Question

Given below are two statements:
Statement (I): The Qanats, the oldest known irrigation methods, were developed in Ancient Persia
Statement (II): The system comprises a network of canals and steeply sloping tunnels driven into sides of cliffs and steep hills for harvesting of rain water.
In light of the above statements, choose the most appropriate answer from the options given below.

• A. Both Statement (I) and Statement (II) are true.
• B. Both Statement (I) and Statement (II) are false.
• C. Statement (I) is true but Statement (II) is false.
• D. Statement (I) is false but Statement (II) is true.

Hint:

Qanats are underground tunnels designed to tap groundwater (water tables), not surface rainwater.
They have a very gentle slope to prevent soil erosion within the tunnel.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is C

Step 1: Understanding the Concept:
Ancient irrigation systems demonstrate historically significant engineering designs for harvesting and managing water in arid regions.

Step 3: Detailed Explanation:
- Statement I evaluation: Qanats (underground aqueducts) are indeed among the oldest known engineered water delivery systems, developed by ancient Persians in modern-day Iran around the 1st millennium BC. Thus, Statement I is correct.
- Statement II evaluation: A Qanat system comprises a series of vertical shafts and a gently sloping (not steeply sloping) underground tunnel. Furthermore, its purpose is to tap and transport groundwater from mountain aquifers to flat plains by gravity, rather than harvesting rainwater. A steep slope would cause high water velocity and erode the tunnel structure. Thus, Statement II is incorrect.

Step 4: Final Answer:
Statement (I) is true but Statement (II) is false. This corresponds to option (C).