Harappan cities had remarkable drainage systems- Delhi can learn a thing or two

Harappan cities had remarkable drainage systems- Delhi can learn a thing or two | Sociology Optional Coaching | Vikash Ranjan Classes | Triumph IAS | UPSC Sociology Optional

When considering the array of 51 optional subjects for the UPSC Mains Examination, Sociology consistently stands out as a top choice. Its inherent appeal lies in its accessibility and intriguing exploration of humanity and society, catering even to students from  Science and Commerce backgrounds. With a well-defined UPSC sociology syllabus comprising only 13 units, Sociology can be comprehensively covered within 3 to 4 months, as exemplified by Commerce Graduate IAS Pradeep Singh, who achieved 307 marks in his first attempt. Notably, Sociology for UPSC has garnered a reputation as one of the Highest scoring optional subjects in the UPSC Main Examination, with numerous candidates consistently achieving 300+. Its popularity is evident in the fact that a significant proportion of top 100 rankers opt for Sociology as their optional subject, showcasing its high scoring potential, particularly for those not from sociology backgrounds. Moreover, relevance of Sociology Optional Syllabus for UPSC extends beyond the examination hall, enriching understanding across various aspects of life, from social and economic to political and cultural domains. In recent times, Sociology Optional has gained traction, aligning with the evolving trend of the UPSC Mains towards conceptual analysis. Unlike other optional subjects with unpredictable question patterns, Sociology offers stability and predictability, making it an attractive choice. This adaptability, coupled with its concise syllabus and relevance to both academic and social spheres, positions Sociology as the ideal optional subject for engineers as well as optional subject for commerce graduates and optional subject for  science graduates seeking success in the Civil Services Examination. For those pursuing Sociology as an optional subject, accessing comprehensive Sociology optional notes and few good Sociology optional books, and previous years’ UPSC sociology optional question papers is pivotal for thorough preparation. Additionally, for aspirants seeking guidance, renowned  educator Vikash Ranjan Sir at TRIUMPH IAS coaching institutes in Delhi, offer valuable support and resources. Vikash Ranjan Sir is the Best Sociology Teacher and Triumph IAS is the
best sociology coaching in Delhi. If you are away from Old Rajendra Nagar, Delhi, you can still complete Journey of UPSC civil service preparation through online Sociology class The  scientific nature of Sociology, coupled with its direct applicability to daily social interactions, renders it a subject that can be comprehended without extensive reference materials, distinguishing it from other optional subjects requiring extensive reading and research.

Harappan cities had remarkable drainage systems- Delhi can learn a thing or two

Relevant for Civil Services Examination

Harappan cities had remarkable drainage systems- Delhi can learn a thing or two

Harappan cities had remarkable drainage systems. Delhi can learn a thing or two

The Harappan cities were renowned for their advanced drainage systems, which stand in stark contrast to the challenges faced by modern Indian cities today. The city of Dholavira, part of the Harappan civilization, exemplified a sophisticated understanding of local hydrology and monsoon patterns, enabling its inhabitants to thrive even amid heavy rainfall.

In contemporary India, the onset of the monsoon season, typically welcomed as a respite from the oppressive heat, often turns into a chaotic experience for urban dwellers. The initial joy of the rains, which calls for traditional snacks like pakoras and chai, quickly transforms into a struggle against clogged drains, waterlogged streets, and flash floods. The southwestern monsoon, which has historically shaped cultures and civilizations, now highlights the failures of urban planning. The negligence of authorities in maintaining drainage systems and the reckless expansion of urban areas into natural habitats exacerbate the flooding situation.

Despite significant investments in pre-monsoon preparations, cities remain vulnerable to the forces of nature. The relationship between urban infrastructure and the monsoon has become a defining characteristic of modern Indian life, often leading to frustration among residents. However, there are valuable lessons to be learned from the past. The Harappan civilization’s respect for natural processes and their innovative drainage solutions could inspire contemporary urban planners to create systems that harmonize with nature rather than resist it. By revisiting these ancient practices, cities can better manage the challenges posed by the monsoon and foster a healthier relationship with the environment.

