Which of the following Harappan cities was found without a citadel?
Show answer & explanation
Correct answer: D
Explanation
The correct answer is option 4 i.e. Chanhudaro.
Chanhudaro, a prominent city of the Harappan Civilization located in present-day Pakistan, is unique among Indus Valley cities because it was found without a citadel. Unlike cities like Mohenjo-daro or Kalibangan that had distinct upper (citadel) and lower towns, Chanhudaro was a single-unit town, possibly focused on craft production and trade rather than administration or defense. It was known for bead-making, shell cutting, and other specialized industries. The absence of a citadel suggests it may not have served as an administrative center but rather as a manufacturing or commercial hub.
Other options :
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Banawali: Had a well-planned layout with both a citadel and a lower town, typical of Harappan urban design.
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Lothal: Known for its dockyard and trade links, it had a fortified area resembling a citadel.
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Kalibangan: Featured a citadel and a lower town, and was also known for early evidence of ploughed fields.