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

mcqeasy

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

Official previous-year question

Verified 1 Aug 2026.

Options

ABeeswax
BNatural tar
CGypsum plaster
DBurnt lime

Did you get this right?

Solution

The correct option is

Natural tar

Explanation

The Great Bath at Mohenjodaro is a prominent public structure located in the Citadel area of the Indus Valley Civilization. It serves as a prime example of the advanced engineering and architectural skills of the Harappans, particularly regarding hydraulic structures.

Detailed Analysis:

The floor of the Great Bath was constructed using burnt bricks set in gypsum mortar.
To ensure the structure was completely watertight and to prevent seepage, a thick layer of natural tar (bitumen) was applied along the sides of the tank and beneath the floor.
This use of bitumen represents one of the earliest known examples of waterproofing in the ancient world.
While gypsum was used in the mortar, the specific agent responsible for the water-tightness was the coating of natural tar.

Key Takeaway:

The Great Bath of Mohenjodaro utilized a layer of natural tar (bitumen) to ensure water-tightness, distinguishing it as a sophisticated feat of ancient hydraulic engineering.

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?

medium

medium

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?

medium

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?

medium

Keep practising Chapter 3: In the earliest cities

Work through every question from this NCERT chapter.

Browse all NCERT Class 6 History chapters

The correct option is

Natural tar

Explanation

Detailed Analysis:

The floor of the Great Bath was constructed using burnt bricks set in gypsum mortar.
To ensure the structure was completely watertight and to prevent seepage, a thick layer of natural tar (bitumen) was applied along the sides of the tank and beneath the floor.
This use of bitumen represents one of the earliest known examples of waterproofing in the ancient world.
While gypsum was used in the mortar, the specific agent responsible for the water-tightness was the coating of natural tar.

Key Takeaway:

The Great Bath of Mohenjodaro utilized a layer of natural tar (bitumen) to ensure water-tightness, distinguishing it as a sophisticated feat of ancient hydraulic engineering.