The following sentences describe one of the sites of the Harappan civilization: "The settlement is divided into two sections, one smaller but higher and the other much larger but lower. Archaeologists designate these as the citadel and the lower town respectively. Both were walled. Several buildings were built on platforms, which served as foundations."

Which of the following sites does it refer to?

A) Harappa
B) Mohenjodaro
C) Lothal
D) Kalibangan

The description provided matches the urban layout of Mohenjodaro. As noted in the archaeological records, the settlement is divided into two distinct sections: a smaller but higher area known as the citadel and a much larger but lower area called the lower town [2]. Both sections were fortified with walls [1][t1]. A defining characteristic of Mohenjodaro is that several buildings, including those in the citadel, were constructed on massive mud-brick platforms that served as foundations to protect against flooding [c1][t4]. While other Harappan sites like Harappa and Kalibangan also featured a bipartite division, the specific phrasing regarding the settlement being divided into these two sections and the emphasis on buildings built on platforms as foundations is the classic archaeological description of Mohenjodaro's planning [c2][t7].

Sources

1. [1] History , class XI (Tamilnadu state board 2024 ed.) > Chapter 1: Early India: From the Beginnings to the Indus Civilisation > Planned Towns > p. 10
2. [2] THEMES IN INDIAN HISTORY PART I, History CLASS XII (NCERT 2025 ed.) > Chapter 1: Bricks, Beads and Bones > A Planned Urban Centre > p. 5