Knowledge from ancient India 

Harappan cities had remarkable drainage systems. Delhi can learn a thing or two

The transition from a nomadic life based on hunting and foraging to a sedentary one, facilitated by the advent of agriculture during the eighth millennium BCE, led to the formation of tiny settlements along rivers or lakes. Water became a key enabler for this new way of life, with settlements sprouting near the closest source of water, such as Mehrgarh in Baluchistan, linked with the Indus River system; Lahuradewa in the Upper Gangetic Plain, bounded by the Sarayu River; and Bhirrana located on the banks of the dried Ghaggar River in Haryana. These early farming settlements along the Indus and Saraswati River systems paved the way for the emergence of India’s first urban cities through cultural and social evolution.

The urban centres of the Harappan Civilization, such as Rakhigarhi, Mohenjodaro, Harappa, Dholavira, and Lothal, are renowned for their advanced town planning, which includes an impeccable and sophisticated drainage system, wastewater management, and rainwater harvesting. As a ‘riverine culture,’ the Harappans devised an extensive network of reservoirs, wells, and canals to meet their irrigation needs. To tackle the danger of seasonal floods, Harappan cities were enclosed and fortified.

The drainage system was one of the most remarkable features of the Harappan cities. All streets and lanes across neighbourhoods in Mohejodaro, Dholavira, Harappa, and others had drains, with houses having provisions for managing waste-water through vertical pipes in the walls leading to chutes that opened onto the streets. Recent excavations at Rakhigarhi revealed a series of covered and open drains with soakage pits at every street corner, where the drains turned at right angles. Mohenjodaro provided remarkable evidence of water-management, sanitation, and drainage systems, with over 400 wells made of ‘wedged-shaped’ bricks and an extensive network of drains made of baked-bricks, closely fitted and sealed with mud-mortar.

Dholavira, located in Kachchh, Gujarat, is the best example of how the people of the Harappan civilization understood the need for water-management in an arid area where water is scarce. Large reservoirs were excavated around the city on two sides, connected with a network of large-drains and tanks located along the city walls. Series of wells were also well-connected with tanks, which managed and stored rainwater, as indicated by a storm water drain leading to the reservoir near the north wall. This water harvesting system would refill the reservoirs, helping the people of the city during dry periods.

The Harappans were aware of the hydrology of the area and monsoon patterns, using this knowledge to help a city thrive during rainfall, which otherwise would have been inhabitable. It was these strategic tactics implemented by the city dwellers that made Dholavira one of the five largest Harappan metropolises. The Harappans were a ‘riverine civilisation,’ with their settlements strategically located to protect the river terraces and floodplains, aware of the scale of flooding, especially in the Indus basin, and prepared for the inevitable.

Chaotic cities of today

Chaotic cities of today

In the present context, our cities are in a state of chaos, with riverbeds captured, floodplains used for constructing new buildings, and ecosystems rapidly destroyed. The ancient knowledge of city construction has been forgotten and relegated to history books, while insights on rainwater harvesting, drainage, and sanitation from archaeological findings are rarely acknowledged. It’s no wonder our cities are drowning in their own mismanagement.

New Delhi, as the nation’s capital, serves as a classic example of disastrous management by authorities. The area behind the Red Fort, once the bed of the Yamuna River, has now been converted into a road connecting much of the city to the ISBT, the inter-state bus terminal. The floodplain in this area has been captured, turning the river into little more than a glorified drain. Since it is naturally a low-lying area, being the old riverbed, it floods every year during the heavy monsoon season, forcing residents of the surrounding settlements to relocate.

The area adjacent to the Red Fort, known as Darya Ganj, is elevated. The old city of Shahjahanabad was built on higher ground, keeping in mind the nature of the Yamuna River. The road that periodically becomes submerged should never have been built there; it was constructed for our convenience, and now we have no right to complain. The tragic incident at Old Rajinder Nagar—where three UPSC aspirants died after the basement of a coaching centre flooded—was caused by drain clogging and the area’s low-lying nature, which led to water stagnation.

Unfortunately, almost every other city in India is in a similar pathetic state. Perhaps it is time to go back in time and learn from the ancient wisdom of our ancestors, who understood the importance of working in harmony with nature rather than against it. By incorporating the knowledge and practices of the Harappan civilization, such as sophisticated drainage systems, rainwater harvesting, and strategic city planning, we can strive to create more resilient and sustainable urban environments that can withstand the challenges posed by climate change and urbanization.

