MCQ On Water Harvesting And Irrigation Developments during different periods – water storage –distribution and relevance to modern agriculture. for ICAR-JEF, ICAR-SRF, ICAR-NET, IBPS-AFO/SO, Pre-PG, BHU Pre-PG, IFFCO-AGT, CCI, FCI, B.sc, M.sc, All Agriculture Competitive Exams.
1. What were some of the irrigation principles adopted in the ancient period?
– A) Construction of large mud embankments on a stone foundation
– B) Building of small tanks
– C) Imposition of penalties for letting water out other than through sluice gates
– D) All of the above
– **Correct Answer: D**
– **Explanation:** The passage outlines various irrigation principles adopted in the ancient period,
including construction of large mud embankments, building small tanks, and imposition of penalties
for improper water management.
2. Where were extensive tank irrigation systems adopted in ancient times?
– A) Sri Lanka and South India
– B) Mesopotamia
– C) Egypt
– D) China
– **Correct Answer: A**
– **Explanation:** Extensive tank irrigation systems were adopted in Sri Lanka and later in South
India, as described in the passage.
3. What was a special feature of tank construction in the Telengana region?
– A) Construction of large concrete dams
– B) Tank construction in series by bunding the same valley at several points
– C) Use of underground pipelines for water distribution
– D) Importation of water from neighboring regions
– **Correct Answer: B**
– **Explanation:** The passage mentions that a special feature of tanks in the Telengana region
was construction in series by bunding the same valley at several points.
4. What did ancient kings in Sri Lanka emphasize regarding rainfall?
– A) Rainfall should be prevented from reaching the sea.
– B) Rainfall should only benefit the royal court.
– C) Rainfall should be used for religious ceremonies.
– D) Rainfall should benefit agriculture and not go to waste.
– **Correct Answer: D**
– **Explanation:** Ancient kings in Sri Lanka practiced the principle that not even a drop of rainfall
should go to sea without benefiting humans, particularly agriculture, as stated in the passage.
5. How was the maintenance of tanks managed in ancient times?
– A) By appointed royal engineers
– B) By a committee of villages called `eri- variyam’
– C) Through private contractors
– D) By foreign consultants
– **Correct Answer: B**
– **Explanation:** The passage mentions that for the maintenance of tanks, a committee of
villages called `eri- variyam’ was appointed.
6. What was the preferred order of water use according to the passage?
– A) Flowers, vegetables, food crops
– B) Food crops, flowers, vegetables
– C) Vegetables, food crops, flowers
– D) Flowers, food crops, vegetables
– **Correct Answer: B**
– **Explanation:** The passage suggests that the preference for water use should be in the order
of food crops, vegetables, and flowers.
7. What penalty was imposed for improper water management in ancient times?
– A) Exile
– B) Execution
– C) Fines
– D) Imprisonment
– **Correct Answer: C**
– **Explanation:** The passage indicates that severe penalties were imposed when water was let
out other than through sluice gates, which implies fines or similar punishments.
8. Which region is described as ideally suited for tank construction?
– A) Sahara Desert
– B) Amazon Rainforest
– C) Telengana region of Andhra Pradesh and Karnataka
– D) Rocky Mountains
– **Correct Answer: C**
– **Explanation:** The passage states that the topography of the Telengana region of Andhra
Pradesh and Karnataka is ideally suited for the construction of tanks.
9. What was the purpose of constructing large mud embankments on a stone foundation in the
ancient period?
– A) To prevent flooding
– B) To divert flood water from the river
– C) To create fishing ponds
– D) To build roads
– **Correct Answer: B**
– **Explanation:** The passage mentions that one of the irrigation principles adopted in the
ancient period was the construction of large mud embankments on a stone foundation for diverting flood water from the river.
10. What did the committee of villages called `eri- variyam’ ensure?
– A) Construction of new tanks
– B) Distribution of seeds
– C) Repairs and de-silting of tanks
– D) Organization of agricultural fairs
– **Correct Answer: C**
– **Explanation:** The passage states that the committee of villages called `eri- variyam’ was
appointed for the maintenance of tanks, ensuring repairs and de-silting.
