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 51–60 of 101 questions
RAS PrelimsRajasthan History, Art and Culture · Water Bodies and Water Heritage
Q51. Read the following statements regarding the agricultural impact of Johads. Statement I: Johads provide direct surface water for flood irrigation of large-scale cash crops throughout the year. Statement II: The primary agricultural benefit of Johads comes from increased soil moisture and recharged open wells in the vicinity, securing winter (Rabi) crops. Which of the following is correct?
Explanation
The agricultural benefits of Johads are largely indirect. Rather than providing water for large-scale flood irrigation of cash crops, they work by increasing the soil moisture in the immediate vicinity and recharging nearby open wells. This improved groundwater availability and soil quality enable farmers to secure their winter or Rabi crops, which are vital for local food security and the rural economy.
RAS PrelimsRajasthan History, Art and Culture · Water Bodies and Water Heritage
Q52. What is the most appropriate description of the primary function of a Johad?
Explanation
The primary function of a Johad is to act as a simple but effective water management tool in hilly or sloping terrains. By capturing monsoon runoff, it prevents the water from carrying away fertile topsoil and causing erosion. Simultaneously, the trapped water is given time to seep into the ground, thereby recharging the local aquifers and ensuring the availability of groundwater in the region.
RAS PrelimsRajasthan History, Art and Culture · Water Bodies and Water Heritage
Q53. Consider the following statements characterizing a ‘Nadi’ (or Nadiya) in Rajasthan. I. It is a traditional village pond used for storing water from adjoining natural catchments. II. Its location is strategically selected based on natural depressions and soil with low permeability. III. It is primarily used for large-scale hydroelectric power generation. IV. High evaporation rates and siltation are continuous challenges for its maintenance. Which of the above statement(s) is/are correct?
Explanation
A Nadi is a traditional village pond strategically located in natural depressions with low-permeability soil to maximize water retention. These ponds are essential for rural life, providing water for livestock and domestic use. However, they face constant challenges from high evaporation rates in the desert and the rapid accumulation of silt, which requires regular maintenance and community effort to manage effectively.
RAS PrelimsRajasthan History, Art and Culture · Water Bodies and Water Heritage
Q54. Which of the following represents the most common maintenance issue that significantly reduces the storage capacity of Nadis over time?
Explanation
The most significant maintenance challenge for Nadis is the continuous inflow of sediment. During the monsoon, runoff water carries large amounts of silt and sand from the surrounding catchment into the pond. Over time, this accumulation significantly reduces the storage capacity and depth of the Nadi. Without regular desilting, the pond eventually fills up, losing its ability to provide water through the dry months.
RAS PrelimsRajasthan History, Art and Culture · Water Bodies and Water Heritage
Q55. Match the traditional water structures in List I with their primary vulnerabilities or challenges in List II.
Structure
Vulnerability/Challenge
A. Nadi
i. High vulnerability to surface evaporation and rapid siltation
B. Tanka
ii. Susceptibility to structural neglect and garbage dumping in urban areas
C. Khadin
iii. Dependency on specific slope and soil type for runoff farming, vulnerable to changing rainfall patterns
D. Baori
iv. Contamination of stored drinking water if the catchment is not kept sterile
Explanation
Traditional water structures each face unique vulnerabilities. Nadis are prone to evaporation and siltation due to their open nature. Tankas risk contamination if their catchments are not kept clean. Khadins depend heavily on specific terrain and soil types, making them vulnerable to changing rainfall. Baoris often suffer from neglect or urban pollution when modern piped water replaces their historical role in local community management.
RAS PrelimsRajasthan History, Art and Culture · Water Bodies and Water Heritage
Q56. To extend the period of water availability in a village Nadi, what traditional maintenance practice is periodically undertaken by the community before the onset of the monsoon?
Explanation
To ensure that a Nadi can store enough water for the entire year, communities periodically undertake desilting activities. This involves excavating the sand and silt that has settled on the pond bed, thereby restoring and increasing its depth. This traditional maintenance is usually performed collectively before the monsoon begins, ensuring the structure is ready to capture and retain the maximum amount of rainfall.
RAS PrelimsRajasthan History, Art and Culture · Water Bodies and Water Heritage
Q57. Read the following statements regarding Nadis in an arid climate. Statement I: Nadis are generally shallower than Johads and possess a higher surface area to depth ratio. Statement II: Because of their shallow depth and high surface area, Nadis lose a massive proportion of their stored water to evaporation in the arid climate. Which of the following is correct?
Explanation
Nadis are characterized by their relatively shallow depth and large surface area compared to other storage structures. In the arid climate of Rajasthan, this physical design leads to extremely high rates of evaporation. Consequently, a large percentage of the stored water is lost to the atmosphere, often leaving the pond dry before the next monsoon and highlighting the efficiency challenges of open surface storage.
RAS PrelimsRajasthan History, Art and Culture · Water Bodies and Water Heritage
Q58. Which of the following is the odd one out regarding the traditional, primary uses of water stored in an open village Nadi?
Explanation
The water stored in an open village Nadi is used for a variety of essential rural needs. It provides a vital resource for livestock, domestic washing, and local wildlife. However, because it is an open surface pond, the water is not naturally sterile and can contain various contaminants.
RAS PrelimsRajasthan History, Art and Culture · Water Bodies and Water Heritage
Q59. Consider the following statements regarding the construction and utility of Nadis. I. They are the most common form of traditional surface water bodies in western Rajasthan. II. Their size and catchment area dictate how many months they retain water after the monsoon. III. They are historically constructed by excavating natural depressions. IV. The excavated soil is usually used to create an embankment to retain more water. V. They are structurally completely immune to the high summer temperatures of the Thar desert. Which of the above statement(s) is/are correct?
Explanation
Nadis are the commonest surface water bodies of western Rajasthan. Their size and catchment decide how long they hold water, they are dug in natural depressions, and the excavated soil is used for an embankment. They are not immune to summer heat, so V is wrong.
RAS PrelimsRajasthan History, Art and Culture · Water Bodies and Water Heritage
Q60. The ‘Khadin’ system of Jaisalmer is best defined as:
Explanation
The Khadin is an indigenous system of runoff farming in the Jaisalmer region. Rainwater from a rocky catchment is held behind an earthen bund and the moist soil is used to grow crops.
Answer key for these questions
Q
Correct answer
51
(d) Statement I is false but Statement II is true.
52
(d) To trap runoff, prevent erosion, and facilitate groundwater recharge.
53
(a) I, II, and IV only
54
(d) Rapid accumulation of silt and sand brought in by runoff water.
55
(a) A-i, B-iv, C-iii, D-ii
56
(c) Periodic excavation and removal of accumulated silt to deepen the pond.
57
(a) Both Statement I and Statement II are true, and Statement II is a direct consequence of Statement I.
58
(d) Supplying high-purity water for surgical procedures in rural clinics.
59
(a) I, II, III, and IV only
60
(c) An indigenous runoff agriculture system using captured rainwater.
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.
