HOTS Questions: Every Drop Counts - Class 5 PDF Download

Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs)

Q.1. What is the purpose of Ghadsisar Lake built by King Ghadsi of Jaisalmer?
a) For farming
b) To store rainwater
c) To decorate the city
d) For fishing
Ans: b) To store rainwater

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Ghadisar Lake

Q.2. What happens to the extra water when the Ghadsisar Lake overflows?
a) It gets wasted.
b) It flows into another lake at a lower level.
c) It is stored in underground tanks.
d) It is used for irrigation.
Ans: b) It flows into another lake at a lower level.

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Q.3. Al-Biruni wrote about India’s water structures because:
a) He wanted to build lakes in his country.
b) He found them similar to those in his own country.
c) He found them very different and impressive.
d) He thought they were not well-constructed.

Ans:  c) He found them very different and impressive.

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Stepwell

True/False Questions

Q.1.  The Ghadsisar Lake is still in use today for collecting rainwater.
Ans: False

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Q.2. Stepwells were used in ancient times to store water for the whole year.
Ans: True

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Q.3. The people of Rajasthan do not face water shortages despite little rainfall because they have good systems to store water.
Ans: True

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Johads in Rajasthan

Short Answer Questions

Q.1. Why was Ghadsisar Lake important to the people of Jaisalmer?

Ans: Ghadsisar Lake was important because:

• It stored rainwater that could be used throughout the year.
• It helped prevent water shortages in a region that received very little rainfall.
• It was a place for festivals, music, and social gatherings.
• The lake had a system to transfer extra water to other lakes, preventing wastage.

Q.2. What do you think will happen if water from rain is not collected and stored properly?

Ans: If rainwater is not collected, the following can happen:

• Water scarcity, especially in dry areas.
• Water can be wasted as it flows away.
• People may have to rely on groundwater, which can dry up if overused.
• Fertile soil may not stay wet, affecting agriculture.

Water Scarcity leads to drought

Q.3. What lessons can we learn from the way water was managed in the past?

Ans: Lessons we can learn include:

• Efficient water management can prevent shortages, even in dry regions.
• Community efforts in building and maintaining water systems benefit everyone.
• Using natural resources wisely ensures they last longer.
• Old systems like lakes, stepwells, and rainwater harvesting can still be useful today.

Long Answer Questions

Q. 10. How did Al-Biruni describe the stepwells he saw in India? What makes stepwells special compared to regular wells?

Ans: Al-Biruni described the stepwells as unique structures with raised platforms and long staircases.

• The steps allowed people to walk down to the water, unlike regular wells where water had to be drawn up.
• Separate staircases for going up and down reduced crowding.
• These stepwells were beautifully constructed using rocks and iron rods, making them both functional and artistic.
• They allowed easy access to water, especially during dry seasons, making them essential in areas with less rainfall.

Q. 11. What challenges do people face today regarding water, as compared to ancient times?

Ans: Today, people face challenges like:

• Overuse of groundwater through electric pumps, which can dry up wells.
• Urbanization has covered natural water-absorbing surfaces with cement, reducing water collection.
• Many lakes and traditional water systems have been neglected or destroyed, leading to wastage of rainwater.
• Access to clean water is unequal, with some people having abundant water and others having to buy it.

Q. 12. Why do you think the people of Rajasthan, despite having little rainfall, were successful in managing their water supply?
Ans: The people of Rajasthan were successful because:

• They built lakes, johads, and stepwells to store water from the few days of rain they received.
• They ensured that water soaked into the ground, keeping the soil fertile and replenishing wells.
• Water management was a community effort, with everyone participating, regardless of their occupation.
• They understood the importance of saving every drop of water, which allowed them to survive in a dry climate.

Benefits of Rainwater Harvesting

Application Questions

Q. 13. If your school has a flat area, what would happen to rainwater during heavy rains? How can you ensure that it is not wasted
Ans:

• During heavy rains, rainwater may flow into drains or puddle in low areas.
• To prevent wastage:
  1. You can create a rainwater harvesting system to collect water from rooftops.
  2. The water can be stored in tanks or underground for later use.
  3. Ensure that the water drains into the soil to help recharge groundwater.

Q.14. Discuss how we can reuse old water systems like stepwells and lakes to solve water shortages in modern times.

Ans: We can reuse old water systems by:

• Cleaning and maintaining stepwells and lakes to make them functional again.
• Encouraging communities to contribute to the upkeep of these water sources.
• Using traditional methods of water storage alongside modern technology to ensure a steady water supply.
• Educating people about the importance of conserving water and reusing ancient water systems.

Q. 15. Why do you think people have forgotten about using stepwells and lakes, and what can we do to bring these practices back?

Ans: People have forgotten because:

• Modern water systems like borewells and pipelines have made water access easier, leading to neglect of old methods.
• Urban development has destroyed or covered many of these water systems.
• To bring these practices back:
  We need to raise awareness about the benefits of stepwells and lakes.
  Communities should be involved in restoring these systems.
  Governments can promote rainwater harvesting and the restoration of traditional water sources.