Golden history of Lavatories
While sitting on a toilet seat in hurry have you ever
thought that it can also have a museum, that too on international level? The utensils you use have been once used as lavatories
by French and Persian royals. The toilet is a part of history of Human Hygiene and
constitutes a critical chapter in history of Human Civilization.
Sulabh International is one such organisation which is known
for its Sanitation and Hospitality services all over the country. The
International Museum of toilets created by Bindeshwar Pathak has a rare
collection of facts, pictures and objects detailing the historic evolution of
toilets from 2500 B.C. till date. It provides a chronological account of
developments relating to technology, social customs and toilet etiquettes.
“The Museum welcomes the suggestions and new invention from
all over the world, we have hundreds of visitors daily and we are proud to be
the part of this movement of giving and equal status to the scavengers in
society who are real bearers of this fascinating history.” said Gaurav Chandra,
coordinator of the Museum.
Once when Birbal was asked by Emperor Akbar about the
happiest moment in one’s life, then he answered people are fascinated to many
things in life like food, love etc but when it’s come to happiest moment the
joy after relieving oneself in the morning is at much higher level. The
existence of toilet facilities has long history, possibly older than Roman
Empire.
Museum has lavatories starting from middle Roman period,
which has pour wash facility to modern electronic lavatory, by sitting on which
you can listen the music and get cleaned and massaged within a minute. All you
need is to just sit on those lavatories. The lavatories from Victorian period
have beautiful pictures painted on them; some are in shape of book while some
are structured in style of throne. The Throne style commode was actually owned
by King Louis 14(1638-1715). He had a commode built under his throne. The
replica of the throne of Louis 14 is now on display at International Museum of
Toilets.
Museum has an extensive display of other privies, chamber
ports, toilet furniture, bidets etc. The pictures displayed at the museum make
one aware of how world looked like when societies did not have benefit of water
closets. Ornately carved and painted urinals and commodes attract attention and
are sources of amusement to many.
“Wandering about the fascinating History of Toilets I was
attracted to this place and I must say they have done an excellent research
about toilets, which is most important part of Human Life Cycle.” said
Purusharth Ahuja, student of Ancient History, Delhi University.
Tracing the history of evolution of toilets in India, it
seems a bit ironical that still most of the people in country defecate in open.
The country which was once pioneers in this field has still not complete sewage
system in rural areas. This museum is an effort to make students aware about
the history of toilets and to help policy makers to understand the efforts made
by their predecessors in this field throughout the world.
Moreover many sanitation experts visit this museum to learn
from the past and solve problems that affect the sanitation today. The museum
has a stock of interesting anecdotes associated with development of toilet,
which gives solution to many sanitary problems today. The museum also has rare
record of the flush pot devised in 1596 by John Harrington, a courtier during
reign of Queen Elizabeth I.
See the Pictures below:-
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