What did Ancient Indian cities ACTUALLY look like?

What were the primary reasons for the scarcity of ancient Indian city ruins, excluding invasions?

• Frequent natural disasters like floods and earthquakes.

• The widespread use of perishable building materials and the repurposing of stone.

• Lack of interest in preserving historical structures by subsequent rulers.

• Extensive urbanization that completely built over older sites.

Which statement best describes the hygiene and sanitation systems in ancient Indian cities?

• They primarily relied on open sewers and public defecation.

• They were rudimentary, with waste disposed of in nearby rivers without treatment.

• They featured sophisticated toilets connected to city-wide drainage systems made of brick and stone.

• Only the elite had access to private, advanced sanitation facilities.

How did ancient Indian cities manage their solid waste and garbage?

• Waste was left to accumulate in public areas, leading to poor hygiene.

• It was collected in designated bins within the city and then transported to the outskirts for composting, burning, or burial.

• All garbage was thrown into the main river, relying on the current to carry it away.

• Citizens were solely responsible for disposing of their own waste, with no centralized system.

Beyond natural sources, how did ancient Indian cities ensure a consistent water supply, especially during dry periods?

• They imported water from distant mountain ranges using complex aqueducts.

• They relied heavily on individual household wells, which were often insufficient.

• They constructed large tanks, reservoirs, and elaborate stepwells to collect and store rainwater.

• Water was rationed strictly, and bathing was prohibited during dry seasons.

What characteristics did Megasthenes observe about the city of Pataliputra's neighborhoods?

• They were randomly arranged with narrow, winding streets.

• They were well-planned with orderly rows of houses, broad streets, and distinct social quarters.

• They primarily consisted of temporary structures and lacked public spaces.

• They were designed without consideration for different social groups.

How did the architectural design of ancient Indian houses differ between drier inland regions and lush coastal regions?

• Inland houses used wood and bamboo with sloping roofs, while coastal houses used stone and brick with flat roofs.

• Inland houses were built with stone or brick and had flat roofs, whereas coastal houses used wood, bamboo, and terracotta with sloping roofs.

• Both regions primarily used mud and thatch, but coastal houses had larger courtyards.

• Inland houses were multi-story, while coastal houses were single-story.

What was a key feature of the common courtyard house design in ancient India?

• All rooms were directly accessible from the street for easy public interaction.

• A central courtyard provided light, ventilation, and space for domestic activities.

• Houses were built without windows to maximize privacy.

• They were exclusively single-room dwellings with no private areas.

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What was the primary function of town squares in ancient Indian cities?

• They were exclusively used for religious ceremonies and festivals.

• They served as military training grounds and barracks.

• They were multi-functional spaces central to social and commercial life, hosting public gatherings, performances, and markets.

• They were private gardens reserved for the elite.

What was a notable characteristic of medical care in ancient India, as observed by Megasthenes?

• It was only available to the wealthy.

• It was provided free of charge to all citizens.

• It focused solely on Ayurvedic medicine.

• It was less advanced than Greek medical practices.