Indus Valley Civilization: Identifying the False Statement

The question asks to identify the statement about the Indus Valley Civilization that is NOT true. Let's analyze each option:

• Statement 1: It was an urban civilisation where people lived in well planned towns.

  This statement is true. Major sites like Mohenjo-daro and Harappa exhibit sophisticated urban planning, grid-patterned streets, and advanced drainage systems.

• Statement 2: Animal meat was the staple food.

  This statement is NOT true. Archaeological evidence, including analysis of pottery, animal bones, and seeds, suggests that the primary staple foods were grains like wheat, barley, rice, millets, and pulses. While animal meat was consumed, it was likely not the main staple food for the majority of the population.

• Statement 3: It flourished around 2500 BC in the present day Pakistan and Western India.

  This statement is true. The mature phase of the Indus Valley Civilization is generally dated from approximately 2600 BC to 1900 BC, covering large areas of modern-day Pakistan and northwest India.

• Statement 4: The houses were made of baked bricks.

  This statement is true. The widespread use of standardized, high-quality baked bricks for construction is a hallmark of Indus Valley urban settlements.

Based on the analysis, the statement that animal meat was the staple food is not accurate according to historical and archaeological consensus.