Question:medium

Traces of canals have been found at the Harappan site of _____

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Associate specific, unique archaeological finds with their sites. For example: Dockyard → Lothal; Terracotta Plough → Banawali; Great Bath → Mohenjodaro; Canals → Shortughai.
Updated On: Feb 16, 2026
  • Shortughai in Afghanistan
  • Banawali in Haryana
  • Harappa
  • Mohenjodaro
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The Correct Option is A

Solution and Explanation

Step 1: Conceptual Understanding: The query seeks identification of a Harappan location exhibiting evidence of canal irrigation. While Harappan civilization excelled in water management (wells, reservoirs, drains), extensive canal irrigation was not a widespread feature at most major urban centers. Step 2: Detailed Elaboration:
(1) Shortughai, Afghanistan: This Harappan trading post, potentially established for lapis lazuli trade control, was situated in a semi-arid zone requiring irrigation for agriculture. Archaeological findings reveal distinct irrigation canals in its vicinity, differentiating it from Indus basin sites.
(2) Banawali, Haryana: This site is recognized for its radial street layout and a terracotta plough model, but not for canals.
(3) Harappa and (4) Mohenjodaro: These prominent cities possessed advanced well and drainage systems for water supply and sanitation. However, direct archaeological evidence for large irrigation canals is absent. Agricultural reliance on seasonal river floods is the prevailing hypothesis for these locations.
Step 3: Conclusive Finding: Shortughai in Afghanistan stands as the Harappan site where definitive traces of canals have been discovered.
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