Abstract: The word ʹtoiletʹ is considered as a taboo in our society. Our history is almost silent about the toilet habits of our ancestors, while it is as much important as eating, bathing, sleeping etc. in our lifestyle.
Present paper is focused on the materialistic evidence of toilet system in ancient India, although the brief introduction starts with the sanitary system in world context. The design of the toilet and drainage systems, functional, durable, and user-friendly, reflects a technological and ethical leap in human civilization. Well, toilets have a long history in India, dating back to the Indus Valley Civilization, which flourished in and around Harappa and Mahenjodaro.
While digging the Sindhu ghati sabhyata, archaeologists have discovered evidence that about 4500 years ago, Brick chairs coated in water. Evolution of toilet as a basic need of existence is a most important chapter in the history of human civilization. This basic sanitary system is a link between life and health, society and environment.
In India, the journey of toilets began from the Indus Valley Civilization and has been continuing till date. In the Indian system, there was an open drain and common people used to sit and the excreta was fished out with water. Some of the Mughal rulers erected public toilets like modern Sulabh Jahangeer is supposed to build a public toilet near Alwar for the use of nearly 100 families.
Open defecation and improper disposal of toilet waste is a huge issue right now. However, the toilet system has progressed a lot from the time of the Indus Valley to the current 21st Century. The unique toilet system of Harappa and Mohenjo.
Usually, a squat toilet can consist of a water seal, making it a flush toilet and without the water seal, it's a dry toilet. Now, history claims that the first squat toilets were found in private houses in Harappa, an archaeological site in Pakistan, where all toilets were linked to the covered drains outside, thus revealing that Harappans. How Ancient India Pioneered Sanitation Millennia before the Roman Empire, the Indus Valley Civilization had private toilets and sophisticated drainage systems.
But who gets to decide what is "clean" today? The bathroom-toilet structure of a house in Lothal, one of the southernmost sites of the ancient Indus Valley Civilization (Wikimedia). Throughout history, human waste disposal has undergone a remarkable transformation. In ancient India, as early as 2500 BC, the Indus Valley showcased a rudimentary toilet and sewer system that was ahead of its time, with rooms dedicated to waste disposal.
Are there any alternatives to Indian toilets? Yes, there are a number of alternatives to Indian toilets. Some of the most common alternatives include: Western-style toilets Bidets Urinals Composting toilets Which type of toilet is best for me? The best type of toilet for you will depend on your individual needs and preferences.