HARAPPAN DRAINAGE SYSTEMS (Syllabus: GS Paper 1 – History)

Context: The Harappan cities like Dholavira and Mohenjodaro excelled in urban planning with advanced drainage, wastewater management, and rainwater harvesting systems.

Harappan Drainage Systems

• Urban Centres: Harappan cities like Rakhigarhi, Mohenjodaro, Harappa, Dholavira, and Lothal were known for their advanced town planning.
• Drainage System: The drainage systems in Harappan cities were sophisticated, with drains running along streets and lanes and vertical pipes in houses to manage wastewater.
• Wastewater Facilities: Houses had vertical pipes leading to chutes that emptied onto the streets, demonstrating advanced wastewater management.
• Water Resources: An extensive network of reservoirs, wells, and canals was developed to meet agricultural and irrigation needs.
• Rakhigarhi Findings: Recent excavations at Rakhigarhi revealed covered and open drains with soakage pits at street corners.

oSimilar soakage jars were found in Banawali, indicating consistent drainage practices.

• Early Evidence: Mohenjodaro showed advanced water management with over 400 wells and a network of baked-brick drains.
• Dholavira’s Techniques: Dholavira in Gujarat is noted for its effective rainwater management strategies in an arid environment.