According to the passage, which is not a reason for the destruction of the Indus Valley Civilization?

Appeared in: DSSSB 12 August 2024

Explanation

Historians primarily attribute the decline of the Indus Valley Civilization to large-scale, long-term environmental factors rather than a single, acute event.
While diseases and epidemics likely occurred, they are not considered a primary cause for the gradual decline and eventual collapse of the entire civilization across its vast territory.
The decline is understood as a complex process where environmental stressors undermined the agricultural and urban foundations of the society over time.

Option B: This is a major accepted theory. The drying up or shifting of the Ghaggar-Hakra river system, a vital water source, would have had catastrophic effects on agriculture and led to the abandonment of cities.
Option C: This is another leading theory. Climate change is believed to have reduced monsoon rainfall, causing prolonged droughts and leading to widespread famine and societal collapse.
Option D: This is a plausible and supported theory. Evidence of tectonic activity and earthquakes has been found, which could have destroyed cities directly or indirectly by altering river courses.

Clinical Relevance

Nursing practice connection: This is primarily an exam-oriented knowledge point with limited direct bedside application, so retain Theories on the decline of the Indus Valley Civilization as background academic context rather than a clinical decision trigger.
This question tests general knowledge, which is a component of some nursing entrance exams.
Understanding historical events often involves analyzing multiple contributing factors, a skill useful in complex problem-solving.
The decline of the Indus Valley Civilization is a classic example of how environmental changes can lead to the collapse of a complex society.

How to Approach the Question

First, identify the negative framing of the question: 'which is NOT a reason'. This means you are looking for the option that is an outlier.
The question is about the historical theories for the decline of the Indus Valley Civilization. This requires factual recall from history or general knowledge.
Mentally list or recall the major accepted theories. These are primarily environmental: climate change (famine), river course changes, and tectonic activity (earthquakes).
Compare the given options to this list of standard theories.
The options 'River changing its course', 'Famine', and 'Earthquake' all align with the major environmental and geological hypotheses.
'Epidemic', while a type of disaster, is not cited by historians as a primary cause for the civilization-wide decline, making it the exception and the correct answer.

Concept Tested & Keywords

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Practise the full DSSSB 12 August 2024

Attempt every question from this paper in a timed mock, then review the full solution for each one.