The End of the Blog : Harappan cities had remarkable drainage systems- Delhi can learn a thing or two

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Discover effective strategies on how to prepare for sociology optional without coaching, including insights on the best coaching for sociology optional in Delhi. Explore options for sociology optional coaching, both online and offline. Learn how to do sociology optional without coaching and find the best sociology optional coaching institutes in Delhi and Chennai. Get answers on whether one can prepare sociology optional without coaching and access valuable information on sociology optional coaching for UPSC and UPPSC exams. Uncover the top-rated sociology optional coaching through Quora discussions and enhance your preparation for sociology optional with expert advice. Discover effective strategies on how to prepare for sociology optional without coaching, including insights on the best coaching for sociology optional in Delhi. Explore options for sociology optional coaching, both online and offline. Learn how to do sociology optional without coaching and find the best sociology optional coaching institutes in Delhi and Chennai. Get answers on whether one can prepare sociology optional without coaching and access valuable information on sociology optional coaching for UPSC and UPPSC exams. Uncover the top-rated sociology optional coaching through Quora discussions and enhance your preparation for sociology optional with expert advice. Discover effective strategies on how to prepare for sociology optional without coaching, including insights on the best coaching for sociology optional in Delhi. Explore options for sociology optional coaching, both online and offline. Learn how to do sociology optional without coaching and find the best sociology optional coaching institutes in Delhi and Chennai. Get answers on whether one can prepare sociology optional without coaching and access valuable information on sociology optional coaching for UPSC and UPPSC exams. Uncover the top-rated sociology optional coaching through Quora discussions and enhance your preparation for sociology optional with expert advice.
Discover effective strategies on how to prepare for sociology optional without coaching, including insights on the best coaching for sociology optional in Delhi. Explore options for sociology optional coaching, both online and offline. Learn how to do sociology optional without coaching and find the best sociology optional coaching institutes in Delhi and Chennai. Get answers on whether one can prepare sociology optional without coaching and access valuable information on sociology optional coaching for UPSC and UPPSC exams. Uncover the top-rated sociology optional coaching through Quora discussions and enhance your preparation for sociology optional with expert advice. Discover effective strategies on how to prepare for sociology optional without coaching, including insights on the best coaching for sociology optional in Delhi. Explore options for sociology optional coaching, both online and offline. Learn how to do sociology optional without coaching and find the best sociology optional coaching institutes in Delhi and Chennai. Get answers on whether one can prepare sociology optional without coaching and access valuable information on sociology optional coaching for UPSC and UPPSC exams. Uncover the top-rated sociology optional coaching through Quora discussions and enhance your preparation for sociology optional with expert advice. Discover effective strategies on how to prepare for sociology optional without coaching, including insights on the best coaching for sociology optional in Delhi. Explore options for sociology optional coaching, both online and offline. Learn how to do sociology optional without coaching and find the best sociology optional coaching institutes in Delhi and Chennai. Get answers on whether one can prepare sociology optional without coaching and access valuable information on sociology optional coaching for UPSC and UPPSC exams. Uncover the top-rated sociology optional coaching through Quora discussions and enhance your preparation for sociology optional with expert advice.
Discover effective strategies on how to prepare for sociology optional without coaching, including insights on the best coaching for sociology optional in Delhi. Explore options for sociology optional coaching, both online and offline. Learn how to do sociology optional without coaching and find the best sociology optional coaching institutes in Delhi and Chennai. Get answers on whether one can prepare sociology optional without coaching and access valuable information on sociology optional coaching for UPSC and UPPSC exams. Uncover the top-rated sociology optional coaching through Quora discussions and enhance your preparation for sociology optional with expert advice. Discover effective strategies on how to prepare for sociology optional without coaching, including insights on the best coaching for sociology optional in Delhi. Explore options for sociology optional coaching, both online and offline. Learn how to do sociology optional without coaching and find the best sociology optional coaching institutes in Delhi and Chennai. Get answers on whether one can prepare sociology optional without coaching and access valuable information on sociology optional coaching for UPSC and UPPSC exams. Uncover the top-rated sociology optional coaching through Quora discussions and enhance your preparation for sociology optional with expert advice. Discover effective strategies on how to prepare for sociology optional without coaching, including insights on the best coaching for sociology optional in Delhi. Explore options for sociology optional coaching, both online and offline. Learn how to do sociology optional without coaching and find the best sociology optional coaching institutes in Delhi and Chennai. Get answers on whether one can prepare sociology optional without coaching and access valuable information on sociology optional coaching for UPSC and UPPSC exams. Uncover the top-rated sociology optional coaching through Quora discussions and enhance your preparation for sociology optional with expert advice.
Discover effective strategies on how to prepare for sociology optional without coaching, including insights on the best coaching for sociology optional in Delhi. Explore options for sociology optional coaching, both online and offline. Learn how to do sociology optional without coaching and find the best sociology optional coaching institutes in Delhi and Chennai. Get answers on whether one can prepare sociology optional without coaching and access valuable information on sociology optional coaching for UPSC and UPPSC exams. Uncover the top-rated sociology optional coaching through Quora discussions and enhance your preparation for sociology optional with expert advice. Discover effective strategies on how to prepare for sociology optional without coaching, including insights on the best coaching for sociology optional in Delhi. Explore options for sociology optional coaching, both online and offline. Learn how to do sociology optional without coaching and find the best sociology optional coaching institutes in Delhi and Chennai. Get answers on whether one can prepare sociology optional without coaching and access valuable information on sociology optional coaching for UPSC and UPPSC exams. Uncover the top-rated sociology optional coaching through Quora discussions and enhance your preparation for sociology optional with expert advice. Discover effective strategies on how to prepare for sociology optional without coaching, including insights on the best coaching for sociology optional in Delhi. Explore options for sociology optional coaching, both online and offline. Learn how to do sociology optional without coaching and find the best sociology optional coaching institutes in Delhi and Chennai. Get answers on whether one can prepare sociology optional without coaching and access valuable information on sociology optional coaching for UPSC and UPPSC exams. Uncover the top-rated sociology optional coaching through Quora discussions and enhance your preparation for sociology optional with expert advice.

