Context:
Cumbum tank has been in news for its water storage capacity.
Cumbum tank:
- Location – Andhra Pradesh
- 2nd largest man-made reservoir in Asia and the 3rd largest in the world.
- Constructed by – Vijayanagara Princess Varadharajamma (also known as Ruchidevi), the wife of Sri Krishna Devaraya, between 1522-1524 AD.
- Built by damming a gorge through which the Gundlakamma and Jampaleru rivers flow.
- The tank is fed by the Nallamallavagu, a stream originating from the Nallamala hills in the Eastern Ghats.
India’s Ancient Water Harvesting Systems:
| Structure | Description | Region |
| Baoli | Stepwell structure with arches, carved motifs, and rooms. | Rajasthan, Delhi, Gujarat, Karnataka. E.g., Agrasen ki Baoli, Delhi |
| Jhalara | Rectangular stepwells with tiered steps on three or four sides, designed to collect water from reservoirs or lakes. | Rajasthan |
| Talab/Bandhi | Medium-sized reservoirs, regulating water flow and preventing flooding. | Various regions |
| Taanka | Cylindrical underground pit paved to collect rainwater from rooftops or catchment areas. | Thar Desert, Rajasthan |
| Jackwells | Pits surrounded by bunds made of hardwood logs, practiced by the Shompen tribe. | Great Nicobar Islands |
Other important harvesting systems – Kuhls, Zabo, Johads, Ahar Pynes, Khadin (Dhora), Zing etc
Water Management in Indian History:
- Indus Valley Civilization –
- Dholavira: Featured reservoirs to collect rainwater.
- Lothal and Inamgaon: Had small bunds built to store water for irrigation and drinking.
- Mauryan Empire – Arthashastra of Kautilya documented extensive irrigation systems, including dams and bunds, managed under strict regulations.
- Early Medieval India –
- Satavahanas: Introduced brick and ring wells.
- Chola Period: Developed advanced systems like chain tanks (interconnected tanks) for efficient water distribution.
- Rajputs: Built large reservoirs, such as the Bhojtal Lake under King Bhoja.
- Pala and Sena Dynasties: Constructed numerous tanks and lakes in eastern India.
- Medieval Period
- Feroze Shah Tughlaq: Built the Western Yamuna Canal.
- Emperor Shahjahan: Developed the Bari Doab or Hasli Canal.
- Vijayanagar Kingdom: Constructed tanks like the Anantraj Sagar and Korangal Dam.
- Sultan Zain Uddin: Established an extensive canal network in Kashmir.
Previous Year Question
Which one of the following ancient towns is well-known for its elaborate system of water harvesting and management by building a series of dams and channelizing water into connected reservoirs?
[UPSC Civil Service Exam – 2021 Prelims]
(a) Dholavira
(b) Kalibangan
(c) Rakhigarhi
(d) Ropar
Answer: (a)