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.

• Statement I accurately describes the structure of the Great Granary, including its brick foundation and central passageway.
• Statement II correctly explains a functional aspect of the granary’s design—air circulation beneath the floor facilitated by triangular air ducts and sleeper walls, crucial for preserving the grain. However, this is not a direct explanation for Statement I, as Statement I deals with structural aspects rather than the purpose or functionality of the design.
  Therefore Correct Answer : Option B

1. Statement 1 is correct. The town planning of the Indus Valley Civilization indeed featured a division into citadel/acropolis and lower town. The citadel was a smaller, elevated area used for significant buildings, while the lower town was a larger area where the working-class people resided.
2. Statement 2 is incorrect. The use of burnt bricks was a notable characteristic of the Harappan cities. However, in contemporary Egypt, dried bricks were predominantly used, not burnt bricks. Thus, the statement falsely equates the building practices of the Harappans with those of the Egyptians.
3. Statement 3 is correct. In Kalibangan, many houses had their own wells, highlighting an advanced understanding of urban infrastructure and water management.
Therefore, the correct answer is 1 and 3 Only, making Option B the right choice.

The inclusion of small settling pools and traps in the drainage system of Harappa signifies the importance attached to social and personal hygiene. These features were designed to allow sediment and other materials to collect while ensuring that water and smaller particles flowed away. This meticulous design not only showcases a concern for cleanliness and hygiene but also reflects a sophisticated understanding of maintaining sanitation in the ancient urban setup.

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