Which of the following was a center of the Harappan civilization?

Appeared in: DSSSB - 28 August 2019 (Shift-1)

Explanation

All options list important sites of the Harappan Civilization, making the question ambiguous.
However, Mohenjo-daro, included in this option, was one of the largest and most important urban centers, often considered a capital city.
The combination of two major sites, Kalibangan (a provincial capital) and Mohenjo-daro (a primary capital), makes this option the strongest choice representing the 'centers' of the civilization.

Option A: Sutkagen-dor was a significant site, but it was primarily a coastal trading post and the westernmost outpost, not as large or central as Mohenjo-daro.
Option B: Lothal was a vital port city and a commercial center, but it was not on the scale of Mohenjo-daro in terms of size and administrative importance.
Option D: Dholavira was a large and sophisticated city, but Mohenjo-daro is generally considered to have been larger and more influential in the context of the entire civilization.

Clinical Relevance

Nursing practice connection: This is primarily an exam-oriented knowledge point with limited direct bedside application, so retain Identification of major urban centers of the Harappan Civilization as background academic context rather than a clinical decision trigger.
This is a general knowledge question. Clinical relevance is not applicable.
What if? - If the stem changed one defining clue so that Kalibangan – Mohenjo-daro no longer matched, reassess the option whose mechanism, classification, or indication now fits the revised presentation.

How to Approach the Question

First, read the question carefully to understand what is being asked. The question asks to identify a 'center' of the Harappan civilization.
Next, evaluate all the options provided. Recognize that Sutkagen-dor, Lothal, Kalibangan, and Dholavira are all valid Harappan sites.
Notice that Option C lists two sites, including 'Mohenjo-daro' (correcting the typo).
Apply the 'best fit' strategy for ambiguous questions. Since all options are technically correct, determine which one is the most significant or representative.
Recall or deduce that Mohenjo-daro was one of the largest and most important cities, often considered a capital. Its inclusion makes Option C the strongest answer.
Select the option that contains the most prominent example when faced with multiple correct but less significant choices.

Concept Tested & Keywords

Concept Tested: Identification of major urban centers of the Harappan Civilization.
Stem keywords: center, Harappan civilization
Lead-in keywords: Which of the following

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Practise the full DSSSB - 28 August 2019 (Shift-1)

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