11. What method was commonly used to draw water from wells for irrigation in ancient times?
– A) Persian wells
– B) Hand pumps
– C) Bullocks pulling leather bags with ropes
– D) Windmills – **Correct Answer: C**
– **Explanation:** The passage mentions that in ancient times, bullocks were used to draw water
from wells for irrigation by pulling leather bags with ropes.
12. During which period did the practice of irrigation to crops evolve?
– A) Ancient Period
– B) Chalcolithic Period
– C) Vedic Period
– D) Medieval Period
– **Correct Answer: B**
– **Explanation:** The passage indicates that the practice of irrigation to crops evolved during the
Chalcolithic Period (3000 – 1700 BC).
13. What irrigation method was practiced during the Vedic period?
– A) Canals from rivers to fields
– B) Pumping water from wells using machinery
– C) Rainfed agriculture
– D) Desalination plants
– **Correct Answer: A**
– **Explanation:** During the Vedic period (1500 – 1600 BC), people employed craftsmen to dig
channels from rivers to their fields for irrigation, as mentioned in the passage.
14. When did the irrigation of rice cultivation begin in India?
– A) Medieval Period
– B) Pandyas / Cholas / Cheras Period
– C) Vedic Period
– D) Ancient Period
– **Correct Answer: B**
– **Explanation:** The passage states that irrigated rice cultivation started during the Pandyas /
Cholas / Cheras Period (1st Century 300 AD) in India.
15. What irrigation infrastructure was developed during the Mogul period?
– A) Windmills – B) Hand-drawn wells
– C) Canals, dams, and tanks
– D) Underground pipelines
– **Correct Answer: C**
– **Explanation:** During the Medieval period (1200 – 1700 AD), irrigated agriculture was
developed, and infrastructure such as canals, dams, and tanks were constructed, as mentioned in the
passage.
16. Which period saw the construction of dams and tanks for irrigation?
– A) Vedic Period
– B) Chalcolithic Period
– C) Pandyas / Cholas / Cheras Period
– D) Medieval Period
– **Correct Answer: C**
– **Explanation:** The passage indicates that dams and tanks were constructed for irrigation
during the Pandyas / Cholas / Cheras Period (1st Century 300 AD).
17. What was the purpose of Persian wells in irrigation?
– A) Pumping water from rivers
– B) Drawing water from wells
– C) Harvesting rainwater
– D) Desalinating seawater
– **Correct Answer: B**
– **Explanation:** Persian wells were used for drawing water from wells for irrigation, as stated in
the passage.
18. How did people in ancient times settle near water sources for irrigation?
– A) By building dams
– B) By digging canals
– C) By constructing wells
– D) By settling near rivers or tanks
– **Correct Answer: D**
– **Explanation:** People settled near the banks of rivers or tanks for the purpose of getting water
for drinking and irrigation during the Ancient Period, as mentioned in the passage.
19. What materials were used for well irrigation during the Vedic period?
– A) Metal pipes
– B) Bamboo structures
– C) Kuccha and puccha wells
– D) Concrete reservoirs
– **Correct Answer: C**
– **Explanation:** Well irrigation through kuccha and puccha wells was practiced during the Vedic
period (1500 – 1600 BC), as described in the passage.
20. Which period saw the evolution of the practice of irrigation to crops?
– A) Chalcolithic Period
– B) Ancient Period
– C) Vedic Period
– D) Pandyas / Cholas / Cheras Period
– **Correct Answer: A**
– **Explanation:** The practice of irrigation to crops evolved during the Chalcolithic Period (3000 –
1700 BC), as mentioned in the passage.
21. Which canal is mentioned as a significant construction?
– A) Eastern Ganga Canal
– B) Yamuna Expressway Canal
– C) Western Yamuna Canal
– D) Grand Trunk Canal
– **Correct Answer: C**
– **Explanation:** The passage discusses the construction of the Western Yamuna Canal as an
important water management project.
