What was a significant result of the central government's planning in the Indus Valley civilization?

The development of organized towns in the Indus Valley civilization signifies a profound aspect of the central government's planning. This civilization, which flourished around 2500 BCE, was marked by its advanced urban planning, evidenced by well-structured cities like Harappa and Mohenjo-Daro. The presence of grid layouts, public baths, drainage systems, and standardized weights and measures indicates a high degree of social organization and governance.

Such planning facilitated economic activities by allowing for efficient trade, commerce, and the management of resources. Organized towns also imply a societal structure that could support various occupations, craft specialization, and communal activities, enhancing the overall quality of life for the inhabitants. This architectural and societal coherence reflects the strength and effectiveness of the central governance in fostering a stable, thriving civilization with urban environments that catered to the needs of their populations.

This development stands in opposition to the other options, where a decline in agriculture would indicate a failure in resource management, the spread of nomadic tribes would imply a lack of stability and organization, and military fortifications might suggest a response to external threats rather than a hallmark of internal town cohesion. In contrast, the establishment of organized towns represents a crucial success of the central authority in the Indus Valley civilization.