Quiz

Which civilization is credited with developing one of the world's earliest urban drainage systems?

Vaibhav August 19, 2026

Which civilization is credited with developing one of the world's earliest urban drainage systems?

Answer: 

The Indus Valley Civilization, also known as the Harappan Civilization, is credited with developing one of the world's earliest and most sophisticated urban drainage systems. Cities such as Mohenjo-daro, Harappa, and Dholavira were carefully planned, with streets connected to covered drainage channels. Many houses had private bathrooms and wastewater outlets that linked to the main drains. The use of baked bricks and well-designed drainage networks helped manage wastewater and maintain better sanitation. These remarkable systems show that the Harappans had an advanced understanding of urban planning, hygiene, water management, and public infrastructure more than 4,000 years ago.