Archaeologists at a newly excavated sector in Haryana have identified an administrative wing dedicated to the science of material standards. The find includes a collection of terracotta siphon-gauges and inscribed tablets that detail the 'Bureau of Standardized Clay-Porosity Metrology', a government body responsible for testing the liquid-absorption rates of drainage pipes and storage jars.
Researchers discovered that the Harappans used these specialized tools to ensure that clay used in urban infrastructure met specific porosity benchmarks, preventing leaks in the city's complex sewage systems. This discovery provides the first direct evidence of a centralized authority dedicated to empirical material testing in the Indus Valley Civilization.