The irrigation device called 'Araghatta' was

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Question

The irrigation device called 'Araghatta' was

Accepted Answer

Correct Answer: B - a large wheel with earthen pots tied to the outer ends of its spokesStep-by-step Solution:The Araghatta (also spelled Araghata) was an ancient Indian mechanical device used for lifting water for irrigation purposes. It is mentioned in texts from the early medieval period and is associated with agricultural practices in ancient and early medieval India.The Araghatta was essentially a water wheel - a large revolving wheel with earthen pots (or other containers) attached to its spokes or rim. As the wheel rotated (driven by animal power, typically bullocks, or water current), the pots would scoop water from the well or water body, carry it to the top of the wheel's rotation, and tip the water into a channel or trough as they descended on the other side. This mechanism allowed for a continuous and relatively efficient lifting of water.This device is considered an ancient form of what is later called the Persian Wheel (Rhat) or Noria, though historians debate whether Araghatta corresponds precisely to the Noria (which has pots on a chain/rim without gears) or the Persian Wheel (which has a gear mechanism and a chain of pots). The most widely accepted description is a wheel with pots on its spokes/rim.Why other options are incorrect:Option A (Water bag of leather pulled over a pulley): This describes the 'Charsa' (Mot) - a leather bag used to lift water from wells, pulled by bullocks walking away from the well over a pulley (Ghirni). This is a different device from the Araghatta. ✗Option C (Larger earthen pot driven by bullocks): This does not accurately describe any specific named ancient irrigation device. The Araghatta was a wheel mechanism, not a single pot. ✗Option D (Water bucket pulled by rope directly by hand): This describes a simple shaduf or Dhenki - a counterbalanced lever device used in ancient Egypt and also in ancient India. It is not the Araghatta. ✗Key Concept: Ancient Indian irrigation devices: Araghatta: Water wheel with pots on spokes - early form of noria/Persian wheel; described in Sanskrit texts including Arthashastra and some Puranas. Charsa (Mot): Leather bag on a pulley, pulled by bullock walking away from the well. Dhenkli/Shaduf: Counterbalanced lever with bucket - simple manual device. Pichhota/Rahat (Persian Wheel): Chain of pots on a wheel driven by bullocks - introduced later, became very common in North India. Kapas/Katupa: Other regional water-lifting devices. The introduction of more efficient irrigation technology during the Gupta period contributed to agricultural expansion in early medieval India. UPSC frequently asks about ancient technology and material culture - Araghatta is a recurring theme.

The irrigation device called 'Araghatta' was

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The irrigation device called 'Araghatta' was

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