Question

UPSC Prelims 2021 Question:

Which of the following ancient towns is well-known for its elaborate system of water harvesting and management by building a series of dams and channelizing water into connected reservoirs?

  1. 1. Dholavira
  2. 2. Kalibangan
  3. 3. Rakhigarhi
  4. 4. Ropar

Answer (Detailed Solution Below)

Option 1: Dholavira

Detailed Solution

Explanation:

  • Dholavira is one of the largest and most prominent archaeological sites in India belonging to the Indus Valley Civilization. Located on Khadir bet island in the Kutch Desert Wildlife Sanctuary in the Great Rann of Kutch (Gujarat).

  • Water reservoirs found in Dholavira may have been used to store water for agriculture. It was a kind of efficient system developed for the conservation, harvesting, and storage of water. It was built completely of stones. They were used to store fresh water brought by rains or to store water diverted from two nearby rivulets. This clearly came in response to the desert climate and conditions of Kutch, where several years may pass without rainfall.

Therefore, option (1) is the correct answer.

Subject: History | Indus Valley Civilisation

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