Practicing Success

Target Exam

CUET

Subject

History

Chapter

Ancient India: Bricks, Beads and Bones

Question:

How were streets and drains incorporated in the planning of Harappan cities?

Options:

Streets with drains were built first, and then houses were added

Streets and houses were built simultaneously

There was no specific planning for streets and drains

None of the above

Correct Answer:

Streets with drains were built first, and then houses were added

Explanation:

The Harappan cities were characterized by their remarkable drainage systems, which were meticulously planned. When examining the layout of the Lower Town, one can observe that the roads and streets followed a precise "grid" pattern, intersecting at right angles. Evidently, the streets with drains were established prior to the construction of houses. This arrangement ensured that domestic waste water could flow into the street drains efficiently. Consequently, each house was required to have at least one wall along a street to facilitate the proper functioning of the drainage system.