Consider the following statements regarding the drainage system in Harappan cities: 1. Drains in houses were often connected to those on the streets. 2. Inspection holes were provided at intervals to clean the covered drains. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

The correct option is (c). Explanation The Indus Valley Civilization is distinguished by its sophisticated urban planning, particularly its elaborate drainage system, which reflects a high priority on hygiene and sanitation. - Statement 1 is Correct: The drainage system was an integral part of Harappan town planning. Individual houses had their own bathrooms and drains that flowed through the walls to connect with the street drains. Smaller drains from households emptied into larger main drains running along the streets. - Statement 2 is Correct: The street drains were typically covered with bricks or stone slabs. To facilitate regular maintenance, inspection holes (manholes) were provided at specific intervals. This allowed the drains to be cleaned without the need to dismantle the entire covering, showcasing advanced civic engineering. Key Takeaway: The Harappan drainage system was a planned, underground network connecting private households to public infrastructure, featuring covered drains and inspection points to ensure public health and sanitation.

NCERT Class 6 History — Chapter 3: In the earliest cities

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Consider the following statements regarding the drainage system in Harappan cities:

Drains in houses were often connected to those on the streets.
Inspection holes were provided at intervals to clean the covered drains.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

Official previous-year question

Verified 1 Aug 2026.

Options

A1 only
B2 only
CBoth 1 and 2
DNeither 1 nor 2

Did you get this right?

Solution

The correct option is (c).

Explanation

The Indus Valley Civilization is distinguished by its sophisticated urban planning, particularly its elaborate drainage system, which reflects a high priority on hygiene and sanitation.

Statement 1 is Correct: The drainage system was an integral part of Harappan town planning. Individual houses had their own bathrooms and drains that flowed through the walls to connect with the street drains. Smaller drains from households emptied into larger main drains running along the streets.
Statement 2 is Correct: The street drains were typically covered with bricks or stone slabs. To facilitate regular maintenance, inspection holes (manholes) were provided at specific intervals. This allowed the drains to be cleaned without the need to dismantle the entire covering, showcasing advanced civic engineering.

Key Takeaway: The Harappan drainage system was a planned, underground network connecting private households to public infrastructure, featuring covered drains and inspection points to ensure public health and sanitation.

Your note

More from Chapter 3: In the earliest cities

Consider the following statements regarding the architectural features of Harappan cities: 1. Most cities were divided into two parts, the citadel and the lower town. 2. Walls of mud were built around each part of the city. 3. The bricks were laid in a simple stacking pattern to allow for easy dismantling. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

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To ensure water-tightness, the brickwork of the Great Bath at Mohenjodaro was coated with a layer of:

easy

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In the Harappan civilization, the stone known as 'Chert' was predominantly used to manufacture:

easy

Consider the following statements regarding the crops grown by the Harappans: 1. They did not cultivate wheat or barley. 2. They cultivated pulses and peas. 3. Rice was cultivated in some areas. 4. Sesame, linseed, and mustard were among the crops grown. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

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The correct option is (c).

Explanation

The Indus Valley Civilization is distinguished by its sophisticated urban planning, particularly its elaborate drainage system, which reflects a high priority on hygiene and sanitation.

Statement 1 is Correct: The drainage system was an integral part of Harappan town planning. Individual houses had their own bathrooms and drains that flowed through the walls to connect with the street drains. Smaller drains from households emptied into larger main drains running along the streets.
Statement 2 is Correct: The street drains were typically covered with bricks or stone slabs. To facilitate regular maintenance, inspection holes (manholes) were provided at specific intervals. This allowed the drains to be cleaned without the need to dismantle the entire covering, showcasing advanced civic engineering.