Practicing Success

Target Exam

CUET

Subject

History

Chapter

Ancient India: Bricks, Beads and Bones

Question:

Which of the following is a correct statement about the interior architecture of houses in Mohenjodaro?

Options:

The interiors were paved with glazed tiles and luxurious objects.

The interiors had bathrooms which had drains connected to the larger city drainage.

The Harappan houses were large community shelters, with no idea of privacy.

The houses in Harappan society were weak and feeble.

Correct Answer:

The interiors had bathrooms which had drains connected to the larger city drainage.

Explanation:

From the information available about the Harappan civilization, the only correct statement is Option 2- In Mohenjodaro every house had its own bathroom paved with bricks, with drains connected through the wall to the street drains.

Features:

The Lower Town of Mohenjodaro showcases diverse examples of residential structures.
In the lower town, the common citizenry lived. Several buildings were built on the platform and even the lower town was walled.
The domestic architecture in Mohenjodaro, a city of the Harappan civilization, exhibited several distinct features:
Courtyard-centered design: Many residential buildings in Mohenjodaro were organized around a central courtyard. The courtyard served as a focal point for various domestic activities and provided open space for tasks like cooking, weaving, and social interactions.
Privacy considerations: An interesting aspect of the architecture was the apparent emphasis on privacy.
Ground-level walls typically lacked windows, ensuring privacy within the household. The main entrance of the houses also did not offer a direct view into the interior of the courtyard, further contributing to privacy.
Multi-storey structures: Some houses exhibited evidence of multiple floors or access to rooftops. Remnants of staircases suggest that vertical expansion was employed in Mohenjo-Daro’s residential architecture.
Wells within houses: Wells were a common feature in Mohenjo-Daro’s houses. Many houses had wells, often located in a room accessible from the outside. These wells provided access to water, not only for the residents but potentially for passers-by as well.