Q41. If a community wants to optimize a newly built Kund for maximum pure water yield, which of the following practices should be actively implemented on its catchment (Agor)?
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 41–50 of 101 questions
Q42. Which of the following is the odd one out regarding the traditional structural elements specifically designed to maintain the water quality in a Kund?
Explanation
Maintaining water purity in a Kund involves several specific design features. Covering the storage pit with a dome or lid reduces evaporation and contamination, while mesh filters at inlets block debris. Plastering the internal walls helps keep the water clean and prevents seepage. However, large public bathing ghats would lead to significant contamination and are therefore not a feature of these drinking water structures.
Q43. Consider the following statements concerning the traditional social practices associated with Kunds.
I. Shoes are strictly removed before entering the catchment area (Agor) of a drinking water Kund.
II. Kunds were often constructed by wealthy individuals or communities as a charitable act (Punya).
III. Water from a Kund is routinely used for large-scale agricultural irrigation.
Which of the above statement(s) is/are correct?
I. Shoes are strictly removed before entering the catchment area (Agor) of a drinking water Kund.
II. Kunds were often constructed by wealthy individuals or communities as a charitable act (Punya).
III. Water from a Kund is routinely used for large-scale agricultural irrigation.
Which of the above statement(s) is/are correct?
Explanation
The management of Kunds is governed by strict social norms aimed at protecting water quality. Removing shoes before entering the catchment area is a standard practice to maintain cleanliness. Many Kunds were built through private or community charity as acts of religious merit. However, they are typically used for domestic drinking purposes rather than large-scale irrigation, as their storage capacity is limited.
Q44. Which of the following materials is traditionally NOT utilized in the construction or lining of a Kund to prevent water seepage and maintain purity?
Explanation
To prevent water loss through seepage, the construction of a Kund requires materials that create a watertight seal. Traditional builders used lime, ash, and sometimes modern cement to line the storage pits and treat the catchments. Highly porous sandstone would be unsuitable for this purpose, as it would allow the stored water to leak out into the surrounding soil, defeating the structure’s primary function.
Q45. The widespread community revival of ‘Johads’ as an effective drought mitigation strategy is most famously associated with which region of Rajasthan?
Explanation
The revival of Johads as a community-based water management strategy is most prominently seen in the Shekhawati and Alwar regions. These earthen check dams have been instrumental in recharging groundwater and rejuvenating seasonal rivers. This movement, driven by local participation, has transformed the landscape of these areas, making them more resilient to drought and improving agricultural security for many rural villages.
Q46. Which prominent non-governmental organization, spearheaded by Rajendra Singh, played a crucial role in mobilizing communities to rebuild Johads in Rajasthan?
Explanation
Tarun Bharat Sangh, an NGO led by the renowned water conservationist Rajendra Singh, has played a pivotal role in reviving traditional water systems in Rajasthan. By mobilizing local communities to build and repair thousands of Johads, the organization has successfully restored groundwater levels and revived several dried-up rivers. This work has earned global recognition for demonstrating the effectiveness of indigenous knowledge in modern times.
Q47. Which of the following statements correctly differentiates a Johad from a Tanka?
Explanation
While both are traditional harvesting structures, Johads and Tankas serve different primary functions. A Johad is an open earthen embankment built to capture runoff and facilitate its percolation into the ground to recharge local wells. In contrast, a Tanka is a sealed, underground masonry cistern specifically designed to store rainwater for drinking purposes, protecting it from evaporation and contamination in arid zones.
Q48. The following question consists of two statements, one labeled as Assertion (A) and the other as Reason (R).
Assertion (A): The construction of a series of Johads can lead to the rejuvenation of dried-up seasonal rivers.
Reason (R): Johads arrest the rapid surface runoff of rainwater, allowing it to percolate steadily and raise the local groundwater table, which provides base flow to rivers.
Which of the following is correct?
Assertion (A): The construction of a series of Johads can lead to the rejuvenation of dried-up seasonal rivers.
Reason (R): Johads arrest the rapid surface runoff of rainwater, allowing it to percolate steadily and raise the local groundwater table, which provides base flow to rivers.
Which of the following is correct?
Explanation
Building a series of Johads along a watershed is a proven method for river rejuvenation. By slowing down and trapping surface runoff, these structures allow water to soak into the ground rather than flowing away. This process recharges the local water table, which eventually provides a steady base flow to seasonal rivers, allowing them to flow even long after the monsoon has ended.
Q49. What is a direct ecological effect of the successful implementation and maintenance of Johads in a micro-watershed?
Explanation
The successful implementation of Johads leads to several positive ecological changes within a micro-watershed. As groundwater levels rise and soil moisture increases, local vegetation begins to flourish. This improved greenery can lead to a more moderate microclimate and better habitat for wildlife. Unlike over-extraction methods, Johads promote a sustainable hydrological cycle that enhances the overall environmental health of the arid landscape.
Q50. Identify the incorrect statement regarding the community management of Johads.
Explanation
Johads are fundamentally community-owned and managed assets. Their planning and construction rely on the collective traditional knowledge of the village and involve voluntary labor, known as Shramdaan. Rules for water usage are typically established by the Gram Sabha to ensure equitable distribution and proper maintenance. They are not private structures, but rather common resources designed to benefit the entire local community.Answer key for these questions
| Q | Correct answer |
|---|---|
| 41 | (c) Plastering the Agor with lime or ash to maximize runoff and purity. |
| 42 | (d) Constructing large public bathing ghats leading into the water. |
| 43 | (a) I and II only |
| 44 | (b) Highly porous sandstone |
| 45 | (c) Shekhawati and Alwar |
| 46 | (a) Tarun Bharat Sangh |
| 47 | (c) A Johad is an earthen dam for recharge; a Tanka is an underground cistern. |
| 48 | (a) Both A and R are true and R is the correct explanation of A. |
| 49 | (d) Improvement in microclimate and vegetation cover. |
| 50 | (b) Johads are private structures with water reserved for the landowner. |
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.