Question

Describe the drainage system of Harappan cities. OR Describe the important teachings of Jainism.

Hint:

For Harappan cities, always remember "Urban Planning" and "Drainage System" as their defining features. For Jainism, the Five Vows, especially Ahimsa (Non-violence), are the most critical part of its teachings.

Answer 1

Solution (Drainage System of Harappan Cities):

Step 1: Understanding the Concept:
This question requires a detailed description of the advanced sanitation and water management system found in the cities of the Indus Valley (Harappan) Civilization, which is one of its most remarkable features.

Step 2: Detailed Explanation:
The drainage system of Harappan cities was one of the most sophisticated in the ancient world. Its key features were:
\begin{itemize} \item Planned Network: The drainage system was not an afterthought; it was an integral part of the city planning. Drains were laid out before the construction of houses.
\item Household Connectivity: Almost every house, big or small, had its own bathroom and was connected to the main street drain. Wastewater and sewage from houses were channeled into these smaller drains.
\item Street Drains: The smaller drains from houses flowed into larger, covered drains that ran along the main streets. These were typically made of baked bricks, which were water-resistant, and were mortared together with gypsum or mud.
\item Gentle Slope: The drains were constructed with a gentle slope to ensure the smooth flow of water and waste.
\item Covering and Inspection Pits: The drains were covered with stone slabs or bricks, which could be lifted for cleaning. At regular intervals, they were equipped with sump pits or manholes, which allowed for inspection and clearing of blockages. This shows a high level of concern for public health and hygiene.
\end{itemize} This systematic and efficient network of drains highlights the Harappans' mastery of hydraulic engineering and their commitment to urban cleanliness.

Step 3: Final Answer:
The Harappan drainage system was a highly advanced and planned network of covered, baked-brick drains connecting individual houses to main street drains. It featured gentle slopes for flow and inspection manholes for maintenance, reflecting a strong emphasis on urban sanitation.

Solution (Important Teachings of Jainism):

Step 1: Understanding the Concept:
This question asks for a description of the core principles and ethical teachings of Jainism, an ancient Indian religion founded on the path of non-violence towards all living beings.

Step 2: Detailed Explanation:
The important teachings of Jainism, as consolidated by the 24th Tirthankara, Mahavira, are based on the goal of liberating the soul (jiva) from the cycle of rebirth (samsara). The main teachings are:
\begin{itemize} \item The Three Jewels (Triratna): The path to liberation is achieved by following the three jewels: \begin{enumerate}[label=(\alph*)] \item Samyak Darshan (Right Faith): Belief in the teachings of the Tirthankaras. \item Samyak Jnana (Right Knowledge): Correct and complete knowledge of the Jaina creed. \item Samyak Charitra (Right Conduct): Living one's life according to Jaina ethical rules. \end{enumerate} \item The Five Vows (Pancha Mahavratas): Right conduct is defined by adherence to five great vows: \begin{enumerate}[label=(\alph*)] \item Ahimsa (Non-violence): The supreme principle. Not causing harm to any living being through thought, word, or deed. \item Satya (Truthfulness): To always speak the truth. \item Asteya (Non-stealing): Not to take anything that is not willingly given. \item Brahmacharya (Chastity): To abstain from sensual pleasures. \item Aparigraha (Non-possession): To detach oneself from worldly possessions and material things. \end{enumerate} \item Anekantavada: The doctrine of the many-sidedness of reality. It teaches that truth is complex and has multiple viewpoints, promoting tolerance. \end{itemize}

Step 3: Final Answer:
The important teachings of Jainism include following the Three Jewels (Right Faith, Knowledge, Conduct) and adhering to the Five Vows (Non-violence, Truthfulness, Non-stealing, Chastity, and Non-possession) to achieve liberation of the soul.