Question

Ring wells were used for ____________.
A. Bathing
B. Washing Clothes
C. Irrigation
D. Drainage

Answer 1

Hint: Ring wells were built as rows of pots and ceramic rings arranged one on top of the other. Sometimes they were used as toilets.

Complete answer: Ring wells were used as drainage or garbage dumps. The ring wells were found usually in individual houses. Ring wells were used for the first time under the rule of the Maurya’s in the Gangetic plain which spread out in provinces beyond the heart of the empire. Ring wells were named because of the lining with terracotta rings which can be distinguished from other types of dug wells. In the latest excavation at Purana Qila, the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) has discovered a ring well which is 4.4 metres below the earth.
Looking at the options given:
Option A. Bathing can be done in an enclosed space where only a canal would be required. It is an incorrect answer.
Option B. Washing clothes can be done by the bank of a river or any water body. It is an incorrect option.
Option C. For irrigation, small channels would be required to transport the water. It is an incorrect option.
Option D. Drainage can be done only in deep spaces so that the water could be stored and passed. This is the correct answer.

Note: Ring wells are called because of the terracotta rings. Some of them seem to have been used as toilets in some cases.