Consider the following statements regarding the general layout of Harappan houses: 1. Houses were strictly single-storeyed. 2. Rooms were built around a courtyard. 3. Most houses had a separate bathing area. 4. Some houses had their own wells. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

The correct option is (b). Explanation The Indus Valley Civilization is characterized by its sophisticated urban planning and standardized domestic architecture. Residential structures in major cities like Mohenjodaro and Harappa were designed with a focus on privacy, sanitation, and climate responsiveness. - Statement 1 is Incorrect: Harappan houses were not strictly single-storeyed. Archaeological evidence, including the remains of staircases, suggests that many houses consisted of two storeys or had accessible flat roofs. - Statement 2 is Correct: The architectural layout typically featured a central courtyard with rooms built around it. The courtyard served as the hub of household activities, such as cooking and weaving, providing light and ventilation while maintaining privacy. - Statement 3 is Correct: Sanitation was a distinctive feature of Harappan housing. Most houses included a separate bathing area with brick-paved floors. These areas were connected to the main street drains via pipes installed through the walls. - Statement 4 is Correct: Water management was integral to the housing infrastructure. While public wells were available, many individual houses, particularly in Mohenjodaro, contained private wells to ensure a dedicated water supply. Key Takeaway: Harappan domestic architecture was advanced, featuring multi-storeyed capabilities, courtyard-centric designs, and private sanitation amenities such as bathing areas and wells.

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

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Consider the following statements regarding the general layout of Harappan houses:

Houses were strictly single-storeyed.
Rooms were built around a courtyard.
Most houses had a separate bathing area.
Some houses had their own wells.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

Official previous-year question

Verified 1 Aug 2026.

Options

A1, 2 and 3 only
B2, 3 and 4 only
C1 and 4 only
D1, 2, 3 and 4

Did you get this right?

Solution

The correct option is (b).

Explanation

The Indus Valley Civilization is characterized by its sophisticated urban planning and standardized domestic architecture. Residential structures in major cities like Mohenjodaro and Harappa were designed with a focus on privacy, sanitation, and climate responsiveness.

Statement 1 is Incorrect: Harappan houses were not strictly single-storeyed. Archaeological evidence, including the remains of staircases, suggests that many houses consisted of two storeys or had accessible flat roofs.
Statement 2 is Correct: The architectural layout typically featured a central courtyard with rooms built around it. The courtyard served as the hub of household activities, such as cooking and weaving, providing light and ventilation while maintaining privacy.
Statement 3 is Correct: Sanitation was a distinctive feature of Harappan housing. Most houses included a separate bathing area with brick-paved floors. These areas were connected to the main street drains via pipes installed through the walls.
Statement 4 is Correct: Water management was integral to the housing infrastructure. While public wells were available, many individual houses, particularly in Mohenjodaro, contained private wells to ensure a dedicated water supply.

Key Takeaway: Harappan domestic architecture was advanced, featuring multi-storeyed capabilities, courtyard-centric designs, and private sanitation amenities such as bathing areas and wells.

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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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?

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

easy

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The correct option is (b).

Explanation

Statement 1 is Incorrect: Harappan houses were not strictly single-storeyed. Archaeological evidence, including the remains of staircases, suggests that many houses consisted of two storeys or had accessible flat roofs.
Statement 2 is Correct: The architectural layout typically featured a central courtyard with rooms built around it. The courtyard served as the hub of household activities, such as cooking and weaving, providing light and ventilation while maintaining privacy.
Statement 3 is Correct: Sanitation was a distinctive feature of Harappan housing. Most houses included a separate bathing area with brick-paved floors. These areas were connected to the main street drains via pipes installed through the walls.
Statement 4 is Correct: Water management was integral to the housing infrastructure. While public wells were available, many individual houses, particularly in Mohenjodaro, contained private wells to ensure a dedicated water supply.

Key Takeaway: Harappan domestic architecture was advanced, featuring multi-storeyed capabilities, courtyard-centric designs, and private sanitation amenities such as bathing areas and wells.