Q61. Which specific community is historically credited with pioneering and mastering the Khadin system of agriculture in the Jaisalmer region?
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 61–70 of 101 questions
Q62. Arrange the functional flow of water in a traditional Khadin system in the correct sequential order.
I. Spillway (to release excess water)
II. Rocky catchment area
III. Khadin bund (earthen embankment)
IV. Lower Khadin field
I. Spillway (to release excess water)
II. Rocky catchment area
III. Khadin bund (earthen embankment)
IV. Lower Khadin field
Explanation
In a Khadin the water flows from the rocky catchment to the Khadin bund, the spillway lets out the excess and the lower field uses the moisture. The order is II, III, I, IV.
Q63. What is the primary cause-and-effect relationship that allows Khadins to support agriculture in areas with less than 150mm of annual rainfall?
Explanation
In areas with under 150 mm of rain, a Khadin holds the captured runoff behind a bund. The water percolates deep into the soil and keeps it moist, which allows a winter (Rabi) crop to grow without irrigation.
Q64. Identify the correct statement regarding the physical components of a Khadin.
Explanation
A Khadin has a masonry spillway that drains surplus floodwater safely from the basin. The earthen bund is at the lower end of the catchment slope, and the cultivated area is the submerged basin behind it.
Q65. Consider the following statements highlighting the ecological benefits of the Khadin system.
I. It prevents soil erosion by arresting the velocity of runoff water.
II. It continuously enriches the soil by depositing fine, fertile sediment brought by the runoff.
III. It facilitates localized groundwater recharge, improving the water levels of nearby open wells.
Which of the above statement(s) is/are correct?
I. It prevents soil erosion by arresting the velocity of runoff water.
II. It continuously enriches the soil by depositing fine, fertile sediment brought by the runoff.
III. It facilitates localized groundwater recharge, improving the water levels of nearby open wells.
Which of the above statement(s) is/are correct?
Explanation
A Khadin slows the runoff and so prevents soil erosion, deposits fertile silt that enriches the soil and helps recharge groundwater in nearby wells. All three statements are correct.
Q66. Read the following statements regarding the soil in a Khadin field.
Statement I: The soil in a Khadin field requires heavy application of modern chemical fertilizers to maintain its fertility.
Statement II: The runoff water naturally deposits fine silt and organic matter into the Khadin basin, maintaining its high fertility over centuries.
Which of the following is correct?
Statement I: The soil in a Khadin field requires heavy application of modern chemical fertilizers to maintain its fertility.
Statement II: The runoff water naturally deposits fine silt and organic matter into the Khadin basin, maintaining its high fertility over centuries.
Which of the following is correct?
Explanation
Runoff deposits fine silt and organic matter in the Khadin basin, which keeps it fertile for centuries without heavy chemical fertilisers. Statement I is false and Statement II is true.
Q67. Match the traditional terms associated with the Khadin system in List I with their functional equivalents in List II.
| Traditional Term | Functional Equivalent |
|---|---|
| A. Dhora | i. The spillway for excess water overflow |
| B. Agor | ii. The rocky catchment area providing runoff |
| C. Baithak | iii. The earthen embankment that halts the water |
| D. Nehta | iv. The submergence area where cultivation occurs |
Explanation
In a Khadin the Dhora is the earthen embankment that halts the water, the Agor is the rocky catchment area, the Baithak is the submergence area where crops are grown and the Nehta is the spillway. This gives A-iii, B-ii, C-iv, D-i.
Q68. In the arid regions of Bikaner, Barmer, and Jodhpur, a ‘Tanka’ is traditionally defined as:
Explanation
In Bikaner, Barmer and Jodhpur a Tanka is a small underground cistern for harvesting and storing rainwater. It is the main source of drinking water for many homes.
Q69. In traditional Tanka architecture, what is the specific purpose of the ‘Suhi’?
Explanation
In a Tanka the Suhi helps trap silt and sand before the runoff enters the storage cistern, so that the stored water stays clean.
Q70. Identify the incorrect statement regarding Tankas.
Explanation
Tankas are found in the sandy tracts of the Thar, have inner walls plastered with lime and ash and a paved catchment. They were also built privately by families and communities, not only by the state, so C is incorrect.Answer key for these questions
| Q | Correct answer |
|---|---|
| 61 | (d) Paliwal Brahmins |
| 62 | (a) II, III, I, IV |
| 63 | (b) Captured runoff enables deep percolation to sustain winter (Rabi) crops. |
| 64 | (d) A masonry spillway is built to safely drain surplus floodwater from the basin. |
| 65 | (d) I, II, and III |
| 66 | (d) Statement I is false but Statement II is true. |
| 67 | (b) A-iii, B-ii, C-iv, D-i |
| 68 | (b) A small underground cistern for harvesting and storing rainwater. |
| 69 | (a) To trap silt and sand before runoff water enters the storage cistern. |
| 70 | (c) They are only state-sponsored projects and never privately owned. |
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.