CAPF AC 2025 Q46: Ancient History – Indus Valley Civilization
Which one of the following Harappan sites has yielded evidence of a wash basin in the toilet of a house?
- (a) Banawali
- (b) Rakhigarhi
- (c) Dholavira
- (d) Lothal
Answer: (c) Dholavira
Explanation
Wash basin in a Harappan toilet
How to think: the Harappans cared for sanitation, and some sites show toilets in houses.
The detail of a wash basin attached to a toilet is reported from Dholavira.
| Site | Sanitation feature |
|---|---|
| Banawali | Houses with rooms, kitchens and toilets |
| Rakhigarhi | Drains and large houses |
| Dholavira | Toilet with a wash basin, drain to a soakage jar outside the house |
| Lothal | Bathing platform with latrine in the acropolis |
Dholavira also shows reservoirs, pucca underground drains and a large water-management system.
Answer: (c) Dholavira.
Why each option is right or wrong
- (a) Incorrect. Banawali has house toilets, but a wash basin is not reported there.
- (b) Incorrect. Rakhigarhi is known for its drains and burials.
- (c) CORRECT. Dholavira shows a toilet fitted with a wash basin.
- (d) Incorrect. Lothal is known for its dockyard and a bathing platform with latrine.
Key point
Dholavira (Gujarat; UNESCO World Heritage Site, 2021): water reservoirs, underground drains, toilet with wash basin. Lothal: dockyard. Mohenjodaro: Great Bath. Chanhudaro: lipstick, bead making.
Remember
Dholavira: water systems and a toilet with a wash basin.
Common mistakes
- Choosing Lothal because it is linked with bathing platforms and drains.
- Giving the toilet detail to Mohenjodaro, which is not among the options.
- Confusing the wash basin with the Great Bath.
Exam tip
Educated guess: Dholavira is the Harappan site most noted for sanitation and water arrangements; the others are noted for the dockyard, burials or house plans.
Sources
- Archaeological Survey of India, Dholavira: a Harappan city (UNESCO World Heritage nomination, 2021)
- R. S. Bisht, Excavations at Dholavira, in Harappan Excavations 1986-2003 (Archaeological Survey of India)