Excavations at the Mature Harappan site of Rakhigarhi in Haryana have revealed a specialized administrative building dedicated to urban hygiene. Archaeologists discovered a unique set of terracotta tablets that detail standardized schedules for the fumigation of grain stores and residential wards, likely using aromatic resins and mineral sulfur to combat pests.
The find includes a series of large, specialized terracotta fumigation vats featuring interior soot patterns that suggest controlled burning of specific organic materials. This discovery highlights the advanced understanding of public health and sanitation within the Indus Valley Civilization, showcasing a level of organized municipal management previously unseen in the ancient world.