2025 GS Paper I, all questions
UPSC Prelims 2025 · GS Paper I
Question 13: History and Culture
The irrigation device called ‘Araghatta’ was
aa water bag made of leather pulled over a pulley
ba large wheel with earthen pots tied to the outer ends of its spokes
ca larger earthen pot driven by bullocks
da large water bucket pulled up by rope directly by hand
AnswerThe answer is (b).
Araghatta is the Sanskrit-derived name for the Persian wheel: a large wheel fitted with earthen pots tied to the outer ends of its spokes. As the wheel turns, usually driven by bullocks through gearing, the pots dip into a well or channel, fill and empty into a trough as they come over the top. It was widely used for irrigation in medieval India. Remember: araghatta means the pot-wheel; the leather bag lifted over a pulley is a different device.
Why each option is right or wrong
- (a) Wrong: a leather bag drawn over a pulley is a different lift, not the araghatta.
- (b) Right: a wheel with earthen pots tied to the spoke ends is the Persian wheel, or araghatta.
- (c) Wrong: a single large pot is not how the device worked.
- (d) Wrong: a bucket pulled by hand is a simpler device, not a wheel.
Explanation: written by UPSC Grade, not by UPSC.
Source: UPSC, Civil Services (Preliminary) Examination 2025, General Studies Paper I, Series A. The paper on upsc.gov.in.