Question

In arid and semi arid regions, agricultural fields were converted into rain fed storage structures that allowed the water to stand and moisten the soil like the ________ in Jaisalmer.
A. Kuls
B. Khadins
C. Johads
D. Tanks

Answer 1

Hint: It is also known as “Dhora.” It is a brilliant construction planned to harvest surface runoff water for the purpose of agriculture.

Complete Answer:
In arid and semi-arid regions, agricultural fields were converted into rain-fed storage structures that allowed the water to stand and moisten the soil like the ‘Khadins’ in Jaisalmer and ‘Johads’ in other parts of Rajasthan.
Option (A) Kuls: “Kuls” or “Guls” are the diversion channels built by the people living in the hill and mountainous regions of the Western Himalayas. They are built for the purpose of agriculture.
Option (B) Khadins: Khadin, also referred to as a “Dhora”, is a brilliant construction planned to harvest surface runoff water for the purpose of agriculture. Its main characteristic is a very long (100-300 m) earthen mound constructed across the lower hill slopes lying below the gritty uplands.
Option (C) Johads: By reviving a traditional watershed technology known as a “Johad”, or “check dam”, in the Alwar region of Rajasthan, local people have restored the ecological balance of the region. They are small earthen check dams that capture and conserve rainwater. They not only provide surface water for drinking and irrigation but also recharge dry wells as water seeps into the ground.
Option (D) Tankas: Underground tanks or Tankas are traditionally built in almost all the houses in the semi-arid and arid regions of Rajasthan, particularly in Bikaner, Phalodi and Barmer, for storing drinking water. It is an extremely reliable source of drinking water, particularly in the summers, as the rainwater can be stored in the tanks till the next rainfall.

Hence the correct answer is option (B) Khadins.

Note: In Rajasthan, ‘Rooftop rainwater harvesting’ is commonly practised to store drinking water. In India, the first state which has made rooftop rainwater harvesting structure compulsory to all the houses across the state is Tamil Nadu.