UPSC 2024HistoryModerate

The irrigation device called 'Araghatta' was

A
a water bag made of leather pulled over a pulley
B
a large wheel with earthen pots tied to the outer ends of its spokes
Correct Answer
C
a larger earthen pot driven by bullocks
D
a large water bucket pulled up by rope directly by hand

Explanation

Option (B) is correct because the 'Araghatta' (from the Sanskrit words *ara* meaning spoke and *ghatta* meaning pot) was a mechanical wheel with earthen pots attached to its rim or spokes used for lifting water from wells. Option (A) is the most tempting wrong choice as it describes the *Charas* or *Mote*, which is a leather bag system that lacks the continuous rotary mechanism of the Araghatta. This question tests the core concept of technological advancements in agricultural irrigation and water management systems in ancient and medieval India.

Medieval Indian HistoryScience & TechnologyAraghattaPersian WheelIrrigationEarthen potsMedieval Agriculture

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