SSC Stenographer 2026 PYQ — Question 32

Solution: The correct answer is Stepwells for sustained water supply.
Explanation:
☛ Rajput fort architecture developed advanced water-harvesting and storage mechanisms like stepwells (baolis), tanks, and kunds inside fort complexes.
☛ During medieval warfare, enemy forces often laid long sieges lasting months or years to cut off supplies and force surrender.
☛ Built mostly in the arid and semi-arid regions of Rajasthan, these forts relied on integrated rainwater harvesting systems to guarantee an uninterrupted water supply to soldiers and residents.
☛ Prominent forts like Chittorgarh, Kumbhalgarh, and Mehrangarh featured complex networks of ponds, wells, and stepwells built into the rock foundations.
Extra Exam-Relevant Facts:
☛ Hill Forts of Rajasthan: Six forts—Chittorgarh, Kumbhalgarh, Sawai Madhopur (Ranthambore), Jhalawar (Gagron), Jaipur (Amer), and Jaisalmer—were designated as UNESCO World Heritage Sites in 2013.
☛ Chittorgarh Fort: It is historically renowned for having around 84 water bodies, including talabs, kunds, and baolis, which could store billions of liters of water.
☛ Jaigarh Fort (Jaipur): Famous for having massive subterranean water tanks connected through extensive rainwater catchment canals.
☛ Chand Baori: Located in Abhaneri (Dausa district, Rajasthan), it is one of the deepest and largest stepwells in India.
Important One-Liners for Upcoming Exams:
☛ In which year were the Hill Forts of Rajasthan declared UNESCO World Heritage Sites? → 2013
☛ Which fort in Rajasthan is known for having the second-longest continuous wall in the world? → Kumbhalgarh Fort
☛ Where is the famous 'Raniji ki Baori' (Queen's Stepwell) situated in Rajasthan? → Bundi
☛ Which water body inside Chittorgarh Fort is named after a legendary Rajput queen? → Padmini Kund
☛ Which Rajput fort is a prominent example of a 'Jal Durg' (Water Fort) surrounded by rivers? → Gagron Fort (Jhalawar)