1.4.3. The Citadel

It is on the Citadel that we find evidence of structures that were probably used for special public purposes. These include the warehouse – a massive structure of which the lower brick portions remain, while the upper portions, probably of wood, decayed long ago – and the Great Bath.

The Citadel was an important part of the Harappan city, providing space for significant structures. Notably, the warehouse was built using bricks, with only its lower portions still intact today as the upper parts, which were probably wooden, have decayed. This structure highlights the importance of storage and possibly trade in the Harappan civilization. Additionally, the Great Bath is a large water tank, surrounded by a corridor and steps for access, indicating an organized approach to public utilities and potentially ritual practices.

Imagine a community center today that includes a swimming pool and a multi-purpose hall. Just as these buildings are designed for community activities and gatherings, the Citadel served as a hub for social and public functions in the Harappan civilization.

The Great Bath was a large rectangular tank in a courtyard surrounded by a corridor on all four sides. There were two flights of steps on the north and south leading into the tank, which was made watertight by setting bricks on edge and using a mortar of gypsum.

The Great Bath is a fascinating architectural feature showing advanced engineering skills. Its design includes a rectangular shape, surrounded by corridors to facilitate access, with steps leading into the tank from both the northern and southern ends. The use of gypsum for waterproofing indicates a sophisticated understanding of construction materials, which speaks to the importance of maintaining water, possibly for rituals or public bathing.

Think of a modern swimming pool that requires specific construction techniques to keep the water from leaking. The Harappans applied similar techniques to ensure that the Great Bath could hold water effectively.

The Great Bath had rooms on three sides, in one of which was a large well. Water from the tank flowed into a huge drain. Across a lane to the north lay a smaller building with eight bathrooms, four on each side of a corridor, with drains from each bathroom connecting to a drain that ran along the corridor.

The drainage system illustrates the advanced planning in Harappan urban design. The Great Bath was not only a bath but part of a larger system where wastewater could efficiently flow away from important buildings. The presence of bathrooms with drainage indicates a concern for hygiene, showcasing that the Harappans prioritized cleanliness and health within their society.

Consider how modern cities have extensive plumbing systems to manage wastewater. Similarly, the Harappan drainage system was a crucial part of city infrastructure, ensuring the community remained clean and preventing flooding.

The uniqueness of the structure, as well as the context in which it was found (the Citadel, with several distinctive buildings), has led scholars to suggest that it was meant for some kind of a special ritual bath.

Scholars have speculated that the Great Bath served a ritualistic function due to its unique design and location in the Citadel, an area reserved for important public structures. The combination of water accessibility and communal facilities suggests that bathing may have been part of important social or religious practices, reflecting the cultural significance of water.

Much like how certain places today, like temples or churches, may have special areas for cleansing rituals, the Great Bath likely served a similar sacred purpose within the Harappan community.

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