Test : Town Planning Architecture - UPSC MCQ

• The streets of Harappa and Mohenjo-Daro followed a grid pattern and were oriented north-south and east-west, making statement 1 incorrect.
• The use of burnt bricks for construction is a notable advancement in the architecture of the Indus Valley Civilization, contrasting with the use of mainly dried bricks in contemporary Egyptian buildings, making statement 2 correct.
• The Great Bath is indeed believed to have served a ritualistic purpose, showcasing the civilization's emphasis on cleanliness and possibly religious ceremonies, making statement 3 correct.

To determine the accuracy of the statements regarding the drainage system of the Indus Valley Civilization, let's analyze each statement:

1. Each house had a private drinking well connected to the city's main drainage system- Incorrect
While many houses did have private wells, these wells were not connected to the main drainage system. Instead, the drainage system typically carried waste water away from the houses.
2. The main drains were covered with limestone blocks or baked bricks- Correct.
This statement is correct. The drainage systems in the Indus Valley Civilization were sophisticated, with the main drains covered by limestone blocks or baked bricks to protect and conceal them.
3. Small settling pools and traps were integrated into the drainage system for maintenance and cleaning- Correct.
This statement is correct. The drainage system did include features such as settling pools and traps to facilitate the maintenance and cleaning of the drains.

Therefore, the correct answer is Option 3 : Only two.

The town planning in the cities of the Indus Valley civilization was characterized by the presence of a scientific drainage system. This advanced system showcased the civilization's high level of sophistication and urban development. The efficient management of wastewater and sanitation in these cities indicates a remarkable understanding of urban planning and public health for that era.

1. The town planning of Indus Valley Civilization was based on the division of towns into two main parts: citadel/acropolis and lower town.
   • This is correct. The town planning of major Indus Valley cities like Harappa, Mohenjo-Daro, and Dholavira typically included a division into two parts: the citadel (a raised, fortified area housing important structures like granaries or the Great Bath) and the lower town (where most of the population lived in well-planned residential areas).
2. The use of burnt bricks in the Harappan cities was a standard practice which was also observed in the contemporary buildings of Egypt.
   • This is incorrect. While the use of burnt (fired) bricks was indeed a standard practice in Harappan cities, contemporary Egyptian buildings primarily used sun-dried mud bricks for most constructions, including houses and some monumental structures. Stone was used for temples and pyramids in Egypt, but burnt bricks were not a common feature as in the Indus Valley.
3. Kalibangan is known for its houses that had individual wells.
   • This is correct. Kalibangan, an important Indus Valley site, is known for its urban planning, including houses that often had individual wells, a feature also seen in other major sites like Mohenjo-Daro. This reflects the civilization's advanced water management systems.

Conclusion: Statements 1 and 3 are correct, while Statement 2 is incorrect.

Answer: B: 1 and 3 Only

The inclusion of small settling pools and traps in the drainage system of Harappa reflects a highly advanced municipal system. These features were designed to collect sediment and debris, preventing blockages and facilitating maintenance of the drainage network. This demonstrates sophisticated urban planning and engineering, characteristic of the Indus Valley Civilization's municipal infrastructure.

1. Main drains construction in Harappa: The main drains in Harappa were indeed constructed using bricks set in mortar and were mostly covered and hidden underground. This indicates an advanced municipal system and knowledge of construction techniques.

2. The Great Bath of Mohenjo-daro: The Great Bath is widely regarded as the earliest public water tank of the ancient world, showcasing the importance of ritualistic cleaning in the culture of the Indus Valley Civilization.

3. Settling pools and traps in the drainage system: The drainage systems in Harappa included small settling pools and traps to collect sediment and other materials, demonstrating a sophisticated approach to managing waste and maintaining cleanliness.

All three statements are correct, thus the correct answer is Option D.

The primary architectural feature of the Great Granary in Harappa is the arrangement of two rows of six rooms along a central passageway. This layout, with each room measuring 15.2 by 6.1 meters and having three sleeper walls with air space between them, indicates a systematic design for storage or other purposes in the ancient Harappan civilization.

 Therefore Correct Answer : Option C

• Statement-I is correct: The Indus Valley civilization is renowned for its advanced urban planning, including grid-patterned streets and a sophisticated drainage system.
• Statement-II is also correct: Indus cities typically had a citadel, which likely housed the elite and administrative buildings, while the lower town was more residential, inhabited by common people.
• Both statements are accurate, but Statement-II does not directly explain Statement-I. The planning mentioned in Statement-I is a broader aspect of the civilization, not specifically explained by the social structure in Statement-II.

 Therefore, the correct answer is B.

The greatest uniformity is noticed in the layouts of the towns, streets, structures, brick size, drains, etc. Almost all the major sites (Harappa, Mohenjodaro, Kalibangan and others) are divided into two parts-a citadel on higher mound on the western side and a lower town on the eastern side of the Indus Valley Civilization settlement.
Therefore Correct Answer- Option A

Statement I: The Great Granary in Mohenjo-Daro was built on a massive brick foundation and featured a central passageway: This is correct. The Great Granary, a significant structure in Mohenjo-Daro, was constructed on a large platform made of baked bricks to protect it from flooding. Archaeological evidence suggests it had a central passageway or aisles, likely for loading and unloading grain or for ventilation purposes.

Statement II: The design of the Great Granary allowed for air circulation beneath the floor to keep the stored grain cool and dry.: This is also correct. The granary's design included raised platforms with air ducts or channels beneath the floor, which facilitated air circulation. This helped keep the stored grain cool and dry, preventing spoilage.

However, Statement II is not the correct explanation for Statement I. While the air circulation system was an important feature, it was not the reason why the foundation was massive or why there was a central passageway. The passageway was more likely related to the design for storage and movement of goods rather than the ventilation system itself.

Hence, the correct answer - Option A