An Encyclopaedia of Indian Archaeology v1.c9.s9.8

v1.c9.s9.8

The 'Citadel' mound at Mohenjo-daro contained some very unique buildings, amongst which special mention may be made of a bath, a granary, and an 'assembly hall', all of which were made of kiln-burnt bricks. Located in the n. part of the 'Citadel', the bath complex consisted of a central tank, 12 m long, 7 m wide and 2·5 m deep, around which ran a pillared veranda followed by a series of rooms which might have been used for changing dress or for similar other purposes. Access to the water-level in the tank was had by means of two staircases, one each on the n. and s. side. To prevent leakage of water the bottom and side-walls of the tank were made waterproof by the use of gypsum in the mortar. A large well in the complex was the source of supply of water and for its discharge a corbelled drain was provided through one of the corners. Not far from the tank is a later (Kushan) *stūpa*, and it has been surmised that below it might be lying a religious complex of the Harappa times. If that be so, the tank may also have been associated with that complex, religious bathing having formed a part of the rituals. (In this context cf. below the evidence from KALIBANGAN.)