UPSC Prelims 2021 Q32: Ancient History – Indus Valley Civilization
- (a) Dholavira
- (b) Kalibangan
- (c) Rakhigarhi
- (d) Ropar
Answer: (a) Dholavira
Explanation
Ancient Water Harvesting: Dholavira
| IVC Site | Water System Feature |
|---|---|
| Dholavira (Gujarat) | Most elaborate water harvesting: series of reservoirs, dams (bunds), stone-lined tanks, drains, canals. Located between two seasonal streams (Manhar and Mansar). |
| Kalibangan (Rajasthan) | Fire altars, ploughed field, mud-brick fortifications. Some drains but no reservoir system. |
| Rakhigarhi (Haryana) | Largest IVC site by area; drainage system but water harvesting less elaborate. |
| Ropar (Punjab) | Post-Harappan continuity site; limited water infrastructure. |
Dholavira has the most sophisticated water harvesting system among IVC sites. 16 reservoirs covered ~10% of the city area. Built between 3000-1500 BCE. Declared UNESCO World Heritage Site in July 2021 - the 40th Indian site.
Answer: (a) Dholavira.
Why each option is right or wrong
- (a) CORRECT. Dholavira's water system is the largest and most elaborate in the IVC - reservoirs, dams, canals, and stone-lined tanks. UNESCO World Heritage Site (July 2021).
- (b) Incorrect. Kalibangan is famous for fire altars and ploughed fields, not extensive water harvesting.
- (c) Incorrect. Rakhigarhi is the largest IVC site by area but its water system is less elaborate than Dholavira.
- (d) Incorrect. Ropar (Rupnagar) is a Late/Post-Harappan site with limited water infrastructure.
Key point
Dholavira = most elaborate IVC water system. 16 reservoirs, stone-lined tanks, dams (bunds), canals. Between Manhar and Mansar streams. UNESCO World Heritage (July 2021, 40th Indian site).
Remember
Dholavira (Gujarat) is famous for its elaborate water harvesting system with reservoirs, dams, canals and stone-lined tanks. It has 16 reservoirs covering ~10% of city area. Declared UNESCO World Heritage Site in July 2021. Correct answer: (a).
Common mistakes
- Confusing Dholavira (water) with Kalibangan (fire altars) and Lothal (dockyard).
- Not knowing Dholavira was inscribed as UNESCO WHS in July 2021 - relevant for current affairs.
- Assuming largest IVC site (Rakhigarhi) is also the most elaborate. Dholavira is smaller but architecturally more advanced.
Exam tip
IVC signature sites: Dholavira (water), Lothal (dockyard), Kalibangan (fire altars/ploughed field), Mohenjo-daro (Great Bath), Harappa (granaries), Rakhigarhi (largest area). Each site has ONE unique feature - memorise the pair.
Sources
- Archaeological Survey of India - Dholavira Site Documentation
- UNESCO World Heritage List (2021 additions)