Frequently Asked Questions by
UPSC Sociology Optional Students

  1. How to prepare for the Sociology Optional without coaching?
  • Understand the syllabus thoroughly: Familiarize yourself with the entire syllabus for both Paper I and Paper II. Download the official UPSC syllabus and use it as your roadmap. You can attend Sociology Orientation Lectors by Vikash Ranjan sir  on YouTube
  • Build a strong foundation: Start with introductory textbooks and NCERT books to grasp core sociological concepts. You can start with Introduction to Sociology books
  • Choose reliable study materials: Select high-quality textbooks, reference books, and online resources recommended by experts. You can opt for Vikash Ranjan Sir Notes too.
  • Develop a study schedule: Create a realistic and consistent study schedule that allocates dedicated time for each topic. Stick to it and track your progress.
  • Take notes effectively: Don’t just passively read. Summarize key points, create mind maps, or use other note-taking techniques to aid understanding and revision.
  • Practice answer writing: Regularly write answers to past year question papers and model questions. Focus on clarity, structure, and critical thinking. Evaluate your answers for improvement.
  • Seek guidance: You can take free Mentorship on Sociology Optional preparation by Vikash Ranjan sir. Connect with Vikash Ranjan sir (7303615329) to share strategies, ask questions, and stay motivated.  
  1. Can I prepare for Sociology Optional without coaching?

Absolutely! Many aspirants successfully clear the exam through self-study. However coaching can provide structure and guidance, for time bound preparation.

  1. What are the benefits of preparing without coaching?
  • Cost-effective: Coaching can be expensive, and self-study allows you to manage your resources efficiently.
  • Flexibility: You can tailor your study plan to your individual needs and pace.
  • Independence: You develop critical thinking and research skills, valuable assets for your career.
  1. What are the challenges of preparing without coaching?
  • Discipline and motivation: You need self-discipline to stay on track and motivated without external guidance. Coaching and Teacher keeps you motivated.
  • Access to resources: You may need to do extra research to find quality study materials and answer-writing practice opportunities. Teacher help you on this respect.
  • Doubt clearing: You might lack immediate access to someone to address your doubts and questions. Teacher like Vikash Ranjan sir is accessible to his students 24×7   Mo- 7303615329
  1. What additional resources can help me?
  • Vikash Ranjan Sir’s YouTube channel and website: Offers free Sociology lectures, study materials, and guidance.
  • Triumph IAS website: Provides past year question papers, model answers, and other helpful resources.
  • Public libraries and online databases: Utilize these resources for access to relevant books, journals, and academic articles. 

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