Q1. [4]
In ancient India, along with the sophisticated hydraulic structures, there existed an extraordinary tradition of water-harvesting system. People had an in-depth knowledge of rainfall regimes and soil types and developed wide ranging techniques to harvest groundwater, rainwater, river water and flood water in keeping with the local ecological conditions and their water needs. In hilly and mountainous regions, people built diversion channels like the kuls and guls of Western Himalayas for agriculture. Rooftop rainwater harvesting was very commonly practised to store drinking water, particularly in Rajasthan.
Read the given extract and answer the questions that follow :
- (35.1) Mention any two methods of traditional water-harvesting used in India. [1]
- (35.2) How do people of Rajasthan utilise rainwater ? [1]
- (35.3) Explain any two benefits of rainwater harvesting. [2]
Previously asked in CBSE board exam
2023 32/5/1 Q35
Generated by claude-sonnet-4-6 · 2026-06-15 07:05 · grounding stimulus
Model Answer
(35.1) Two methods of traditional water-harvesting used in India:
- Building diversion channels like kuls and guls in hilly/mountainous regions.
- Rooftop rainwater harvesting to store drinking water.
(35.2) In Rajasthan, people practised rooftop rainwater harvesting very commonly to store drinking water.
(35.3) Two benefits of rainwater harvesting:
- Conserves water — harvested rainwater can be stored and used during dry periods, reducing dependence on groundwater.
- Recharges groundwater — water collected seeps into the ground, raising the water table and ensuring water availability for future use.
Source: Chapter 3 – Water Resources, Contemporary India II
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Explanation
- (35.1) and (35.2) must be answered directly from the passage — do not go beyond it.
- (35.3) is a 2-mark question requiring two distinct points; examiners expect one clear benefit per point. Benefits like reducing water scarcity, recharging groundwater, or reducing runoff are all accepted.
- Avoid writing long paragraphs; crisp, labelled answers score better in board exams.
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