Q11. Which of the following is the odd one out regarding the functional utility of Baoris during medieval times?
Water Bodies and Water Heritage: RAS Prelims MCQs
101 RAS Prelims MCQs on the water bodies and water heritage of Rajasthan cover traditional harvesting structures and famous lakes. The reasons for water conservation in an arid land, stepwell design, the Khadin and Kund systems and the history of the lakes of Udaipur and Ajmer are all part of the question set, and the explanations link each structure to its region.
Practice questions based on the RPSC RAS Prelims syllabus. They follow the exam pattern but are not past-paper questions.
Showing 11–20 of 101 questions
Q12. Read the following statements regarding the patronage of Baoris in Rajasthan.
Statement I: The construction of Baoris was exclusively funded and managed by the ruling kings and local chieftains.
Statement II: Historical records indicate that a significant number of Baoris were commissioned by royal women, wealthy merchants, and local communities as acts of religious merit.
Which of the following is correct?
Statement I: The construction of Baoris was exclusively funded and managed by the ruling kings and local chieftains.
Statement II: Historical records indicate that a significant number of Baoris were commissioned by royal women, wealthy merchants, and local communities as acts of religious merit.
Which of the following is correct?
Explanation
Many Baoris were commissioned by queens, wealthy merchants and communities as acts of religious merit, not only by kings and chieftains. Statement I is false and Statement II is true.
Q13. Match the architectural terms associated with traditional Rajasthani Baoris in List I with their correct meanings in List II.
| Architectural Term | Meaning |
|---|---|
| A. Kuta | i. Pillared hall or pavilion for public rituals |
| B. Torana | ii. Inner sanctum where the primary deity is placed |
| C. Mandapa | iii. Landing or platform breaking the continuous flight of stairs |
| D. Garbhagriha | iv. Ornamental arched gateway |
Explanation
A Kuta is a landing or platform that breaks the continuous flight of steps, a Torana is an ornamental arched gateway, a Mandapa is a pillared hall and the Garbhagriha is the inner sanctum. This gives A-iii, B-iv, C-i, D-ii.
Q14. Consider the following statements regarding the socio-cultural significance of stepwells.
I. They functioned as significant trade route markers providing respite to weary travelers and merchants.
II. The structural depth provided natural air conditioning, making them comfortable community spaces during extreme summer heat.
III. Access to the lowest water levels was strictly prohibited for ordinary citizens and reserved for royalty.
IV. Festivals related to water worship, such as Jal Jhulni Ekadashi, were often celebrated at these sites.
Which of the above statement(s) is/are correct?
I. They functioned as significant trade route markers providing respite to weary travelers and merchants.
II. The structural depth provided natural air conditioning, making them comfortable community spaces during extreme summer heat.
III. Access to the lowest water levels was strictly prohibited for ordinary citizens and reserved for royalty.
IV. Festivals related to water worship, such as Jal Jhulni Ekadashi, were often celebrated at these sites.
Which of the above statement(s) is/are correct?
Explanation
Stepwells marked trade routes and gave rest to travellers, they stayed cool in the heat, and they hosted water festivals such as Jal Jhulni Ekadashi. They were not reserved for royalty, so III is wrong.
Q15. In the context of stepwell construction, what primary engineering challenge did the stepped architecture successfully address?
Explanation
The steps and terraces of a stepwell support the walls of the deep trench against the pressure of the soil. This is the engineering problem the stepped form solved.
Q16. Chand Baori, one of the deepest and largest stepwells in India, is located in which district of Rajasthan?
Explanation
Chand Baori is at Abhaneri in Dausa district of Rajasthan. It is one of the deepest and largest stepwells in India.
Q17. Which dynasty’s architectural style is primarily reflected in the original construction of Chand Baori at Abhaneri?
Explanation
Chand Baori was originally built in the Gurjara-Pratihara period, and the Chauhans and later rulers made additions.
Q18. What is the approximate number of symmetrical narrow steps featured in the Chand Baori of Abhaneri?
Explanation
Chand Baori has about 3,500 narrow steps arranged in a symmetrical pattern, as the stepwell goes down 13 stories.
Q19. Select the correct statement concerning the structural layout of Chand Baori.
Explanation
Chand Baori has steps on three sides and a multi-storied pavilion on the fourth side. It is open to the sky, has a temple beside it and is not a military structure.
Q20. Consider the following statements regarding Chand Baori.
I. It is situated in the village of Abhaneri.
II. It was built during the 8th and 9th centuries.
III. The adjoining temple is dedicated to Harshat Mata, the goddess of joy and happiness.
IV. It extends roughly 13 stories deep into the ground.
V. The upper pavilion structures were added much later during the Mughal period.
Which of the above statement(s) is/are correct?
I. It is situated in the village of Abhaneri.
II. It was built during the 8th and 9th centuries.
III. The adjoining temple is dedicated to Harshat Mata, the goddess of joy and happiness.
IV. It extends roughly 13 stories deep into the ground.
V. The upper pavilion structures were added much later during the Mughal period.
Which of the above statement(s) is/are correct?
Explanation
Chand Baori is in Abhaneri, was built in the 8th–9th centuries, has a temple of Harshat Mata beside it, descends about 13 stories and had upper pavilions added later, in the Mughal period. All five statements are correct.Answer key for these questions
| Q | Correct answer |
|---|---|
| 11 | (d) Generating hydroelectric power for large urban centers. |
| 12 | (d) Statement I is false but Statement II is true. |
| 13 | (d) A-iii, B-iv, C-i, D-ii |
| 14 | (c) I, II, and IV only |
| 15 | (b) It stabilized deep trench walls against the pressure of the soil. |
| 16 | (b) Dausa |
| 17 | (a) Gurjara-Pratihara dynasty |
| 18 | (c) 3,500 |
| 19 | (d) It has steps on three sides and a multi- storied pavilion on the fourth. |
| 20 | (d) I, II, III, IV, and V |
Key facts from Water Bodies and Water Heritage
- Chand Baori at Abhaneri in Dausa district is one of the deepest and largest stepwells in India, with about 3,500 steps.
- Chand Baori has steps on three sides and a multi-storied pavilion on the fourth.
- A tube well is not a traditional water harvesting structure; Khadin, Kund and Baori are.
- Jag Niwas and Jag Mandir are island palaces in Lake Pichola, Udaipur.
- Sambhar Lake is a Ramsar site, important for flamingos.
- Ana Sagar in Ajmer was built in the 12th century by Arnoraja, and the Baradari on its embankment by Shah Jahan.
Frequently asked questions
How many RAS Prelims practice MCQs are there on Water Bodies and Water Heritage?
This page has 101 practice MCQs on Water Bodies and Water Heritage (Rajasthan History, Art and Culture). Each has the correct answer, and most have an explanation.
Where is Chand Baori?
At Abhaneri in Dausa district. It is among the deepest and largest stepwells in India, with about 3,500 narrow steps on three sides and a multi-storied pavilion on the fourth side, and it was built in the Gurjara-Pratihara period.
What is a Kund?
A Kund is a sloped catchment that guides rainwater into a central underground pit. It is a traditional harvesting structure of the arid zone, where rainfall is low and erratic and every drop has to be saved for the dry months.
Which lake in Alwar has a historic hunting lodge?
Siliserh Lake, in Alwar district, built by Maharaja Vinay Singh. It was made to bring water to Alwar for drinking and agriculture, and its scenic setting and old lodge later made it a popular spot for visitors.