Indus Valley Civilization · UPSC GK

Which theory about the decline of the Indus Valley Civilization emphasizes environmental factors?

  1. A volcanic eruption that buried major urban centers in ash
  2. River course changes and the drying of the Saraswati River
  3. A massive wildfire that swept through and destroyed the brick cities
  4. Complete exhaustion of the region's gold and copper ore deposits
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Correct answer: River course changes and the drying of the Saraswati River

One leading theory suggests that tectonic shifts caused rivers to change course or dry up — particularly the Saraswati — leading to water shortages and widespread abandonment of cities. This environmental instability would have crippled the civilization's agricultural base.

Difficulty: Medium Question 16 of 20

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