Why has MacKay described this system as complete ancient drainage system?

Question

Read the following excerpt carefully and answer the questions that follow:

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 wastewater 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.” From Ernest Mackay, Early Indus Civilization, 1948 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 from burnt bricks.

i. Why has MacKay described this system as complete ancient drainage system?

ii. Was the drainage system similar in large & small settlements of Harappa? Support your answer with Facts.

iii. How were the drains covered?

Answer 1

The most ancient system yet discovered

i. Mackay has described it as complete ancient because of well planned, systematic and unique like its contemporary civilization particularly drainage system. Cleanliness part was also considered.

ii. Yes , in large cities like Mohenjo-Daro and small settlement like Lethal drainage was unique.

iii. Features of domestic drainage system

a. Every house was connected with the street drain

b. The main channel were made of brick set in mortar and were covered with loose bricks that could be removed for cleaning

c. In some cases, limestone was used for the covers.

d. House drains first emptied into a sump or cesspit into which solid matter settled while wastewater flowed out into the street drains.

e. Very long drainage channels were provided at intervals with sumps for Cleaning.