Study of ancient water storage system on forts in krishnagiri district of tamilnadu

Author: 
Alaguraj M and S.Lalitha

India has a rich heritage of water conservation. Wells and Kundain Rajasthan, Bandharas and lakes in Maharashtra, Bandhis in M.P, Kuhal in Himachal, Eirisin Tamilnadu, and the most spectacular, Aahar and Piain in Bihar…..all this add to the techniques of ancient time which were used for irrigation and water supply. Many of them are in working today also, with full proficiency. These traditional systems are the gift of the knowledge, ambience and society of a particular location. These systems are not only supplying water but also holding perfect balance between environment and human beings. All these systems works on the principle of experience, which is their power and essence of fruitfulness!
An interesting feature of the peninsular plateau is the large number of isolated granito-gneissic rocks which were in former days used as hill fortresses. How in this zone, rather precarious climatically, could a garrison of several hundred men live at the top of these rock outcrops throughout the year, without sufficient supply of drinking water? This phenomenon has been examined.
Keeping above points in mind, a study of water storage system on the forts in Krishnagiri district of Tamil Nadu State was carried out. To explore the facts and their technical details one exploration campaign was arranged, during which, a large number of remains pertaining to the water supply schemes were studied. These includes open channels, remains of small bunds, water tanks, wells, number of small and big cisterns and reservoirs, and remains of artificial lakes at different contours, etc. Various details were observed regarding the water storage system and distribution of the same. The details include collection system, conservation system and distribution system regarding the water supply.

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DOI: 
http://dx.doi.org/10.24327/ijcar.2018.12017.2102
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Volume7