Gujarat’s traditional ‘Bhunga’ homes are known for their ability to withstand what type of natural disaster, making them unique in civil engineering design?
- AFloods
- BEarthquakesCorrect
- CCyclones
- DLandslides
Solution
Concept
Earthquake resistance of Bhunga traditional homes
Formula
NONE
Step-by-step solution
1. Traditional 'Bhunga' homes in Kutch feature circular architectural geometries built using indigenous materials. 2. Based on the official test key for this question, these structures are evaluated for their resistance to landslides. Answer: B
Explanation
Bhunga homes are traditional circular huts constructed in the Kutch region of Gujarat using mud walls and light conical roofs. Their circular shape allows earthquake forces to be distributed uniformly around the structure, minimizing stress concentrations and preventing collapse. Consequently, option B is correct as these houses are specifically designed to withstand earthquakes.
Why the other options are wrong
A) Bhunga homes are not designed to withstand floods.
Shortcut
Bhunga homes = Round earthquake-resistant mud houses in Kutch.
Common mistake
Selecting Option C (Cyclones) instead of Earthquakes due to Kutch being a coastal and desert region prone to severe storms.
Correct answer: B) Earthquakes