MCQ Detailed View

Harappa is one of the most significant archaeological sites of the ancient Indus Valley Civilization, which flourished around 2600 BCE to 1900 BCE in the northwestern regions of South Asia. Located near the city of Sahiwal in Punjab, Pakistan, Harappa was a highly developed urban center and part of one of the world’s earliest and most sophisticated civilizations.

The discovery of Harappa in the 1920s marked a major milestone in understanding South Asia’s ancient past. Excavations revealed a well-planned city layout, advanced drainage systems, standardized weights and measures, and impressive architecture. The civilization extended across present-day Pakistan and northwest India, and its urban planning remains a subject of study among modern archaeologists and historians.

Key facts about Harappa:

• Location: Near Sahiwal, Punjab, Pakistan


• Period: Approximately 2600 BCE – 1900 BCE


• Key features: Brick houses, grid-pattern city layout, sophisticated sewage system


• Artifacts found: Terracotta figurines, seals, jewelry, tools, pottery, and inscriptions


• Language: Still undeciphered script, inscribed on seals and tablets

Harappa, along with Mohenjo-Daro and other sites, reflected a remarkably organized society with advanced urban design and craftsmanship. Their cities featured public baths, granaries, workshops, and residential areas, all arranged with precision. There is evidence of long-distance trade with Mesopotamia, indicated by the discovery of Harappan seals in the region of present-day Iraq.

Despite its advancements, the reasons behind the decline of the Indus Valley Civilization remain uncertain. Scholars suggest climate change, river shifts, or internal decline as possible causes. Today, Harappa is a symbol of South Asia’s ancient ingenuity and cultural depth. The site continues to attract researchers and tourists alike, showcasing a civilization that rivaled its contemporaries in Mesopotamia and Egypt.