Question 94 from UPSC CSE 2025 - Ancient History

Question

The irrigation device called 'Araghatta' was

IASCODEX · Accepted Answer

Correct Option: B. a large wheel with earthen pots tied to the outer ends of its spokes

Strategy: Focus on the key term 'Araghatta'—a historical irrigation device. Knowledge of traditional Indian irrigation techniques indicates that the 'Araghatta' refers to a water-lifting mechanism involving a wheel and pots. By associating it with images of old rural water devices, the option with a wheel and pots at the spokes stands out. The rest are either modern or don't match the historical and technological context.

Key Info: The Araghatta was an ancient irrigation technology used in India for lifting water from wells or low-lying sources for agriculture and domestic consumption. It typically consisted of a large wooden wheel mounted horizontally or vertically, with several earthen pots (known as 'ghatta') attached at regular intervals around its rim. As the wheel rotated, often powered by manual labor or animal traction, the pots would dip into the water and lift it upwards, emptying into a trough or irrigation channel. The system dates back at least to the early historic period and is frequently referenced in early Indian literature and archeological sites. The Araghatta played a pivotal role in the development of intensive agriculture in ancient India, enabling irrigation in areas distant from natural water bodies. Similar devices are known globally as Persian wheels or saqiyas, but the Indian version, especially documented in regions like the Ganga basin, went by the name Araghatta. The other options, such as leather bags and direct hand-drawn buckets, represent other traditional methods but are technically and functionally distinct from the Araghatta.

IASCODEX · Answer

Option A: a water bag made of leather pulled over a pulley

IASCODEX · Answer

Option C: a large earthen pot driven by bullocks

IASCODEX · Answer

Option D: a large water bucket pulled up by rope directly by hand