Question 1 · 10 marks · 179 words written
Opening · a definition
None written.
Body · points
Public Bathing can be described as the phenomenon of community bathing, where large set of people, comes to bath at a single Pond/well or a defined bathing place.
Reason for Public Bathing a recurring practice across cultures & societies :-
- Ritualistic reasons :- Public bathing in Rivers, considered sacred and next to Godliness.
→ River Ganga sacred Bath at Prayagraj, during Mahakumbh.
- symbolic to certain civilisations and its grandeur :-
→ The Great Bath at Mohenjadero, with stepped stairs, walls, changing rooms etc.
Reason of convenience :- As it leads to reduced wastage of water, causing ease of bathing → No seprate drainage needed. (eg) Public Bathing in different civilisations of Egypt, Mesopotamia.
Led to feeling of cohesiveness and solidarity amongst people (eg) Frequent public bathing events in India along Shipra River (Ujjain), Ganga in Haridwar etc.
Mention in sacred texts like Upanishad, Mahabharat etc. → that Public bathing also cleanse one's bad deeds done in past.
Close · a summary
Thus, Public bathing is a historical phenomenon having religio cultural and administrative significance, even in present times.