The accepted date of Indus Civilization is -

Question

Accepted Answer

The correct option is 2: 2500-1750 B.C.

The Indus Valley Civilization, also known as the Harappan Civilization, is one of the world's three early cradles of civilization, alongside ancient Egypt and Mesopotamia. Its chronology is a subject of historical and archaeological consensus, with the widely accepted period for its mature phase being approximately 2500 B.C. to 1750 B.C. This dating is primarily based on evidence from archaeological excavations, particularly the use of radiocarbon dating of artifacts found at various Harappan sites like Mohenjo-Daro and Harappa, and cross-cultural comparisons with Mesopotamian records. During this period, the civilization witnessed its greatest urban development, intricate town planning, distinctive art, and a sophisticated system of weights and measures. The decline of the civilization is generally attributed to a combination of factors, including climate change, shifting river courses, and possibly internal stresses, which led to its gradual disintegration around 1750 B.C.

The incorrect option is 1: 2500-1800 B.C. While this range is close, it slightly shortens the generally accepted period of the mature Indus Valley Civilization. The decline phase typically extends to around 1750 B.C., making this option less precise.

The incorrect option is 3: 2900-1700 B.C. This option suggests an earlier beginning and a slightly later end for the civilization. While there are earlier phases of proto-Harappan cultures (like the Early Harappan or Pre-Harappan), the mature phase, which defines the civilization's peak, is not generally considered to begin as early as 2900 B.C. Also, extending the end date to 1700 B.C. is less commonly accepted than 1750 B.C. for the end of the mature phase.

The incorrect option is 4: 2400-1800 B.C. This range narrows the accepted period of the Indus Civilization too much, both at the beginning and the end. Archaeological evidence points to the civilization reaching its mature phase earlier than 2400 B.C. and declining later than 1800 B.C., making this option an inaccurate representation of the established timeline.