Hygiene and Hydraulics
The Harappans placed immense importance on water and cleanliness. Their hydraulic engineering was centuries ahead of other contemporary civilisations.
Drainage System
- Network: Houses had separate bathing areas connected to street drains.
- Covered Drains: The main drains running under streets were covered with bricks or stone slabs.
- Maintenance: Manholes were provided at regular intervals for cleaning.
- Significance: This suggests a “civic sense” and a municipal authority responsible for sanitation.
Sources of Water
- Wells: Mohenjo-daro alone had about 700 wells.
- Reservoirs (Dholavira): Since Dholavira (in the Rann of Kutch) did not have perennial rivers like the Indus, they built massive stone reservoirs to harvest rainwater.
- Some reservoirs were cut into solid rock.
- The largest measured 73 metres in length.
- Connected by underground drains.
Tip
Dholavira’s Uniqueness: While most Harappan construction used bricks, Dholavira extensively used stone for its reservoirs and buildings.