📚 Part of: Indus Valley Civilization And Buddhist Philosophy Mcqs

What major architectural work was built in Mohenjo-daro?

Category: Miscellaneous Indian Gk

Correct Answer: A) The Great Bath.

Exam Relevance: UPSC Civil Services, IAS Prelims, State PSC Exams, History Olympiads

Difficulty: Moderate

Concept notes:

Mohenjo-daro is one of the most important sites of the Indus Valley Civilization, located in present-day Pakistan. Among its many architectural marvels, the Great Bath stands out as a significant structure, believed to have been used for ritualistic bathing and social gatherings.

Common Mistakes:
  • Confusing the Great Bath with other monumental structures from different civilizations.
  • Misunderstanding the purpose of the Great Bath, thinking it was used for daily bathing rather than ritualistic purposes.
  • Overlooking the significance of Mohenjo-daro in the context of the Indus Valley Civilization.
Explanation:

Mohenjo-daro, located in the Sindh province of present-day Pakistan, is one of the most significant archaeological sites of the Indus Valley Civilization, which flourished between 2600 and 1900 BCE. This ancient city was a hub of advanced urban planning and architectural innovation, and one of its most notable structures is the Great Bath.

The Great Bath is a large, sunken tank measuring approximately 12 meters by 7 meters and 2.4 meters deep. It is surrounded by a series of steps on all four sides, leading down to the water. The structure is made of bricks and is lined with a thick layer of bitumen, a natural waterproofing material, to ensure that the water did not seep into the ground. The bath was fed by a large well and drained by a sophisticated drainage system, which included a series of channels and soak pits.

The purpose of the Great Bath is believed to be multifaceted. It was likely used for ritualistic bathing, which was an important aspect of the religious and social life of the Indus Valley Civilization. The bath may have served as a place for purification rituals, social gatherings, and possibly even trade and commerce. The presence of the Great Bath underscores the advanced engineering and architectural skills of the people who built Mohenjo-daro.

The Great Bath is not just a testament to the architectural prowess of the Indus Valley Civilization but also provides insights into the social and religious practices of the time. It is a unique structure that sets Mohenjo-daro apart from other ancient cities and highlights the sophistication of the Indus Valley Civilization.

In contrast, the other options listed (The Great Wall, The Great Hall, and The Great Tower) are not associated with Mohenjo-daro. The Great Wall is a series of fortifications in China, while the other options are not specific to the archaeological findings of Mohenjo-daro. Therefore, the correct answer is The Great Bath, which is a significant architectural and cultural landmark of the Indus Valley Civilization.

Option Analysis:
  • Option A: The Great Bath is the correct answer. It is a significant architectural structure found in Mohenjo-daro, part of the Indus Valley Civilization. The Great Bath was a large, sunken tank with steps on all four sides, believed to have been used for ritualistic bathing and social gatherings. This structure is a testament to the advanced urban planning and architectural skills of the Indus Valley Civilization.
  • Option B: The Great Wall is incorrect. The Great Wall is a series of fortifications built in China, not in Mohenjo-daro. This option might be chosen by students who confuse the architectural achievements of different ancient civilizations.
  • Option C: The Great Hall is incorrect. While Mohenjo-daro had several large structures, there is no specific mention of a "Great Hall" in the archaeological findings. This option might be chosen by students who are not familiar with the specific structures found in Mohenjo-daro.
  • Option D: The Great Tower is incorrect. There is no evidence of a "Great Tower" in Mohenjo-daro. This option might be chosen by students who are not well-versed in the specific architectural features of the Indus Valley Civilization.

Mnemonic: BATH: Bathing Architecture, The Great

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