Uttar Pradesh. These sites are located at Rupar (present Rupnagar), Nihang Khan, Bara and Sirsa valleys. Harappan culture flourished in the western part of Punjab around 2500 B.C. It is believed that the Harappans entered through the Indus Valley into Kalibagan valley on the left bank of Ghaggar (erstwhile Saraswati) and spread to Punjab along the Saraswati River. Carbon dating of the material at Kalibagan suggests that Harappan culture flourished around 2500 B.C. in India and existed for 1000 years.”
Why relevant
Explains that Harappan/pre-Harappan sites occur along Saraswati basin and in western Punjab, Rajasthan and Uttar Pradesh, indicating the civilization spans multiple modern states.
How to extend
Locate Desalpur on a modern-state map (e.g., Rajasthan/Gujarat) to determine if it falls in regions where Harappan sites are commonly found.
THEMES IN INDIAN HISTORY PART I, History CLASS XII (NCERT 2025 ed.) > Chapter 1: Bricks, Beads and Bones > Terminologies, Places and Time > p. 1
Strength: 3/5
“"The Harappan Civilisation" is also known as the Indus Valley Civilisation. The term Harappa is derived from the place where the civilization was identified. The total time span of the civilisation ranges from 6000 BCE to 1300 BCE. The early phase, termed as Early Harappan (6000 BCE-2600 BCE) is a formative phase of the civilisation. The urban phase of the civilisation, termed as Mature Harappan (2600 BCE-1900 BCE) is the most prosperous phase. The decline of the civilisation starts around 1900 BCE. This decadent phase (1900 BCE-1300 BCE) is termed as Late Harappan.”
Why relevant
Provides the chronological phases and terminology of Harappan civilisation (Early, Mature, Late), implying that identification often depends on material culture and dating.
How to extend
A student could look for published finds (pottery, radiocarbon dates, seals) from Desalpur that match these Harappan phases to evaluate the claim.
Pattern takeaway:
UPSC constructs options by mixing 'Obscure Corrects' (Desalpur) with 'Famous Incorrects' (Sohgaura). The difficulty is an illusion; the answer lies in identifying the site that belongs to a completely different timeline.
How you should have studied
- [THE VERDICT]: Sitter for serious history students; Trap for those relying only on basic NCERTs. Source: Standard Ancient History (Upinder Singh / RS Sharma) - Chapter on Mauryan Inscriptions.
- [THE CONCEPTUAL TRIGGER]: Chronological segregation of archaeological sites. Distinguishing Bronze Age (Harappan) sites from Iron Age/Historical Period (Mauryan) sites.
- [THE HORIZONTAL EXPANSION]: Memorize the 'Odd Ones Out'—sites famous for inscriptions, not settlements.
1. Sohgaura (UP) & Mahasthangarh (Bangladesh) = Mauryan Famine Relief.
2. Desalpur & Surkotada = Harappan sites in Kutch.
3. Alamgirpur = Easternmost Harappan limit (Western UP).
4. Daimabad = Southernmost limit.
- [THE STRATEGIC METACOGNITION]: Do not try to memorize all 2000+ Harappan sites. Instead, master the 'Index Terms' of other eras. Recognizing 'Sohgaura' as a keyword from the Mauryan chapter instantly invalidates it as Harappan.
Concept hooks from this question
👉 Harappan Civilisation = Indus Valley Civilisation
💡 The insight
The Harappan Civilisation is the same cultural complex referred to as the Indus Valley Civilisation.
High-yield for syllabus questions that ask for nomenclature, scope and identity of ancient Indian cultures; links to archaeology, cultural geography and ancient trade networks. Mastery helps answer questions that test recognition of alternative names and their chronological span.
📚 Reading List :
- THEMES IN INDIAN HISTORY PART I, History CLASS XII (NCERT 2025 ed.) > Chapter 1: Bricks, Beads and Bones > Terminologies, Places and Time > p. 1
🔗 Anchor: "Is Chanhudaro a Harappan (Indus Valley Civilization) archaeological site?"
👉 Major Harappan urban centres
💡 The insight
Several principal Harappan cities such as Harappa, Mohenjodaro, Dholavira and Rakhigarhi are identified as major urban centres of the civilisation.
Important for questions on urbanisation, comparative site significance and archaeological discovery history; enables quick elimination in MCQs and framing essays about urban planning and regional distribution.
📚 Reading List :
- THEMES IN INDIAN HISTORY PART I, History CLASS XII (NCERT 2025 ed.) > Chapter 1: Bricks, Beads and Bones > Harappan Settlements > p. 2
- Exploring Society:India and Beyond. Social Science-Class VI . NCERT(Revised ed 2025) > Chapter 6: The Beginnings of Indian Civilisation > Town-Planning > p. 90
- THEMES IN INDIAN HISTORY PART I, History CLASS XII (NCERT 2025 ed.) > Chapter 1: Bricks, Beads and Bones > A Planned Urban Centre > p. 5
🔗 Anchor: "Is Chanhudaro a Harappan (Indus Valley Civilization) archaeological site?"
