The irrigation device called ‘Araghatta’ was [Ancient History]

The correct option is a large wheel with earthen pots tied to the outer ends of its spokes.

The term Araghatta is derived from two Sanskrit words:
1. Ara, which means the spoke of a wheel.
2. Ghatta, which means a pot.

In ancient and early medieval India, the Araghatta was a widely used mechanical device for lifting water for irrigation. The system featured a large vertical wheel with multiple earthen pots attached to the outer ends of its spokes or along its rim. As the wheel rotated, the pots dipped into a water source (such as a well or river) at the bottom, filled up with water, carried it up to the top as the wheel turned, and then automatically discharged the water into an irrigation trough or channel.

This device represents an early form of water-lifting technology in India, which later evolved into the geared Persian wheel (often called Rahat).