How did Indus civilization cities manage sanitation and drainage?

The Indus civilization placed a high priority on cleanliness and sanitation, integrating sophisticated drainage and water management systems into their urban planning.1

Key features of their approach included:

• Domestic Facilities: Most homes in cities like Mohenjo-daro featured private washrooms with floors constructed of fine brickwork. These rooms were typically equipped with waste drains that connected to a broader city-wide network.123
• Urban Drainage: Streets were well-provided with drains and sanitation systems. Houses were designed with drainage chutes that emptied into these street-level conduits, effectively moving wastewater away from residential areas.23
• Advanced Engineering: At sites like the Great Bath, engineers utilized advanced construction techniques, such as using gypsum mortar and bitumen sealers to ensure water-tightness. Water was supplied by large wells, and drainage was managed through high, corbeled drains that directed water away from the structures.14
• Material Use: While brick was the primary building material, cities like Kalibangan specifically utilized burned brick for the construction of wells, drains, and bathrooms to ensure durability and hygiene.3