SSC
Himachal Pradesh is known for a traditional system of diverting stream water through channels for irrigation, called:
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Answer: Option B — Kuhl
Detailed Solution
"Kuhls" (also spelt "kuls") are traditional surface water channels used for irrigation in the hilly areas of Himachal Pradesh, especially in the Kangra valley.
About kuhls:
They divert water from glacier-fed streams and rivers into channels that carry it to fields, often over several kilometres along the hillsides.
Kuhls are hundreds of years old. Some in the Kangra valley are believed to have been built by local rulers centuries ago.
They are managed by the community. A local official called a "kohli" (or "kuhl manager") supervises the distribution of water and organises the repair and cleaning of channels, especially after the monsoon.
The water is distributed among farmers according to a fixed schedule, based on traditional rights.
Kuhls are also found in Jammu and in parts of Uttarakhand (where they are called "guls").
Traditional water conservation systems in other parts of India:
Zabo: Nagaland. "Zabo" means "impounding run-off water". Rainwater from forested hilltops is collected in ponds and used for paddy fields and animal care. It is also called the "Ruza system".
Bamboo drip irrigation: Meghalaya. About 200 years old; water from springs is carried through bamboo pipes to plants.
Apatani system: Ziro valley, Arunachal Pradesh. Rice-cum-fish farming in terraced fields.
Khadin, Kund (Kundi), Johad, Tanka and Baori: Rajasthan. "Khadin" is an earthen embankment built across a slope to hold run-off water for farming; it was first developed by the Paliwal Brahmins of Jaisalmer.
Ahar-Pyne: south Bihar. "Ahars" are reservoirs and "pynes" are channels.
Eri: Tamil Nadu. Tank systems.
Phad: Maharashtra. Community-managed irrigation from rivers.
Dongs: Assam (Bodo tribes). Ponds that collect water for irrigation.
Kattas and Surangams: Karnataka and Kerala.
Bawari or Vav (stepwells): Gujarat and Rajasthan.
Why not the other options?
- ✗Zabo is a system of Nagaland.
- ✗Khadin is a system of Rajasthan.
- ✗Ahar-Pyne is a system of south Bihar.
Quick tip
Remember: Kuhl = Himachal Pradesh (Kangra; managed by a "kohli"); Zabo = Nagaland; Khadin, Johad, Tanka = Rajasthan; Ahar-Pyne = Bihar; Eri = Tamil Nadu; bamboo drip = Meghalaya; Phad = Maharashtra.
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Indian States & Union Territories — Preparation
This question tests your understanding of Indian States & Union Territories, a key topic in the General Knowledge section. The detailed solution above uses a step-by-step approach to show the reasoning, and where available, a shortcut that helps you solve similar questions in under 90 seconds during the actual exam.
This topic covers state-wise GK for India: capitals, formation dates, high courts, state animals, birds and flowers, famous places, and the culture, dances and festivals that identify each state and union territory. Questions commonly ask about the newest state or union territory, the state formed on a particular date, the capitals of states, and which high court serves more than one state. Keep a single table per state with its capital, formation year and key facts. Reorganisations such as that of Jammu and Kashmir in 2019 change the answers, so make sure your notes are up to date. Practise the Indian states and union territories questions below, written in the style of the general awareness sections of exams such as SSC, banking, railways, CUET GAT, MAH CET and CLAT. Each question comes with a detailed explanation that adds related facts, so every question helps you revise more than one point.