In the context of Harappan (Indus Valley) civilisation, at which archaeological site have significant rock-cut features such as water reservoirs and structures been discovered?

Introduction / Context:
The Harappan or Indus Valley civilisation is famous for its urban planning, drainage, and water management systems. While many Harappan cities used baked bricks extensively, some sites also show rock-cut features, especially in relation to water storage and fortifications. This question asks you to identify which Harappan site is noted for such rock-cut architecture, particularly large reservoirs carved into the ground or rock.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• The civilisation in question is the Harappan (Indus Valley) civilisation.
• The focus is on rock-cut features and water reservoirs.
• The options are Kalibangan, Dholavira, Kot Diji, and Amri.
• We assume basic familiarity with the main Harappan sites and their distinguishing features.

Concept / Approach:
Dholavira, located in present day Gujarat on the island of Khadir in the Rann of Kachchh, is one of the most remarkable Harappan sites. It is especially noted for its sophisticated water management system, including a series of large reservoirs and channels, some of which are rock-cut or cut into the ground with stone lining. Kalibangan is known for its ploughed fields and fire altars, Kot Diji for early fortifications, and Amri for early pre Harappan cultural levels. None of these others is as strongly associated with rock-cut reservoirs as Dholavira.

Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: List the distinctive features of the major Harappan sites mentioned. Step 2: Recall that Dholavira stands out for its elaborate water harvesting system and series of reservoirs. Step 3: Understand that some of these reservoirs at Dholavira are cut into the ground and have stone constructions, often described as rock-cut or rock faced water tanks. Step 4: Compare this with Kalibangan, which is noted for ploughed fields and fire altars, not primarily for rock-cut reservoirs. Step 5: Recognise that Kot Diji and Amri provide important information about pre Harappan and early Harappan cultures but do not hold the same rock-cut reservoir fame as Dholavira. Step 6: Conclude that Dholavira is the correct site.

Verification / Alternative check:
Archaeological reports and summaries of Dholavira consistently emphasise its unique system of water reservoirs, many of which are enclosed by stone masonry and carved into the terrain. These features are often illustrated in textbooks as an example of advanced Harappan water management in a semi-arid region. In contrast, discussions of Kalibangan focus on agriculture and ritual structures, and Kot Diji and Amri are highlighted for different reasons. This confirms Dholavira as the site associated with rock-cut architectural features in the Harappan context.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:

• Kalibangan: Known mainly for evidence of ploughed fields and fire altars; its fame is not centred on rock-cut reservoirs.
• Kot Diji: Important as a pre Harappan and early Harappan fortified site, but not especially noted for rock-cut water structures.
• Amri: Another early site with pre Harappan levels, yet without the prominently documented rock-cut reservoirs of Dholavira.

Common Pitfalls:
Students sometimes confuse the special features of different Harappan sites because they memorise lists without linking each site to its unique characteristic. Another mistake is to assume that all Harappan cities had the same type of water management systems. To avoid this, fix in memory that Dholavira equals rock-cut reservoirs and sophisticated water harvesting, Kalibangan equals ploughed fields and fire altars, and sites like Mohenjo Daro and Harappa are known for the Great Bath and grid planning.

Final Answer:
In the Harappan civilisation, significant rock-cut reservoirs and related architectural features have been found at Dholavira.