👉 Geographical distribution: Indus and Saraswati basins
💡 The insight
Harappan sites are concentrated between the Indus and Saraswati river basins, with many settlements located specifically in the Saraswati basin.
Crucial for questions on settlement patterns, environmental determinants of civilisation and regional archaeology; helps connect river systems, site counts and cultural diffusion in map-based and short-answer questions.
📚 Reading List :
- Geography of India ,Majid Husain, (McGrawHill 9th ed.) > Chapter 3: The Drainage System of India > SARASWATI-THE MYSTERY OF A LOST RIVER > p. 25
- THEMES IN INDIAN HISTORY PART I, History CLASS XII (NCERT 2025 ed.) > Chapter 1: Bricks, Beads and Bones > Harappan Settlements > p. 2
🔗 Anchor: "Is Chanhudaro a Harappan (Indus Valley Civilization) archaeological site?"
👉 Major Harappan urban centres
💡 The insight
Knowledge of principal Harappan cities lets a student check whether a given site is part of the Indus civilisation urban network.
High-yield for UPSC because many questions ask to identify or classify archaeological sites; connects to ancient history and cultural geography; enables elimination-style answers by matching site names to known Harappan centres.
📚 Reading List :
- THEMES IN INDIAN HISTORY PART I, History CLASS XII (NCERT 2025 ed.) > Chapter 1: Bricks, Beads and Bones > Harappan Settlements > p. 2
- Exploring Society:India and Beyond. Social Science-Class VI . NCERT(Revised ed 2025) > Chapter 6: The Beginnings of Indian Civilisation > Town-Planning > p. 90
🔗 Anchor: "Is Kot Diji a Harappan (Indus Valley Civilization) archaeological site?"
👉 Geographic distribution: Indus and Saraswati basins
💡 The insight
Harappan settlements are concentrated in the Indus and Saraswati river basins, which is central to determining whether a site belongs to the civilisation.
Important for map-based and comparative questions in prelims and mains; links archaeological location to environmental factors and site function; helps reason whether an unfamiliar site plausibly fits Harappan geography.
📚 Reading List :
- Geography of India ,Majid Husain, (McGrawHill 9th ed.) > Chapter 3: The Drainage System of India > SARASWATI-THE MYSTERY OF A LOST RIVER > p. 25
- THEMES IN INDIAN HISTORY PART I, History CLASS XII (NCERT 2025 ed.) > Chapter 1: Bricks, Beads and Bones > Harappan Settlements > p. 2
🔗 Anchor: "Is Kot Diji a Harappan (Indus Valley Civilization) archaeological site?"
👉 Material markers of Harappan culture (seals, bricks, artefacts)
💡 The insight
Identification of a Harappan site relies on typical material culture such as steatite seals, standardized bricks and specific artefacts.
Useful for source-based and object-identification questions; ties archaeological finds to cultural attribution and trade networks; prepares candidates to judge site affiliation from described finds.
📚 Reading List :
- THEMES IN INDIAN HISTORY PART I, History CLASS XII (NCERT 2025 ed.) > Chapter 1: Bricks, Beads and Bones > Bricks, Beads and Bones The Harappan Civilisation > p. 1
- History , class XI (Tamilnadu state board 2024 ed.) > Chapter 1: Early India: From the Beginnings to the Indus Civilisation > Trade and Exchange > p. 12
🔗 Anchor: "Is Kot Diji a Harappan (Indus Valley Civilization) archaeological site?"
👉 Geographical distribution of Harappan sites (Indus vs Saraswati)
💡 The insight
Harappan settlements are concentrated between the Indus and Saraswati river basins, with a substantial proportion in the Saraswati basin.
High-yield for UPSC: questions often ask about spatial spread and environmental setting of ancient civilizations. This concept links physical geography (river systems) with settlement patterns and aids evaluation of whether a given site falls within the Harappan cultural zone.
📚 Reading List :
- THEMES IN INDIAN HISTORY PART I, History CLASS XII (NCERT 2025 ed.) > Chapter 1: Bricks, Beads and Bones > Harappan Settlements > p. 2
- Geography of India ,Majid Husain, (McGrawHill 9th ed.) > Chapter 3: The Drainage System of India > SARASWATI-THE MYSTERY OF A LOST RIVER > p. 25
🔗 Anchor: "Is Sohgaura a Harappan (Indus Valley Civilization) archaeological site?"
Since Sohgaura appeared as a distractor, the next question will likely be on the content of the Sohgaura Copper Plate: It is the earliest known epigraphic record of famine relief measures (grain distribution) in India.
Geography Hack: Harappan civilization is 'Indus-Saraswati'. Its easternmost limit is Alamgirpur (Western UP). Sohgaura is in Gorakhpur (Eastern UP). Geographically, a mature Harappan site in Gorakhpur is highly improbable.
Link Sohgaura to GS-3 (Disaster Management) and GS-2 (Food Security). It represents the ancient Indian state's 'Public Distribution System' (PDS) response to natural calamities (famine).