
Water is the foundation of life, but managing it in dry regions is a challenge humans have faced for centuries. This chapter explores the brilliant engineering of lakes and stepwells that kept India hydrated. By studying these every drop counts class 5 chapter 6 NCERT Solutions, you will discover why every single drop of water was treated like gold. Whether you are solving textbook exercises or preparing for a class test, this comprehensive guide simplifies complex concepts into easy-to-learn points for every young learner.
Ghadsisar was a famous lake in Jaisalmer, Rajasthan, built by King Ghadsi over 650 years ago. It wasn't just a single pond but a sophisticated system of nine interconnected lakes. When the first lake overflowed, the water naturally moved to the next level.
This system ensured that water was collected over a vast area and stored for the entire year. Students often look for an every drop counts class 5 question answer regarding how this worked. Simply put, it used gravity and clever stone construction to ensure no rain went to waste.
In the past, people celebrated festivals at these lakes and kept them clean. Today, many of these lakes have disappeared because of new buildings and colonies. This shift highlights why the every drop counts class 5 chapter 6 question answer focuses so much on the loss of traditional wisdom.
Read More - NCERT Solutions for Class 5 Maths Chapter 10 – Tenths and Hundredths
In regions where it only rains for a few days a year, people developed the technique of rainwater harvesting. This involves catching rain where it falls. Most houses in Rajasthan had a special system involving sloping roofs and underground tanks called 'Tankas'.
The every drop counts class 5 NCERT Solutions explain that pipes connected the roof to the Tanka. The first rain was used to clean the roof, and then the clean water was stored. This stored water could last for many months, providing a lifeline for families.
1. What is rainwater harvesting?
Answer: Rainwater harvesting is the method of collecting rainwater where it falls and storing it for later use, especially in areas with little rainfall.
2. How did people in Rajasthan collect rainwater in olden times?
Answer: People used underground tanks called Tankas. These were connected to sloping roofs via pipes to collect rainwater efficiently.
3. Why was the first rainwater not stored in the Tanka?
Answer: The first rain was used to clean the roof so that the water stored afterwards remained clean and safe for drinking.
4. Where was a Tanka usually built?
Answer: A Tanka was usually built inside the courtyard of a house.
5. How was a Tanka constructed to prevent leakage?
Answer: Tankas were deep pits lined with lime, which prevented water from leaking out.
6. What was the main purpose of a Tanka?
Answer: The Tanka provided drinking water to families during hot summer months when there was very little rainfall.
7. How did this system show that every drop of water counts?
Answer: By collecting and storing every drop of rainwater carefully, families could survive long dry periods. This shows the importance of saving water and using it wisely.
Stepwells, or Bawris, are unique to India’s architectural history. Unlike a regular well where you pull water up using a pulley, a stepwell has stairs. These stairs allow people to go down several storeys to reach the water level themselves.
If you are writing an every drop counts class 5 chapter 6 NCERT solutions assignment, remember that Bawris served two purposes. They were a reliable source of water and a cool place for travellers to rest. The thick stone walls kept the temperature inside very low.
Ease of Access: People didn't need heavy ropes to get water.
Community Hub: They were used for social gatherings and religious ceremonies.
Sustainability: They recharged the groundwater levels naturally over time.
In India, water is not just a liquid; it is considered sacred. Many villages have traditions where they celebrate when a lake fills up. Musicians play instruments, and the entire community gathers to offer prayers to the water goddess.
Every drop counts class 5 question answer materials often mention the custom of a new bride. In many parts of India, a bride bows to the village pond or spring. This shows the deep respect people have for the sources that keep them alive.
In olden times, it was considered a great deed to give water to thirsty travellers. People set up 'Piau', which are small stalls with earthen pots filled with cool water. Sometimes, mashaks (leather bags) were used to carry and distribute water on long desert routes.
Read More - NCERT Solutions for Class 5 English Chapter 6 What a Tank
One of the most modern success stories in the chapter is about Darki Mai. She lived in a dry area of Alwar, Rajasthan. Because of the water shortage, the men had to leave for work, and the women spent all day fetching water for the cattle.
Darki Mai reached out to Tarun Bharat Sangh, a group dedicated to water conservation. Together, they built a pond in the village. This single pond changed everything. The animals got enough water, milk production increased, and the villagers began to earn more money.
Community Power: Problems are solved faster when people work together.
Groundwater Recharge: Ponds help the earth soak up water, which refills wells.
Economic Growth: Having enough water leads to better farming and animal care.
Today, our way of getting water has changed drastically. Most of us get water from the Municipal Board through taps. While this is convenient, it has made us forget the value of water. We often leave taps running or ignore leaks in our pipes.
In many cities, people use electric pumps to suck water directly from the main lines. This leaves other houses with no water. Understanding the every drop counts class 5 question answer helps us realise that we need to return to more sustainable and fair ways of sharing water.
Handpumps: Common in rural and semi-urban areas.
Water Tankers: Used in areas where the pipeline doesn't reach.
Borewells: Deep holes drilled into the ground to reach the water table.
Al-Biruni was a traveller from Uzbekistan who visited India over a thousand years ago. He was amazed by how Indians built ponds. He wrote that his own people would be surprised to see such grand structures made of huge stone blocks and iron rods.
His writings are a key part of the every drop counts class 5 NCERT solutions. They provide historical proof that India was once a world leader in water management and civil engineering. His observations help us appreciate our heritage today.
Strong Foundations: The use of heavy stone masonry.
Safety Features: Separate stairs for going up and coming down to avoid crowds.
Massive Scale: The sheer size of the reservoirs built by local kings.
As the population grows, the demand for water increases. If we do not learn from the past, we will face a severe crisis. The chapter "Every Drop Counts" is a call to action for every student to start saving water in their daily lives.
Simple steps like fixing a leaky tap or using a bucket instead of a hose can save thousands of litres. By learning the every drop counts class 5 chapter 6 question answer, students become "Water Warriors" who can lead the change in their own homes and schools.
Every child learns better with proper guidance, patience, and care. CuriousJr makes online learning at home smooth, positive, and stress-free for both students and parents.
