Indus Valley Civilisation: Locating the Great Bath

The Indus Valley Civilisation, also known as the Harappan Civilisation, was one of the oldest urban civilisations in the world. Flourishing around the Indus River basin, it covered large areas of what is now Pakistan and Northwest India. Archaeological excavations have uncovered numerous sites belonging to this civilisation, revealing a sophisticated culture with advanced urban planning, drainage systems, and monumental structures.

One of the most iconic discoveries from the Indus Valley Civilisation is the structure known as the 'Great Bath'. This large rectangular tank was built with baked bricks, sealed with natural tar, and had steps leading down from two sides. Adjacent rooms included a well, and possibly changing rooms. The precise function of the Great Bath is still debated among archaeologists, but it is widely believed to have been used for religious or ceremonial bathing.

Discovery Site of the Great Bath

The question asks about the specific Indus Valley Civilisation site where the Great Bath was discovered. Let's examine the options provided:

• Lothal: Located in Gujarat, India, Lothal was a major port city and a significant site for trade during the Indus Valley Civilisation. It is known for its dockyard, warehouse, and bead-making factory, but not the Great Bath.
• Kalibangan: Situated in Rajasthan, India, Kalibangan is known for evidence of ploughed fields, fire altars, and both pre-Harappan and Harappan phases. The Great Bath was not found here.
• Mohenjo-daro: Located in Sindh, Pakistan, Mohenjo-daro was one of the largest and most important cities of the Indus Valley Civilisation. It is famous for its well-planned grid layout, sophisticated drainage system, the Bronze Dancing Girl statue, and indeed, the Great Bath.
• Banawali: Found in Haryana, India, Banawali shows both pre-Harappan and Harappan culture. It is known for well-laid out streets, drains, and houses, but the Great Bath is not among its discoveries.

Based on archaeological findings, the Great Bath is a distinctive feature of the site of Mohenjo-daro.

Key Sites of Indus Valley Civilisation and Their Discoveries

Here is a summary of some major Indus Valley Civilisation sites and their notable findings:

The Great Bath is a unique structure found specifically at Mohenjo-daro, highlighting its importance as a ceremonial centre within the Indus Valley Civilisation.

Revision Table: Indus Valley Key Facts

Additional Information: Understanding the Great Bath and Mohenjo-daro

The site of Mohenjo-daro was one of the two capital cities of the Indus Valley Civilisation (the other being Harappa). It was a large and well-organized city. The Great Bath is located in the 'Citadel' area of Mohenjo-daro, which is typically the elevated western mound thought to contain structures of public or religious importance.

Features of the Great Bath at Mohenjo-daro:

• Dimensions: Approximately 12 meters long, 7 meters wide, and 2.4 meters deep.
• Construction: Made of precisely cut and laid baked bricks.
• Waterproofing: Used bitumen (natural tar) to prevent water leakage.
• Steps: Staircases at the north and south ends provided access.
• Drainage: A large drain facilitated emptying the tank.
• Adjacent Structures: Rooms around the tank, possibly for changing clothes or storage.

The presence of the Great Bath at Mohenjo-daro provides significant insights into the ritual practices and engineering skills of the people of the Indus Valley Civilisation.