22. What structure is referred to as Anantaraja Sagar?
– A) A dam
– B) A well
– C) A canal
– D) A reservoir
– **Correct Answer: D**
– **Explanation:** Anantaraja Sagar is mentioned as a construction project, indicating it is a
reservoir.
23. During which period was evidence found for a good system of water management in Dholavira?
– A) Harappan period
– B) Mauryan period
– C) Gupta period
– D) Mughal period
– **Correct Answer: A**
– **Explanation:** The passage states that evidence of a good system of water management was
found during the Harappan period, particularly in the excavation at Dholavira.
24. In which Indian state were rainwater harvesting structures found in low rainfall areas?
– A) Maharashtra
– B) Rajasthan
– C) Kerala
– D) Bihar
– **Correct Answer: B**
– **Explanation:** Rainwater harvesting structures were found in low rainfall areas of Rajasthan, as
mentioned in the passage.
25. What were the ancient rainwater storage structures called in Tamil Nadu?
– A) Ponds
– B) Tanks
– C) Ooranies
– D) Springs
– **Correct Answer: C**
– **Explanation:** In Tamil Nadu, ancient rainwater storage structures were called Ooranies, as
mentioned in the passage.
26. What purpose did percolation tanks serve in ancient water management?
– A) Drinking water storage
– B) Bathing water storage
– C) Irrigation well recharging
– D) Fish farming
– **Correct Answer: C**
– **Explanation:** Percolation tanks or ponds were used for the purpose of recharging irrigation or
domestic wells, as described in the passage.
27. How were traditional rainwater harvesting methods classified?
– A) Rural and Urban methods
– B) Ancient and Modern methods
– C) Surface and Underground methods
– D) Eastern and Western methods
– **Correct Answer: A**
– **Explanation:** Traditional rainwater harvesting methods were classified into rural and urban
methods, as stated in the passage.
28. What is mentioned as a challenge for rainwater harvesting in urban areas?
– A) Lack of technology
– B) Excessive rainfall
– C) Shrinking of open spaces
– D) High groundwater levels
– **Correct Answer: C**
– **Explanation:** In urban areas, rainwater harvesting is mentioned to be necessary due to the
shrinking of open spaces, as mentioned in the passage.
29. What type of water bodies were used for traditional rainwater harvesting in rural areas?
– A) Lakes, ponds, and temple tanks
– B) Rivers and streams
– C) Underground reservoirs
– D) Ocean desalination plants
– **Correct Answer: A**
– **Explanation:** Traditional rainwater harvesting in rural areas was done in surface storage
bodies like lakes, ponds, irrigation tanks, temple tanks, etc., as mentioned in the passage.
30. What did people construct across river courses for water management?
– A) Bridges
– B) Dams
– C) Canals
– D) Rubble bunds
– **Correct Answer: D**
– **Explanation:** People constructed crude rubble bunds across river courses for water
management, as mentioned in the passage.
31. What is the main factor determining the effectiveness of rainwater harvesting in different
locations?
– A) Amount of rainfall
– B) Type of vegetation
– C) Nature of the soil
– D) Distance from water sources – **Correct Answer: C**
– **Explanation:** The passage states that harvesting in different places depends on the nature of
the soil, such as clayey or sandy.
32. Which category does the Absorption Pit Method belong to?
– A) Traditional rainwater harvesting
– B) Modern rainwater harvesting
– C) Bamboo method
– D) Surface water management
– **Correct Answer: B**
– **Explanation:** The Absorption Pit Method is classified under Modern rainwater harvesting, as
described in the passage.
33. In which Indian state is the bamboo drip irrigation system widely prevalent?
– A) Kerala
– B) Meghalaya
– C) Tamil Nadu
– D) Rajasthan
– **Correct Answer: B**
– **Explanation:** The bamboo drip irrigation system is widely prevalent in Meghalaya, as
mentioned in the passage.
