Step 1: Understanding the Concept:
The question seeks the total duration of the Harappan Civilization, including its early, mature urban, and late declining stages. The provided options are unusually broad and do not align perfectly with standard archaeological periodization, necessitating the selection of the 'best fit' answer.
Step 2: Detailed Explanation:
The standard archaeological timeline for the Indus Valley (Harappan) Civilization is typically divided into three phases:
Early Harappan Phase: c. 3300 BCE to 2600 BCE
Mature Harappan Phase: c. 2600 BCE to 1900 BCE
Late Harappan Phase: c. 1900 BCE to 1300 BCE
The total span is therefore roughly from 3300 BCE to 1300 BCE. Evaluating the given options:
(1) 2000 BCE to 1000 BCE: This range primarily covers the Late Harappan and post-Harappan periods, omitting the crucial Mature and Early phases.
(3) 1500 BCE to 900 BCE: This corresponds to the Rigvedic and Later Vedic periods, which followed the decline of the Mature Harappan phase.
(4) From Post Vedic Civilisation: This is chronologically incorrect as the Harappan civilization predates the Vedic period.
(2) 6000 BCE to 1300 BCE: This option is extremely broad. However, it is the only one that encompasses the entire Harappan timeline (3300-1300 BCE). The start date of 6000 BCE likely includes pre-Harappan agricultural settlements like Mehrgarh (c. 7000 BCE) which are considered precursors to the civilization. The end date of 1300 BCE correctly marks the end of the Late Harappan phase. Despite its wide range, it is the most plausible choice among the flawed options.
Step 3: Final Answer:
Given the imperfect options, "From 6000 BCE to 1300 BCE" is the most appropriate answer as it is the only option that fully includes the known duration of the civilization and its precursors.