What was the primary purpose of the "Nilometer"?

Question

Option 1: To measure riverine levels to predict agricultural yields and fix tax rates.

Option 2: To calculate distances using the flow of water in the Nile.

Option 3: To measure the consumption of water by the capital city.

Option 4: To track the speed of trade ships travelling downstream.

AfterBoards · Accepted Answer

Para 1	Host frames Egypt
Para 2	Nile data guides state
Para 3	Central control through river
Para 4	Geometry supports governance

From passage: "A Nilometer was used to measure the Nile's water levels and helped officials forecast harvest quality, anticipate famine or abundance, and calculate tax levies based on the flood height."

Thought Process Breakdown: The question asks the purpose of the Nilometer. -> Find what the passage says it measured. -> It measured Nile water levels. -> These levels helped predict harvest quality. -> They also helped calculate tax levies. So, the answer must connect river level + agricultural yield + tax rates.

Option Analysis: 🟢 Option 1 -> Correct -> It measured river levels to predict yields and fix taxes. 🔴 Option 2 -> Unstated Detail -> No distance calculation is mentioned. 🔴 Option 3 -> Unstated Detail -> The Nilometer was not for measuring city water use. 🔴 Option 4 -> Unstated Detail -> Trade ship speed is not discussed.

IPMAT Indore (VA) PYQs

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