Which one 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?
- (a) Dholavira ✓ UPSC's answer
- (b) Kalibangan
- (c) Rakhigarhi
- (d) Ropar
Why the answer is (a)
• Dholavira (Kachchh, Gujarat), a Harappan city on Khadir island, is famed for its water management: a series of check dams on the seasonal Manhar and Mansar streams diverted water into a chain of 16 rock-cut, interconnected reservoirs around the city (option a).
• It was inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2021, the year of this question.
• Kalibangan (b) is known for ploughed fields and fire altars; Rakhigarhi (c) for being the largest Harappan site in India; Ropar (d) for a dog buried with its master.
• Hence option (a).
Why the other options are wrong
- (b) Kalibangan
- Kalibangan is known for ploughed fields and fire altars.
- (c) Rakhigarhi
- Rakhigarhi is the largest Harappan site, not noted for dams/reservoirs.
- (d) Ropar
- Ropar is not known for water harvesting.
Asked in the GS Paper I of the UPSC Civil Services Preliminary Examination 2021, held on 10 October 2021. Question and answer key: Union Public Service Commission. Explanation: UPSC Answer Check.