Module: General Practice
Q16: Consider the following statements regarding the structural materials and design of the Harappan street drains:
1. The main drainage channels in the streets were constructed using burnt bricks that were securely set in a mud or gypsum mortar.
2. These public street drains were left entirely open to the sun and air to allow for rapid evaporation of wastewater.
3. Domestic wastewater from individual houses first emptied into a private sump or cesspit, allowing solid matter to settle before the liquid flowed into the street drains.
Which of the above statements is/are correct?
2. These public street drains were left entirely open to the sun and air to allow for rapid evaporation of wastewater.
3. Domestic wastewater from individual houses first emptied into a private sump or cesspit, allowing solid matter to settle before the liquid flowed into the street drains.
Which of the above statements is/are correct?
✅ Correct Answer: B
🎯 Quick Answer:
Option B is the correct answer because statement 2 is factually incorrect regarding the covering of the drains.Structural Breakdown: The drains were meticulously built using durable burnt bricks set in mortar.
Crucially, they were not left open.
They were covered with loose bricks or large limestone blocks that could be easily lifted by municipal workers to clean out blockages.
Every house was connected to this system via a soak pit or sump, which acted as a primitive septic tank to catch solid waste.
Historical/Related Context: Early archaeologists like Ernest Mackay were astounded by this system, noting in 1948 that it was the most complete ancient drainage system yet discovered, far surpassing those of contemporary civilizations.
Causal Reasoning: The Harappans intentionally covered their street drains to prevent the spread of disease, foul odors, and the breeding of insects in the hot, semi-arid climate, demonstrating an advanced understanding of civic hygiene.