Q. Consider the following statements with respect to the extent of Harappan Civilisation:

1. Harappan Civilisation was the largest cultural zone among its contemporary civilisations like the Egyptians and Mesopotamia.
2. Majority of the discovered Harappan sites are urban centres, hence, it is called the period of 1st urbanisation in the Indian subcontinent.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
Answer: 1 Only
Notes: The geographical extent of the Harappan civilisation ranged from Western UP to Makran Coast and Narmada estuary to Jammu. It covered an area of about 1299600 sq. km. which is more than their contemporary civilisations like Egyptians and Crete. So, statement 1 is correct. Out of more than 250 discovered Harappan sites, only six or seven can be counted as urban centres. They are Harappa, Mohenjodaro, Chanhudaro, Kalibangan, Lothal, Banawali and Rakhigarhi etc. A vast majority are the rural centres. Even then, on account of these few discovered cities, Harappan Civilisation is termed as the 1st urban civilisation. So, statement 2 is incorrect.

This question is part of UPSC Daily 20 MCQ Series Course on GKToday Android app.