The most ancient system yet discovered About the drains, Mackay noted: “It is certainly the most complete ancient system as yet discovered. Every house was connected to the street drains. The main channels were made of bricks set in mortar and were covered with loose bricks that could be removed for cleaning. In some cases, limestone was used for the covers. House drains first emptied into a sump or cesspit into which solid matter settled while waste water flowed out into the street drains. Very long drainage channels were provided at intervals with sumps for cleaning. It is a wonder of archaeology that little heaps of material, mostly sand, have frequently been found lying alongside drainage channels, which shows .... that the debris was not always carted away when the drain was cleared”.
Drainage systems were not unique to the larger cities, but were found in smaller settlements as well. At Lothal for example, while houses were built of mud bricks, drains were made of burnt bricks.
A. Explain the ancient drainage system of the Harappans.
B. Explain the domestic architecture of the houses of Mohenjodaro.
C. What are the advantages of covered drains? Explain.
B. Houses: The houses of Mohenjodaro and Harappa were well planned. Houses were built of bricks, stone and mud mortar. They were built on both sides of the street. Their walls were thick and strong. The roofs were flat. There were few windows but more doors. Every house had kitchen, bathroom and courtyard. Many houses had their wells.
C. Advantages of covered drains :
(a) Covered drains can prevent people from dangerous diseases.
(b) This can set an example of a clean city.
(c) It can even stop the polluted air which can be there if it is uncovered.
(d) If the drain is covered it can be easily cleaned and maintained.
