Question

Which of the following statement best explains the uniformity in urban planning across Harappa?

• A. Presence of Central authority
• B. Management by city-states
• C. Organisation of tribal leadership
• D. System of nomadic governance

Hint:

In ancient civilizations, the presence of a central authority often leads to uniformity in urban planning, which is evident in the Harappan cities' standardized layout and infrastructure.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is A

Harappan civilization's urban planning exhibited striking consistency in city layout, drainage, and construction materials. This uniformity strongly suggests a central authority enforced standardized planning and building regulations across its cities.
1. Centralized Governance:
Archaeological findings indicate meticulously planned Harappan cities like Harappa and Mohenjo-Daro featured grid layouts, uniform streets, drainage networks, and standardized brick dimensions. This widespread uniformity implies a governing body that directed urban planning and ensured consistency.
2. Inadequacy of Alternative Explanations:
- Option (B): While city-states may possess some autonomy, the observed uniformity in planning points towards a more centralized system. - Option (C): The Harappan civilization was not structured around tribal leadership; instead, it was highly urbanized, prioritizing trade and structured governance. - Option (D): A nomadic governance model fails to account for the centralized and organized nature of Harappan urban centers.
Summary:
Therefore, the most plausible explanation for the uniform urban planning across Harappan settlements is the existence of a central authority responsible for overseeing and standardizing urban development.