Studies in Indian Art c8.s1.t3.7

c8.s1.t3.7

The most impressive monument left behind by the Indus Valley people is the Great Bath (Mahā-Kunda) (39' long, 23' wide, 8' deep) reached by flights of steps on two sides and forming the core of a big hydropathic establishment (180' × 108') surrounded by several rows of double-storied rooms for changing clothes etc. and also some bath-rooms. It was supplied with fresh water from the adjoining well. Great care was taken to make it impervious in the floor paved with bricks on edge, and by three parallel vertical brick-walls, the first plastered on the inside and plugged on the outside by 1" thick coat of bitumen after which ran the second and the third wall separated by mudfilling, all made compact as several parts of one whole enclosing device. It must have been frequently refilled as indicated by the emptying outlet in one corner connected with a big corbelled drain. An institution of this elaborate nature must have had special significance for the builders most probably used for religious ablutions.