Test : Town Planning Architecture - UPSC MCQ

• The main streets of Harappa and Mohenjo-Daro were actually oriented from north to south, not east to west. This error makes 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.
   - This statement is 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.
   - 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.
   - 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.

Based on the analysis, the second and third statements are correct, while the first statement is incorrect.

Therefore, the correct answer is:

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.

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.

Statement-I correctly highlights that the Indus Valley civilization was distinguished by its advanced town planning, including planned cities with an efficient drainage system. Statement-II complements this by explaining the division between the citadel and the lower town, where the former was likely reserved for the ruling class and administrative purposes while the latter served as living quarters for the working class. Thus, both statements are accurate, with Statement-II providing additional context that supports and elaborates on Statement-I.

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.

This question tests the understanding of the spatial layout and architectural design of the Great Granary in Harappa, reflecting a medium level of difficulty.

All three statements provided are accurate descriptions of the Great Granary at Harappa:

1. Statement 1: The Great Granary was indeed built on a massive brick foundation that measures over 45 meters in both the north-south and east-west directions. This massive foundation indicates the granary's significant size and importance.

2. Statement 2: Each room in the granary measures 15.2 by 6.1 meters and contains three sleeper walls with air space between them. These specifications were likely designed to ensure proper ventilation and storage conditions for the grain.

3. Statement 3: The wooden superstructure on top of the brick foundation was supported by large columns. This construction detail suggests a sophisticated architectural design that included stairs from the central passage area up to the superstructure.

Therefore, all statements 1, 2, and 3 are correct, making Option D the correct answer.