34. How much water can be transported per minute through the bamboo pipe system in Meghalaya?
– A) 18-20 liters
– B) 20-80 liters
– C) 100-150 liters
– D) 200-250 liters
– **Correct Answer: A**
– **Explanation:** The passage states that about 18-20 liters of water entering the bamboo pipe
system per minute gets transported over several hundred meters in Meghalaya.
35. What crops are typically irrigated using the bamboo drip irrigation system?
– A) Rice and wheat
– B) Arecanut and black pepper
– C) Corn and soybeans
– D) Cotton and sugarcane
– **Correct Answer: B**
– **Explanation:** The bamboo drip irrigation system is typically used to irrigate betel leaf or black
pepper crops planted in arecanut orchards or mixed orchards, as mentioned in the passage.
36. What is used to control the flow of water into lateral pipes in the bamboo drip irrigation system?
– A) Concrete barriers
– B) Metal gates
– C) Intake pipe positions
– D) Gravity
– **Correct Answer: C**
– **Explanation:** The passage mentions that manipulating the intake pipe positions controls the flow of water into the lateral pipes in the bamboo drip irrigation system.
37. What is a characteristic feature of the kunds in the Thar Desert?
– A) They are natural springs
– B) They are man-made reservoirs
– C) They are used for fishing
– D) They are located in hilly regions
– **Correct Answer: B**
– **Explanation:** Kunds in the Thar Desert are mentioned as characteristic features, indicating
they are man-made reservoirs.
38. Which method of rainwater harvesting is categorized as Individual Houses and Grouped Houses?
– A) Bamboo method
– B) Absorption Pit Method
– C) Percolation Pit Method
– D) Well cum Bore Method
– **Correct Answer: C**
– **Explanation:** The passage categorizes Percolation Pit Method under Individual Houses and
Grouped Houses for modern rainwater harvesting.
39. What is used to irrigate plantations in Meghalaya using bamboo pipes?
– A) Rivers
– B) Lakes
– C) Streams and springs
– D) Underground reservoirs
– **Correct Answer: C**
– **Explanation:** Bamboo pipes are used to tap stream and spring water for irrigation in
plantations in Meghalaya, as mentioned in the passage.
40. Which type of water management method does the bamboo drip irrigation system represent?
– A) Surface water management
– B) Groundwater recharge
– C) Traditional rainwater harvesting
– D) Modern rainwater harvesting
– **Correct Answer: D**
– **Explanation:** The bamboo drip irrigation system represents modern rainwater harvesting, as
it involves the use of bamboo pipes to transport water for irrigation.
41. What is the local name for the underground tanks used for rainwater harvesting in the Thar
Desert?
– A) Tanka
– B) Talai
– C) Kund
– D) Nada
– **Correct Answer: C**
– **Explanation:** The local name for the underground tanks used for rainwater harvesting in the
Thar Desert is Kund, as mentioned in the passage.
42. What is the primary purpose of constructing kunds in the Thar Desert?
– A) Agricultural irrigation
– B) Drinking water supply
– C) Fish farming
– D) Industrial use
– **Correct Answer: B**
– **Explanation:** The passage states that kunds were developed primarily for tackling drinking
water problems in the Thar Desert.
43. In which region of Rajasthan were kunds more prevalent?
– A) Eastern arid regions
– B) Southern arid regions
– C) Western arid regions
– D) Northern arid regions
– **Correct Answer: C**
– **Explanation:** Kunds were more prevalent in the western arid regions of Rajasthan, as
mentioned in the passage.
44. What type of water do kunds provide in areas with saline groundwater?
– A) Salty water
– B) Brackish water
– C) Clean and sweetwater
– D) Hard water
– **Correct Answer: C**
– **Explanation:** In areas with limited groundwater available with high salinity, kunds provide
convenient, clean, and sweetwater for drinking, as stated in the passage.
45. Who typically owned kunds in the Thar Desert?
– A) Government authorities
– B) Individual households
– C) Corporations
– D) Communities or private individuals
– **Correct Answer: D**
– **Explanation:** Kunds were owned by communities or privately, with the rich having one or
more kunds of their own, as mentioned in the passage.
