SSC Stenographer 2026 PYQ — Question 32

Solution: The correct answer is Indus Valley.
Explanation:
☛ The Indus Valley Civilization (c. 2600 BCE – 1900 BCE) is known as the first urbanization in the Indian subcontinent.
☛ It was characterized by sophisticated town planning, grid-pattern street layouts, fortified citadels, and advanced drainage systems.
☛ Major urban centres included Harappa, Mohenjo-daro, Kalibangan, Dholavira, and Lothal.
☛ In contrast, the subsequent Vedic period was predominantly rural, and the second urbanization in India began around the 6th century BCE in the Ganga Valley during the Mahajanapada era.
Extra Exam-Relevant Facts:
☛ Vedic Civilization: A pastoral and rural society that developed following the decline of the Harappan culture; the Rigveda was composed during its early phase.
☛ Maurya Dynasty: Founded by Chandragupta Maurya in 322 BCE with its capital at Pataliputra, marking India's first pan-Indian empire.
☛ Gupta Dynasty: Known as the Classical Age or Golden Age of ancient India, known for flourishing arts, science, and literature under rulers like Samudragupta and Chandragupta II.
☛ Great Bath: The famous public water tank discovered at Mohenjo-daro, lined with bitumen to prevent water leakage.
☛ Lothal: An ancient port city of the Indus Valley Civilization located in Gujarat, famous for its tidal dockyard.
Important One-Liners for Upcoming Exams:
☛ Who coined the term 'Indus Valley Civilization'? → Sir John Marshall
☛ Which site of the Indus Valley Civilization was discovered first and in which year? → Harappa by Daya Ram Sahni in 1921
☛ Which Indus site is divided into three distinct parts instead of two? → Dholavira
☛ Which metal was unknown to the people of the Indus Valley Civilization? → Iron
☛ The 'Second Urbanization' of India is associated with which period? → 6th Century BCE (Mahajanapada Period)