By Sharanyaa Biswas
Part 1
Harappa, Mohenjo-Daro and other Harappan cities are well organized cities and towns.
First of all, the bricks were all the same size. The buildings usually were 1 storied buildings, but few of the buildings were 2 storied buildings, perhaps belonging to richer people. The lanes were narrow and the roads were broad.
Secondly, the drainage systems were well planned. The pipes were made of bricks which were also used to build houses. There were manholes allowing men to clean everything thoroughly.
Sanitation was very important to Harappan people. Most houses had washrooms and Mohenjo-Daro also had THE GREAT BATH.
Harappan cities had a flaw. The windows faced other buildings so if you looked through the window all you could see was a blank wall.
To end with Harappan cities and towns were river-based places.
Importance of Sanitation
Part 2
“Sanitation was very important to Harappan people”
Historian Upinder Singh, says in her book A History of Ancient and Early Medieval India: “Many houses or group of houses had separate bathing areas and toilets. Bathing platforms with drains were often located in rooms next to a well. The floor of the bathing are was made with tight fitting bricks, frequently set on edge, to make a carefully sloped watertight surface. A small drain led from hear, cut through the house wall, and went out into the street connecting ultimately with a larger sewage drain….”
References:
- Book: Children History of India by Subhadra Sen Gupta
- Book: Excavating History, India through Archaeology by Devika Cariapa
- Picture Source: The Web Chronology Project
SM Twins 