Ancient Indians understood the science and art of settlement planning, architecture and governance of natural resources. Kautilya's Arthashastra, written around 300 BC discussed about these aspects in detail. Archeologists have found evidence of early Indian hydraulic engineering . During early Harrapan phase (2800-2600 BC), rain water-retaining devices in Lothal and Gabarbands have been discovered in Baluchistan and Sind Kohistan to store water for irrigation purposes. In the 3'rd century BC, drainage systems included soak-in pits built of pottery ring, built in Ujjain and Taxila. These were used for the disposal of domestic wastewater which was canalized out from the houses through earthenware drain-pipes into soak pits. Inspite of such ancient knowledge of water management we are facing water scarcity in parts of our country and many regions are getting converted into arid and desert areas at an alarming way. Lets see how can we learn from Ancient India.
History tells us that both floods and droughts were regular occurrence in Ancient India. Perhaps that is why every region in the country has its own traditional water harvesting techniques that reflect the geographical peculiarities and cultural uniqueness of the regions. The basic concept underlying all these techniques is that rain should be harvested whenever and wherever it falls. Archeological evidence shows that the practice of water conservation is deep rooted in the science of Ancient India. Excavations show that the cities of the Indus Valley Civilization had excellent systems of water harvesting and drainage. Drawing upon centuries of experience, Indians continued to build structures to catch, hold and store monsoon rainwater for the dry seasons to come. These traditional techniques, though less popular today are still in use and efficient.
There were so many ways by which these people from Ancient India managed their scarce resources- they had become expert in water management. An example can be sited of the Jhalara of Jodhpur, Rajasthan. Jhalaras are typically rectangular shaped stepwells that have tiered steps on the three or four side of the well. These stepwells collect the subterranean seepage of the upstream reservoir or a lake. Jhalaras were built to ensure a regular supply of water for religious rites, royal ceremonies and community use. It is noteworthy that the city of Jodhpur has eight jhalaras, the oldest being the Mahamandir Jhalara that dates back to 1660 AD. Built in 1812, this temple with the adjacent Jhalara is a splendid piece of architecture.
Built by the nobility for civic, strategic or philanthropic reasons, Baolis were secular structures from which everyone can draw water. These beautiful stepwells typically have beautiful arches, carved motifs and sometimes rooms on their sides. The location of baolis often suggest the way in which they were used. Baolis within villages were mainly used for utilitarian purposes and social gatherings and were used as resting places on trade routes. Stepwells used exclusively for agriculture had drainage systems that channeled water into fields. Another example can be given of the Nadi, found near Jodhpur in Rajasthan. I had a chance to visit one such stepwell called "Pushkarni" at Hampi, the world famous UNESCO site at Karnataka.
In Rajasthan the people built Bawaris that are unique stepwells that were once part of the ancient networks of water storage in the cities of Rajasthan. The little rain that the region received would be diverted to man-made tanks through canals built on the hilly outskirts of cities. The water would then percolate into the ground, raising the water table and recharging a deep and intricate network of aquifers. To minimize water loss through evaporation a series of layered steps were built around the reservoirs to narrow and deepen the wells.
Kund is a saucer shaped catchment area that gently slope towards the central circular underground well. Its main purpose is to harvest rainwater for drinking. Traditionally these well- pits were covered in disinfectant lime and ash, though many modern kunds have been constructed simply with cement. Raja sur Singh is said to have built the earliest known kunds in the village of Vadi Ka Melan in the year 1607 AD. There are numerous such examples like this- the Nadi found near Jodhpur in Rajasthan. Nadis are village ponds that store rainwater collected from adjoining natural catchment areas.
All this points to a very sophisticated water management systems followed in Ancient India. Unfortunately, many of these systems are forgotten, not functional any more due to the passage of time and subsequent invaders which destroyed these cities and their water works. There is so much we can learnt from Ancient India and this is my dream to bring these to the foreground in my art works. I am much attracted to the rituals and traditions of my country and this is more about going back to my roots and would like to honor my country's culture in my art.
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