Select the correct alternative of the basis of the given statements on the drainage system of the Harappan civilisation.
Statement I: In most of the Harappan cities, the houses had open drainage systems outside.
Statement II: In the Harappan civilisation, water and garbage used to drain out from the drains located outside the houses and go into the main underground drain.

Correct option is C

The correct answer is (C) Only Statement II is true.

Explanation:

• The drainage system of the Harappan Civilization was one of the most remarkable features of their urban planning, characterized by its systematic and covered nature.

• Statement I is incorrect because Harappan houses typically had closed or covered drainage systems, not open ones, to maintain hygiene and prevent the spread of diseases.

• Statement II is correct as every house was connected to the street drains, and wastewater from bathrooms flowed through small chutes into the main street sewers.

• The main drains were underground and constructed using bricks or stone slabs, which could be removed for periodic cleaning.

• This advanced engineering ensured that garbage and wastewater were efficiently transported away from residential areas to large disposal pits or the city outskirts.

Information Booster:

• The street drains were provided with sumps (cesspits) at regular intervals for the collection of solid waste, ensuring the flow was not obstructed.

• The use of mortar, lime, and gypsum was common in making the drains watertight, showcasing an early understanding of sanitary engineering.

Additional Knowledge:Statement I (Option A): * It is false because the Harappans prioritized sanitation; open drains were rare in residential areas as they understood the risks of stagnant water and exposure.

• Most drains were covered with baked bricks or stone slabs, reflecting a high level of civic sense.

Neither Statement I nor Statement II (Option B): * This is incorrect because Statement II accurately describes the interconnectivity between domestic waste outlets and the main urban drainage network.

Both Statement I and Statement II (Option D): * This is incorrect because the two statements contradict the historical evidence regarding the privacy and enclosure of the Harappan sanitary systems.