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?
Detailed Explanation:
Answer: Option 1 — Dholavira
Dholavira, located in Gujarat, is one of the five largest Harappan sites and is world-renowned for its extraordinarily sophisticated water harvesting and management system. The city built a series of dams, reservoirs (16 in total), channels, and interconnected water storage structures to harvest and store rainwater, making it unique among Indus Valley Civilization sites. This elaborate hydraulic engineering demonstrates advanced urban planning and water conservation techniques dating back to around 4500 years ago.
📝 Short Notes: Major Harappan Sites and Their Distinctive Features
| Site | Location | Distinctive Features |
|---|---|---|
| Dholavira | Gujarat (Khadir Island, Kutch) | • Elaborate water harvesting system with 16 reservoirs • Three-part city division (citadel, middle town, lower town) • Large stadium/public gathering area • Earliest known signboard with Harappan inscriptions • Unique dam and channelization system |
| Kalibangan | Rajasthan (Ghaggar River) | • First evidence of ploughed agricultural field • Fire altars indicating ritualistic practices • Mud brick architecture • Pre-Harappan and Harappan phases |
| Rakhigarhi | Haryana | • Largest Harappan site in India • Evidence of advanced jewelry making • Multi-roomed houses and planned settlement • Skeletons showing genetic continuity |
| Ropar (Rupnagar) | Punjab (Sutlej River) | • First Harappan site excavated post-independence (1953) • Overlap of Harappan and later cultures • Burial practices with pottery and ornaments • River-based settlement pattern |
| Lothal | Gujarat | • Dockyard and maritime trade center • Evidence of rice cultivation • Bead-making factory • Fire altars |
| Harappa | Pakistan (Punjab) | • First site to be discovered (1921) • Granaries and fortifications • Cemetery R-37 with multiple burial types • Stone sculptures and seals |
Question 1 of 3 Major Harappan Sites
Practice PYQ questions from this topic across all years
First question in this topic
Which one of the following is not a Harappan site?