46. Which traditional rainwater harvesting method is described as relatively hygienic?
– A) Talai
– B) Nadi
– C) Tanka
– D) Talab
– **Correct Answer: C**
– **Explanation:** Tanka is described as one of the ancient, common, and relatively hygienic
methods of water storage, as mentioned in the passage.
47. What is the capacity of a typical Tanka?
– A) 1000 liters
– B) 5000 liters
– C) 10,000 liters
– D) 20,000 liters
– **Correct Answer: C**
– **Explanation:** The capacity of a typical Tanka is 10,000 liters, as mentioned in the passage.
48. How is the construction of Tanka different in farms compared to houses?
– A) It is deeper in farms
– B) It is shallower in farms
– C) It is circular in farms
– D) It is square in farms
– **Correct Answer: B**
– **Explanation:** In farms, Tanka construction is made on sloping land to arrest runoff water,
while in houses, it is constructed on an elevated place to avoid entry of dirty water into it, as
mentioned in the passage.
49. What is the main difference between Tanka and Talai? – A) Depth – B) Shape – C) Location – D) Purpose – **Correct Answer: A** – **Explanation:** Talai is deeper than Tanka, as mentioned in the passage.
50. Which traditional rainwater harvesting method is constructed deeper than Tanka?
– A) Talai
– B) Nadi
– C) Talab
– D) Khadin Sar
– **Correct Answer: A**
– **Explanation:** Talai is described as similar to Tanka but still deeper, as mentioned in the
passage.
51. What is the local name given to covered underground tanks used for rainwater harvesting in the
Thar Desert?
– A) Tanka
– B) Talai
– C) Kund
– D) Nada
– **Correct Answer: C**
– **Explanation:** The local name given to covered underground tanks used for rainwater
harvesting in the Thar Desert is Kund, as mentioned in the passage.
52. In which regions of Rajasthan were kunds more prevalent?
– A) Eastern arid regions
– B) Southern arid regions
– C) Western arid regions
– D) Northern arid regions
– **Correct Answer: C**
– **Explanation:** Kunds were more prevalent in the western arid regions of Rajasthan, as stated
in the passage.
53. What was the primary purpose of constructing kunds?
– A) Agricultural irrigation
– B) Fish farming
– C) Tackling drinking water problems
– D) Industrial use
– **Correct Answer: C**
– **Explanation:** Kunds were developed primarily for tackling drinking water problems, as
mentioned in the passage.
54. What is the range of total dissolved salts (TDS) in groundwater in Barmer district?
– A) 100-500 ppm
– B) 500-1,000 ppm
– C) 1,500-10,000 ppm
– D) 10,000-20,000 ppm
– **Correct Answer: C**
– **Explanation:** Groundwater in Barmer district has total dissolved salts (TDS) ranging from
1,500-10,000 parts per million (ppm), as stated in the passage.
55. How were kunds typically owned?
– A) By government authorities
– B) By individual households
– C) By corporations
– D) By communities or private individuals
– **Correct Answer: D**
– **Explanation:** Kunds were owned by communities or privately, with the rich having one or
more kunds of their own, as mentioned in the passage.
56. Which traditional rainwater harvesting method is described as relatively hygienic?
– A) Tanka
– B) Talai
– C) Nadi
– D) Talab
– **Correct Answer: A**
– **Explanation:** Tanka is described as one of the ancient, common, and relatively hygienic
methods of water storage, as mentioned in the passage.
57. What is the typical dimension of a Tanka?
– A) 1 m dia. 2 m deep
– B) 2 m dia. 3 m deep
– C) 3 m dia. 4 m deep
– D) 4 m dia. 5 m deep
– **Correct Answer: B**
– **Explanation:** The typical dimension of a Tanka is 2 meters in diameter and 3 meters deep, as
mentioned in the passage.
