Where the first toilet was built and how it worked

Time of India

3 days ago

Image: Unsplash
L
ong before the advent of modern plumbing or sanitation laws, ancient societies were already finding ingenious ways to manage one of life's most essential needs: waste removal.
From the stone-lined homes of prehistoric cities to the intricate layouts of early urban settlements, the concept of the toilet began to emerge as both a practical and thoughtful innovation. These early systems weren't simply about comfort; they reflected an evolving awareness of cleanliness, public health, and city planning. But where exactly did the first toilet appear, and how did it work, long before pipes and porcelain?
The first toilet:
Indus Valley Civilization
's sanitation marvel ( 2800–1900 BCE)
Among the earliest and most sophisticated pioneers of domestic sanitation were the ancient cities of the Indus Valley Civilization (IVC), notably Mohenjodaro, Harappa, Lothal, and Dholavira, located in northwest India.
Flourishing around 4,500 years ago, this Bronze Age civilization was remarkable for its meticulously planned cities, grid-like streets, advanced water systems, and above all, integrated toilets and covered drainage networks that surpassed those of many later empires.
The toilets of the Indus Valley were generally small brick-lined chambers within individual homes. These were often situated along outer walls or adjacent to bathrooms.
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The waste from these toilets was channeled via vertical terracotta or brick chutes into covered brick drains that ran beneath the streets. In some cases, these drains led directly to soak pits or cesspools, and in larger cities, they connected to sophisticated multi-tiered sewer systems designed to prevent flooding and contamination.
Flushing was achieved manually. Residents would pour water from jars or pitchers into the toilet chute to flush away waste, an effective and hygienic method given the climate and available materials.
The brickwork was often watertight, with some drains showing signs of lime or gypsum plastering to reduce leakage. Archaeologists have even discovered inspection holes and manhole covers along the larger drains, indicating a clear understanding of the need for periodic maintenance.
A culture rooted in cleanliness and civic responsibility
What sets the Indus Valley apart is not just the presence of toilets but the extent to which sanitation was integrated into everyday life.
Unlike in many ancient societies where only elites had access to such amenities, toilets in the IVC were common across a wide range of residential buildings, suggesting a more egalitarian approach to hygiene.
The cities also featured public bathhouses, most famously the Great Bath of Mohenjodaro, a large rectangular tank with watertight brick lining and a sophisticated drainage system. This communal facility likely served both ritual and hygienic purposes.
Meanwhile, nearly every street had a covered drain, and larger homes had access to private wells, water tanks, and separate bathing areas, all interconnected with the city's water flow system.
This indicates not only advanced engineering but also a cultural priority placed on cleanliness. Scholars believe that hygiene was a cornerstone of Indus society, possibly driven by religious beliefs or social customs that emphasised purity and environmental order.
No rulers, no palaces, but spotless cities
One of the most fascinating aspects of the Indus Valley Civilization is the absence of monumental architecture or evidence of authoritarian rule. There are no known palaces or extravagant tombs, yet their cities are consistently uniform in planning, suggesting a shared civic philosophy rather than top-down governance.
The emphasis on sanitation, symmetry, and accessibility indicates that the inhabitants valued collective well-being.
The design of the toilet and drainage systems, functional, durable, and user-friendly, reflects a technological and ethical leap in human civilization.
While the Indus script remains undeciphered and many questions about their society endure, one truth stands clear: the people of the Indus Valley were far ahead of their time in understanding the importance of urban hygiene and waste management. Their innovations predate the Roman aqueducts and medieval sewer systems by millennia.
Today, as we grapple with urban sanitation challenges in modern megacities, the enduring legacy of these ancient toilets stands as a reminder that great civilisations are built not just on monuments and warfare, but on the unseen infrastructure that preserves public health and dignity.