Q. 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
(c) a larger earthen pot driven by bullocks
(d) a large water bucket pulled up by rope directly by hand
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Answer & Explanation:
✅Correct Answer: (b) a large wheel with earthen pots tied to the outer ends of its spokes
Explanation:
The ‘Araghatta’ is an ancient Indian irrigation device that played a crucial role in traditional water-lifting techniques used for agriculture. It is widely recognized as one of the earliest and most effective mechanical irrigation tools used in ancient India.
The Araghatta worked on a very simple yet ingenious principle. It consisted of a large vertical wheel, often driven by animal power (such as bullocks), which rotated continuously. Attached to the spokes of this wheel were a series of earthen pots or small containers. As the wheel turned, the pots would dip into a well or water source at the bottom, fill with water, and then rise as the wheel rotated. Once they reached the top, the pots would automatically empty the water into a channel, from where it would be directed into the fields for irrigation.
This system allowed continuous and efficient water lifting with minimal manual effort. The use of animal power to rotate the wheel increased the quantity of water that could be lifted compared to manual methods. Such a design ensured a steady water supply, which was essential in areas with limited rainfall or during dry seasons.
Let’s evaluate the options:
- (a) Describes a leather bag over a pulley — that refers to a different method, often called the moat or persian wheel (saqiya) in some regions.
- (b) ✔️ Correct — This matches the structure and operation of the Araghatta.
- (c) Talks about a large pot driven by bullocks — similar but not accurate for Araghatta.
- (d) Manual pulling with a rope — not related to the mechanical Araghatta device.
Conclusion:
The Araghatta was a mechanized irrigation wheel system using earthen pots and animal power, making option (b) the correct answer.