Practicing Success

Target Exam

CUET

Subject

History

Chapter

Ancient India: Bricks, Beads and Bones

Question:

Read the passage and answer the questions:
The most ancient system yet discovered

About the drains, Mackay noted: “It is certainly the most complete ancient system as yet discovered.” Every house was connected to the street drains. The main channels were made of bricks set in mortar and were covered with loose bricks that could be removed for cleaning. In some cases, limestone was used for the covers. House drains first emptied into a sump or cesspit into which solid matter settled while wastewater flowed out into the street drain. Very long drainage channels were provided at intervals with sumps for cleaning. It is a wonder of archaeology that “little heaps of materials, mostly sand, have frequently been found lying alongside drainage channels, which shows... that the debris was not always carted way when the drain was cleared”. Drainage systems were not unique to the larger cities but were found in smaller settlements as well, At lothal for example, while houses were built of mud bricks, drains were made of burnt bricks.

Two of the below-given features of Harappan Civilisation are incorrect. Identify:
(A) It had a planned drainage system.
(B) It comprised mostly of rural settlements.
(C) The roads and streets were laid out along the grid pattern.
(D) Most settlements have a larger high section and a smaller lower section.
(E) Burials were mostly in the form of pits.

Choose the correct answer from the options given below :

(1) (A), (B) only
(2) (B), (D)only
(3) (C), (E) only
(4) (D), (C) only

Options:

1

2

3

4

Correct Answer:

2

Explanation:

The incorrect features among the given options are:

(B) It comprised mostly of rural settlements.
The Harappan Civilization was predominantly urban, with well-planned cities being a distinctive feature. The civilization had several urban centers with advanced infrastructure, challenging the notion that it comprised mostly of rural settlements.
(D) Most settlements have a larger high section and a smaller lower section.
The majority of Harappan settlements did not follow this pattern. Cities like Mohenjo-daro and Harappa, for example, had a relatively uniform layout without distinct high and low sections. This statement is not representative of the overall urban planning of the Harappan Civilization.