Answer: China
Explanation: The ancient Indus River civilization, also known as the Indus Valley civilization or Harappan civilization, existed from approximately 3300 BCE to 1300 BCE. It was one of the world's earliest urban civilizations and encompassed a vast area in the Indian subcontinent.
A) India: India was indeed part of the ancient Indus River civilization. The civilization's major sites, such as Mohenjo-daro and Harappa, are located in present-day Pakistan, but they were also spread across regions that are now part of India.
B) Pakistan: Pakistan, specifically the regions of Punjab and Sindh, was a significant part of the ancient Indus River civilization. Many well-preserved archaeological sites have been discovered in this area, providing valuable insights into the culture and lifestyle of the Harappan people.
C) Afghanistan: Afghanistan, particularly the region of Helmand, was also part of the ancient Indus River civilization. Excavations at sites like Mundigak have revealed connections to the broader Indus Valley civilization.
D) China: China, on the other hand, was not part of the ancient Indus River civilization. The Indus Valley civilization was primarily centered in the northwestern regions of the Indian subcontinent, and its influence did not extend into China.
In summary, while India, Pakistan, and Afghanistan were all part of the ancient Indus River civilization, China was not. The civilization's core areas were located in present-day Pakistan, with some sites extending into India and Afghanistan.