Archaeologists discovered traces of a water storage area between mounds one and two in Rakhigarhi village, Hisar district, Haryana.

• The structure, with a depth of 3.5 to 4 feet, highlights advanced water management practices by the Harappan civilisation.

Key highlights of Discovery

• Elite Habitation Zone:
  • Mounds one, two, and three have been identified as an elite zone, containing massive structures indicating habitation by the upper class of the Harappan society.
• River Dependency:
  • Evidence points to the now-extinct Chautang (Drishavati) river, located 300 meters from the site, as a vital water source for the ancient city.
  • Code drilling and findings from the Zoological Survey of India confirm the presence of the Chautang riverbed near mound seven.
  • The Drishavati river’s drying up, along with the Sarasvati river, likely triggered water crises that could contribute to the decline of the Harappan civilisation.

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Water Management Techniques of Harrapan Civilization

1. Urban Water Supply and Drainage Systems

• Well-Planned Drainage Networks:
  • Cities like Mohenjo-Daro and Harappa had sophisticated underground drainage systems.
  • Drains were covered with bricks and connected to bathing platforms in homes.
  • Wastewater was directed into soak pits, preventing contamination of living areas.
• Examples:
  • Mohenjo-Daro: Brick-lined drains ran along streets, with inspection holes for maintenance.
  • Dholavira: Large interconnected drains channeled water from residential and public areas.

2. Water Storage Reservoirs

• Reservoirs and Tanks:
  • Large water tanks were constructed for communal use, religious purposes, or water conservation.
  • Example:
    • Dholavira (Gujarat): The city featured stepwells and massive reservoirs built to store rainwater and channel runoff, especially during the monsoon season.
    • Lothal (Gujarat): A dockyard with provisions for water storage, likely for trade-related purposes.

3. Wells

• Private and Public Wells:
  • Wells were a common feature in Harappan cities, ensuring a steady supply of water for drinking and domestic use.
• Examples:
  • Mohenjo-Daro: Over 700 wells identified, often located close to houses.

4. Canals and Irrigation

• Canal Systems for Agriculture:
  • Harappans constructed canals to divert river water for irrigation.
  • Channels were designed to ensure controlled water flow, vital for crop cultivation.
• Example:
  • The Ghaggar-Hakra system: Likely utilized for irrigation, though evidence is indirect.

5. Rainwater Harvesting

• Collection of Rainwater:
  • Structures were designed to maximize rainwater collection and storage.
  • Example:
    • Dholavira: Sophisticated rainwater harvesting systems incorporated channels and reservoirs to capture and store water efficiently.

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6. Adaptation to River Systems

• Dependency on Rivers:
  • The Harappans relied on rivers like the Indus, Sarasvati, and Drishavati for water resources.
  • Evidence suggests they stored water during peak flow seasons for later use.
• Examples:
  • Rakhigarhi: Evidence of water storage linked to the Drishavati river.
  • Kalibangan: Remnants of a riverbank settlement with signs of water collection.

7. Sanitation and Wastewater Management

• Integrated Sanitation Systems:
  • Harappans prioritized hygiene with separate drains for waste disposal and bathing.
  • Households were equipped with soak jars or cesspits to prevent clogs in public drains.
• Example:
  • Mohenjo-Daro: Houses often had bathrooms connected to street drains.

About Rakhigarhi

• Rakhigarhi is located in the Hisar district of Haryana, approximately 27 km from the Ghaggar river in the Ghaggar-Hakra river plain.
• One of the oldest and largest cities of the Indus Valley Civilization (Harappan Civilization), dating back to 6500 BCE.

Key Findings

1. Archaeological Mounds:
   • Seven mounds have been identified at Rakhigarhi, covering an area of around 350 hectares.
   • The site shows evidence of habitation during the Early Harappan (Pre-Urban) and Mature Harappan (Urban) phases.
2. Urban Planning:
   • Bronze Age Urbanism:\
     • Provides insights into early urban planning, social organization.
     • Mud-brick and burnt-brick houses.
     • A sophisticated drainage system indicating advanced urban infrastructure.
3. Artifacts:
   • Ceramic Industry:
     • Pottery including red ware, dish-on-stand, vase, jar, bowl, goblet, and perforated jars.
   • Sacrificial Pits:
     • Mud-brick-lined pits with triangular and circular fire altars, pointing to ritualistic practices.
   • Seals:
     • A cylindrical seal featuring five Harappan characters and an alligator symbol is notable.
   • Other Antiquities:
     • Terracotta and shell bangles, beads of semi-precious stones, copper objects, and animal figurines.
     • Toy cart frames and terracotta wheels.
     • Blades, bone points, and inscribed steatite seals.

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Cultural and Historical Insights

1. Early and Mature Harappan Phases:
   • Early Harappan: Evidence of settlement and early urban planning.
   • Mature Harappan: Well-planned cityscape, trade, and specialized craftsmanship.
   • Late Harappan: The site was abandoned, reflecting broader trends of decline in the Indus Valley Civilization.
2. Ritualistic Practices:
   • Animal sacrificial pits and fire altars suggest a complex ritual and religious system.
3. Craft and Trade:
   • Artifacts like terracotta bangles, beads, seals, and pottery point to skilled craftsmanship and an active trade network.

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