Q. Which one of the following ancient towns is well-known for its elaborate system of water harvesting and management by building a series of dams and channelizing water into connected reservoirs?

  • Dholavira
  • Kalibangan
  • Rakhigarhi
  • Ropar

Answer: (a) Dholavira

Notes:
  • Dholavira:
    • Dholavira, an ancient Harappan city located in present-day Gujarat, India, is well-known for its sophisticated water management system.
    • The people of Dholavira developed an elaborate system of water harvesting and storage, consisting of a series of dams, stepwells, and interconnected reservoirs. This system allowed the city to conserve and channel rainwater effectively, which was crucial in the semi-arid environment of the Rann of Kutch.
    • It was discovered in 1968 by archaeologist Jagat Pati Joshi.
    • After Mohen-jo-Daro, Ganweriwala and Harappa in Pakistan and Rakhigarhi in Haryana of India, Dholavira is the fifth largest metropolis of Indus Valley Civilization (IVC).
    • It was named as a UNESCO World Heritage Site under the name Dholavira: a Harappan City on 27 July 2021.
    • Location:
      • The ancient city of Dholavira is an archaeological site at Kachchh District, in the state of Gujarat, which dates from the 3rd to mid-2nd millennium BCE.
      • Dholavira’s location is on the Tropic of Cancer.
      • It is located on Khadir bet island in the Kachchh Desert Wildlife Sanctuary in the Great Rann of Kachchh.
      • Unlike other Harappan antecedent towns normally located near to rivers and perennial sources of water, the location of Dholavira in the island of Khadir bet.
    • Distinct Features of the Dholavira Site:
      • Cascading series of water reservoirs.
      • Outer fortification.
      • Two multi-purpose grounds, one of which was used for festivities and other as a marketplace.
      • Nine gates with unique designs.
      • Funerary architecture featuring tumulus — hemispherical structures like the Buddhist Stupas.
      • Multi-layered defensive mechanisms, extensive use of stone in construction and special burial structures.
  • Kalibangan (Rajasthan):
    • Location: located on the left or southern banks of the Ghaggar (Ghaggar-Hakra River) in Hanumangarh District, Rajasthan.
    • Known for early evidence of plowed agricultural fields but not for an advanced water management system.
    • Major Findings:
      • It is made up of three mounds.
      • Known for its remarkablefire altars and the world’s earliest attested ploughed field.
      • The earliest form of artificial irrigation was practised.
      • Different types of burials show social inequalities.
      • Mesopotamian pottery was discovered at the site, showing the trade relations.
      • Burnt bricks were used only for drains at Kalibangan.
  • Rakhigarhi (Haryana):
    • Location: Hisar district, Haryana (Sarasvati River)
    • One of the largest Indus Valley Civilization sites, but it is not specifically known for water management systems like Dholavira.
    • Major Findings:
      • DNA analysis of Skeletal revealed that the Harappan civilization inhabitants had a distinct origin.
      • Land townships were enclosed with mud and burnt brick homes.
      • Efficient drainage system and proper sanitation.
      • The granary consisted of mud bricks and the floor was made of rammed earth plastered with mud.
      • A seal with an alligator symbol was discovered.
  • Ropar (Punjab):
    • Location: Rupnagar, Punjab (Sutlej River)
    • Major Findings:
      • Transition from village to town in period c. 600–200 BCE, and yielded Northern Black Polished Ware (NBPW) and punch-marked and copper coins.
      • A seal with an inscription in Brahmi.
      • Houses made of stone, mud-brick and burnt brick.
      • Iron workshop and agate beads in NBPW.