BHAGIRATHAVIDYA -
IRRIGATION ENGINEERING IN ANCIENT INDIA
Jayant R. Ramdas

   It is evident from the Vedic Hymn Apohista (Rig. 10.91) that Indians have always appreciated the beneficent use of water. Kaksaheb Kalelkar uses the terminology 'Bhagirathavidya' for Irrigation Engineering in Ancient India.

   Rudradamans inscription records the reconstruction of a great artificial lake at Girnar which had been excavated by Chandragupta and improved in the the time of Ashoka. The lake built by Bhoja Paramara, the king of Dhara in the 11th Century, is perhaps the largest of ancient Indian irrigation lakes. It covered no less than 250 sq. miles.

   Hindus were aware of the flowing force of water, its weight and its rotating power. The qualities which are used in hydraulic machines today is evident from references in Samarangana Sutradhara. Kalhana gives us details of the great engineering operations carried out by Avantivarman's skilful engineer Suvya for the drainage of the valley and its irrigation. Willian Willcocks and Dr. Buchanan testify to the irrigation works of the Hindus.

 
About the Author :-

JAYANT R. RAMDAS
Independent Research Worker,

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