India has a long history of living in sync with its environment, especially when it comes to managing water. Long before modern infrastructure, ancient Indian cities built systems that not only conserved water but also brought communities together. These weren’t just engineering marvels, they were public spaces, cultural landmarks, and symbols of resilience.

From the urban planning of Mohenjo-daro to the intricate stepwells of Gujarat and Rajasthan, here’s how ancient India mastered water management — and what we can still learn from it today.

Mohenjo-daro: Urban planning ahead of its time

Dating back to around 2500 BCE, the Indus Valley city of Mohenjo-daro featured a level of urban planning that remains impressive even today. The city had a well-laid-out drainage system, private wells, and public baths — highlighting how central water was to everyday life.

Each home had a bathing area linked to a covered drain, which connected to a larger street-level drainage system. This reflects a deep........

© The Better India