Practicing Success

Target Exam

CUET

Subject

History

Chapter

Ancient India: Bricks, Beads and Bones

Question:

Identify the name of the structure from the given information:

1- It was a large rectangular tank in a courtyard.

2- There were rooms on three sides, one of which was a large well.

3- Across a lane to the north lay a smaller building with eight bathrooms.

Options:

The Grand Bath

The Great Bath

The Gupt Bath

Water Reservoir

Correct Answer:

The Great Bath

Explanation:

The correct answer is Option 2 - The Great Bath

The given 3 statements are the description of 'The Great Bath' excavated at Mohenjoodaro, Harappan Civilisation.

Features of the Great Bath:

Location- The Great Bath was excavated at Mohenjodaro.
Shape: The Great Bath was a significant feature in the Harappan civilization, characterized by its large rectangular shape.
Courtyard and corridor: It was situated within a courtyard and surrounded by a corridor on all four sides, creating a distinct architectural arrangement.
Access points: Two sets of steps were present on the north and south sides of the tank, providing entry into the water.
Watertight construction: The tank was made watertight by setting bricks on edge and using a mortar of gypsum, ensuring that water was contained within the structure.
Adjacent rooms: Rooms were built on three sides of the Great Bath, with one of them housing a large well, potentially used for water supply.
Drainage system: Water from the tank flowed into a large drain, facilitating the removal of excess water.
Adjacent smaller building: Across a lane to the north, a smaller building was located, featuring eight bathrooms, four on each side of a corridor.
Drainage network: The drains from each bathroom are connected to a drain along the corridor, contributing to a comprehensive drainage system.
Ritual bath hypothesis: The unique design of the Great Bath, its location within the Citadel, and the presence of distinctive buildings nearby led scholars to propose that it was intended for special ritual bathing.