Module: General Practice
Q5: Consider the following statements regarding the specific variations in Harappan Citadels and urban amenities:
1. While the Citadel at Mohenjodaro was physically walled off from the Lower Town, the Citadel within the settlement of Lothal was built at a height but was not walled off.
2. Scholars and archaeologists have estimated that the total number of domestic and public wells in the city of Mohenjodaro was approximately 700.
3. In smaller settlements such as Dholavira and Lothal, the entire settlement was fortified, and sections within the town were also separated by walls.
Which of the above statements is/are correct?
2. Scholars and archaeologists have estimated that the total number of domestic and public wells in the city of Mohenjodaro was approximately 700.
3. In smaller settlements such as Dholavira and Lothal, the entire settlement was fortified, and sections within the town were also separated by walls.
Which of the above statements is/are correct?
✅ Correct Answer: D
🎯 Quick Answer:
Option D is correct as all three statements accurately describe the variations and specific structural details of Harappan urban amenities.Structural Breakdown: The typical Harappan model involves a strict wall separation between the high Citadel and the Lower Town.
However, sites like Dholavira featured massive overall fortifications with internal walled subdivisions, whereas Lothal's Citadel lacked an internal wall but maintained its elevated status.
Historical/Related Context: The mastery of water management was a defining trait of the Harappans.
In Mohenjodaro alone, the sinking of roughly 700 wells meant that almost every neighborhood had reliable access to groundwater.
Many of these wells were placed in outer rooms reachable from the street for use by passers-by.
Causal Reasoning: The architectural variations across different Harappan sites were largely adaptations to local topographies and regional security needs.
Meanwhile, the staggering number of wells in Mohenjodaro reflects the civilization's acute prioritization of sanitation, hygiene, and public water accessibility in a semi-arid environment.