BPSC CCE Prelims
Major Harappan Sites Previous Year Questions (PYQs)

Detailed Explanation:

Lothal, located in present-day Gujarat, was the major port city of the Indus Valley Civilization with a well-built dockyard for maritime trade.

Archaeological evidence including seals, weights, beads, and semi-precious stones confirms extensive trade links with Mesopotamia (cities like Ur and Sumer), while Ropar and Kalibangan were inland settlements without maritime trade facilities.

Detailed Explanation:

✅ Correct Answer: None of the above

The area to the south of the Ganga in ancient times was known as Magadha (modern-day Bihar and parts of Jharkhand). Anarta was located in Gujarat (Saurashtra region), Takshashila was in the northwest (modern-day Pakistan), and Chola was in the far south (Tamil Nadu region). None of these kingdoms/regions were specifically identified as the area immediately south of the Ganga.

Detailed Explanation:

Lothal is a major Harappan site located in the Ahmedabad district of Gujarat. It is renowned for its ancient dockyard, bead-making industry, and evidence of maritime trade, making it one of the most significant Indus Valley Civilization sites in the region.

Dabarkot (Balochistan, Pakistan), Kalibangan (Rajasthan), and Rakhigarhi (Haryana) are located outside Gujarat.

Therefore, only Lothal is in Gujarat, making Option 1 the correct answer.