Part of: Miscellaneous Indian Gk set 138

What major architectural work was built in Mohenjo-daro?

Category: Miscellaneous Indian Gk

Hint: Consider the most famous and well-preserved structure in Mohenjo-daro.

Correct Answer: A) The Great Bath.

Exam Relevance: UPSC, SSC, Civil Services, History Exams

Difficulty: Easy

Explanations:

Mohenjo-daro is one of the most important archaeological sites in the world, representing the Indus Valley Civilization, which flourished around 2600-1900 BCE. This ancient city is located in the Sindh province of present-day Pakistan and is known for its well-planned urban layout and advanced architectural features.

One of the most significant structures found in Mohenjo-daro is the Great Bath. The Great Bath is a large, sunken tank that measures approximately 12 meters by 7 meters and is about 2.4 meters deep. It is constructed of bricks and lined with a thick layer of bitumen, a natural tar-like substance, to make it waterproof. The structure is surrounded by a series of steps and is believed to have been used for religious or ceremonial purposes, possibly for ritual bathing or purification.

The Great Bath is a testament to the advanced engineering and architectural skills of the Indus Valley Civilization. The construction of such a large and complex structure required a sophisticated understanding of materials, construction techniques, and urban planning. The use of bitumen to waterproof the structure is particularly noteworthy, as it demonstrates the civilization's ability to use natural resources effectively.

Other structures in Mohenjo-daro include the Great Granary, which was likely used for storing grain, and the residential areas, which were laid out in a grid pattern with well-organized drainage systems. However, the Great Bath stands out as the most iconic and well-preserved structure, making it a significant feature of the site.

It is important to note that the Great Bath is unique to Mohenjo-daro and is not found in other ancient civilizations. The Great Wall, for example, is a term more commonly associated with the Great Wall of China, and the Great Hall or Great Tower are not known structures in Mohenjo-daro. Therefore, the correct answer to the question is the Great Bath, which is a significant architectural work built in Mohenjo-daro.

Option Analysis:
  • Option A: This option is correct. The Great Bath is a significant architectural feature found in Mohenjo-daro, a major city of the Indus Valley Civilization. It is believed to have been used for religious or ceremonial purposes.
  • Option B: This option is incorrect. The Great Wall is not associated with Mohenjo-daro. The Great Wall is a term more commonly associated with the Great Wall of China.
  • Option C: This option is incorrect. There is no evidence of a structure called the Great Hall in Mohenjo-daro. The Great Bath is the most notable architectural feature.
  • Option D: This option is incorrect. There is no evidence of a structure called the Great Tower in Mohenjo-daro. The Great Bath is the most significant architectural feature found in the city.

Mnemonic: Great Bath, Great Bath, Mohenjo-daro's famous bath.

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