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Nothern-India’s ancient Rainwater Governance

Water attained paramount importance in the plains of North Gujarat and Rajestahn. Jaisalmer has an average precipitation level of 200mm. On account of this, the collection, preservation and use of water was the characteristic to trace human settlements in the region.

Published onMar 10, 2020
Nothern-India’s ancient Rainwater Governance
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Water attained paramount importance in the undulating plains of North Gujarat and Rajestahn due to its semi-arid climatic conditions. Jaisalmer for example has an average precipitation level from 200mm, whereof 80% is concentrated on the months july and august. On account of this, the collection, preservation and use of water was the defining characteristic to trace human settlements in the region. The constructions can be traced back in the Hindu kings of the Solanki era in the 11th century and continued to evolve as a type under Muslim rule from the 15th century onwards. The were essential for surviving. The importance can be seen in the artistic artwork of some outstandig rainwater storages, as the Agrase Ki Boali in Delhi. The constructions had been left unattended for years, the sourounding infrastructures changed modern, and groundwater lowering by pumping stations leafe just a memory to posterity.

Talav

were reservoirs that could be natural or manmade, varying from small ponds to large lakes. The smaller ones were called talavadis in Gujarat but names vary from region to region. Water from talavs and talavdis was used for by locals for animal husbandry, washing clothes and other activities. Many of the man-made talavs had well carved supply sluices, a water purification system and punctured openings between the buttresses for inflow of water. These lakes were built with central islands replete  with gardens, a summer palace and a bridge that connected it to the bank.

Kund (Stepped pond)

Kund (Stepped pond)

Not to be confused with underground kunds that came into existence in Rajasthan in the 17th century,  kund is used in Gujarat to refer to the stepped ponds mottled across its parched expanse. These ceremonial ponds were commonly found adjacent to temples. Kunds are typically square or rectangular-shaped ponds with tiered steps to access the water. The four walls of kunds are made exclusively from short stairs that meet at intersections or landings and continue downward. Two flat stairs placed back-to-back form triangles parallel to the wall and this zigzag pattern loops as they descend at a steep angle with no sight line interrupted. Shrines are often carved in to the triangles that face the water.

Vaav (Stepwell)

Steppwell (Bai Harir Ni Vaav)

A vaav or a stepwell consists of a dug well that is accessible by stairs. At the surface of the earth, which defines the ground level, all that is visible is an unassuming entrance pavilion but as one descends the stairs the increasing complexity of its architecture unfolds. The top most landing has a shaded roof held up by columns. Ensuing flight of stairs lead to landings with an open pavilions, colonnades or porches until one reaches the waters of the well at the nadir. Each landing pavilion is supported by columns and becomes the roof of the pavilion below. In many cases, the walls of the well shaft are adorned with brackets, niches and other sculpted ornamentation.

Edited together with Tanvi Jain

Weiterführende Literatur:

Making Water Everbody’s Business – Practice and policy of water harvesting, by: A. Agarwal, S. Narain, I. Khuran, 2009, ISBN-81-86906-27-4

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