Volume-XII, Issue-II, March 2026 |
Water Management Systems from Ancient to Pre-Modern India: A Historical Overview Rakesh Mandal, Research Scholar, Department of History, Aligarh Muslim University, Aligarh, Uttar Pradesh, India |
Received: 20.03.2026 | Accepted: 24.03.2026 | Published Online: 31.03.2026 | Page No: | ||||
DOI: 10.29032/ijhsss.vol.12.issue.02W. | |||||||
ABSTRACT | ||
This paper aims to provide an overview of the Water Resource Management System and irrigational technology from ancient times to pre-modern India, covering both spatial and temporal aspects. Studying water management in India during this period is important for its ecological, technological and politico-religious significance. First, it focuses on understanding how individuals and successive governments (ancient and medieval periods) make choices regarding the use of various water distribution and control systems across different regions and eras. Grasping the technical, functional, and developmental aspects of various water-lifting devices is dealt with before delving into examining different methods of water resource management. Additionally, this paper explores how authority, patronage relationships, social power, and the economy were reinforced through water resource management by rulers, individuals, and communities throughout the ancient and medieval periods. | ||
Keywords: Water Management, Irrigation, Water Lifting, Well, Canal, Tank |