58. How is the construction of Talai different from Tanka?
– A) It is shallower than Tanka
– B) It is circular in shape
– C) It is constructed on sloping land
– D) It is made on an elevated place
– **Correct Answer: A**
– **Explanation:** Talai is deeper than Tanka, as mentioned in the passage.
59. What is the primary concern during the construction of Talai?
– A) Adequate flow of rainwater
– B) Prevention of entry of dirty water
– C) Selection of location
– D) Shape of the tank
– **Correct Answer: A**
– **Explanation:** Special attention is paid to ensure adequate flow of rainwater into Talai during
its construction, as mentioned in the passage.
60. Which of the following is not a traditional rainwater harvesting method mentioned in the passage?
– A) Nada
– B) Talab
– C) Khadin Sar
– D) Sagar
– **Correct Answer: C**
– **Explanation:** Talab, Khadin Sar, and Sagar are mentioned as traditional rainwater harvesting
methods, but Khadin Sar is not mentioned.
61. What is the primary purpose of constructing Nada?
– A) Agriculture irrigation
– B) Animal watering
– C) Tourist attraction
– D) Crop cultivation
– **Correct Answer: B**
– **Explanation:** Nada is primarily constructed to provide short-term storage of rainwater mainly
used for animals, as mentioned in the passage.
62. What is the typical catchment area of Nada?
– A) 1-5 hectares
– B) 5-10 hectares
– C) 10-50 hectares
– D) 50-100 hectares
– **Correct Answer: B**
– **Explanation:** The catchment area of Nada is typically 5 to 10 hectares, as stated in the
passage.
63. How does the size of Nadi compare to Nada?
– A) Nadi is smaller
– B) Nadi is larger
– C) Nadi is equal in size
– D) Nadi is unrelated to Nada
– **Correct Answer: B**
– **Explanation:** Nadi is bigger in size compared to Nada, as mentioned in the passage.
64. What is the primary purpose of constructing Talab?
– A) Animal shelter
– B) Crop cultivation
– C) Bird sanctuary
– D) Tourist attraction
– **Correct Answer: B**
– **Explanation:** Talab is generally constructed for crop cultivation, as stated in the passage.
65. What does Khadin mean in the context of water harvesting?
– A) Animal watering
– B) Crop cultivation
– C) Tourist attraction
– D) Bird sanctuary
– **Correct Answer: B**
– **Explanation:** Khadin means cultivation crops, as mentioned in the passage.
66. What is the main purpose of Sar, Sagar, and Samand structures?
– A) Animal watering
– B) Crop cultivation
– C) Tourism
– D) Environmental conservation
– **Correct Answer: B**
– **Explanation:** These structures are used to harvest rainwater for irrigation purpose, providing
an excellent source of reservoir, as mentioned in the passage.
67. What is emphasized regarding the importance of water in agriculture?
– A) Water is a tourist attraction
– B) Water is essential for domestic needs
– C) Water conservation is crucial for efficient agricultural use
– D) Water is primarily used for animal watering
– **Correct Answer: C**
– **Explanation:** The passage emphasizes the importance of water conservation for efficient use
in agriculture and domestic needs.
68. What aspect of irrigation system sustainability was stressed in the ancient period?
– A) Continuous supply of water
– B) High technology usage
– C) Maximum water extraction
– D) Large-scale infrastructure
– **Correct Answer: A**
– **Explanation:** Sustainability of irrigation system was stressed in ensuring continuous supply of
water, as mentioned in the passage.
69. What problems were sought to be avoided in ancient irrigation practices?
– A) Desertification
– B) Soil erosion
– C) Salinization/alkalinization and waterlogging
– D) Crop failure
– **Correct Answer: C**
– **Explanation:** Ancient practices aimed to avoid problems of salinization/alkalinization and
waterlogging, which are features of canal irrigation systems today, as stated in the passage.
70. What term describes water’s critical role in agriculture?
– A) Irrigation necessity
– B) Crop hydration
– C) Water conservation priority
– D) Elixir of life
– **Correct Answer: D**
– **Explanation:** Water is described as the elixir of life and the kingpin of successful agriculture in the passage.