Tanka – Taanka : India Water – harvesting

 

History tells us that both floods and droughts were regular occurrence in ancient India. Perhaps this is why every region in the country has its own traditional water harvesting techniques that reflect the geographical peculiarities and cultural uniqueness of the regions. The basic concept underlying all these techniques is that rain should be harvested whenever and wherever it falls.

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Archaeological evidence shows that the practice of water conservation is deep rooted in the science of ancient India. Excavations show that the cities of the Indus Valley Civilisation had excellent systems of water harvesting and drainage. The settlement of Dholavira, laid out on a slope between two storm water channels, is a great example of water engineering.

Chanakya’s Arthashashtra mentions irrigation using water harvesting systems.  Sringaverapura, near Allahabad, had a sophisticated water harvesting system that used the natural slope of the land to store the floodwaters of the river Ganga. Chola King Karikala built the Grand Anicut or Kallanai across the river Cauvery to divert water for irrigation (it is still functional) while King Bhoja of Bhopal built the largest artificial lake in India.

Drawing upon centuries of experience, Indians continued to build structures to catch, hold and store monsoon rainwater for the dry seasons to come. These traditional techniques, though less popular today, are still in use and efficient. Here is a brief account of the unique water conservation systems prevalent in India and the communities who have practised them for decades before the debate on climate change even existed.

Jhalaras are typically rectangular-shaped stepwells that have tiered steps on three or four sides. These stepwells collect the subterranean seepage of an upstream reservoir or a lake. Jhalaras were built to ensure easy and regular supply of water for religious rites, royal ceremonies and community use. The city of Jodhpur has eight jhalaras, the oldest being the Mahamandir Jhalara that dates back to 1660 AD.

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Bawaris are unique stepwells that were once a part of the ancient networks of water storage in the cities of Rajasthan. The little rain that the region received would be diverted to man-made tanks through canals built on the hilly outskirts of cities. The water would then percolate into the ground, raising the water table and recharging a deep and  intricate network of aquifers. To minimise water loss through evaporation, a series of layered steps were built around the reservoirs to narrow and deepen the wells.

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Khadins are ingenious constructions designed to harvest surface runoff water for agriculture. The main feature of a khadin, also called dhora, is a long earthen embankment that is built across the hill slopes of gravelly uplands. Sluices and spillways allow the excess water to drain off and the water-saturated land is then used for crop production. First designed by the Paliwal Brahmins of Jaisalmer in the 15th century, this system is very similar to the irrigation methods of the people of ancient Ur (present Iraq).

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Built by the nobility for civic, strategic or philanthropic reasons, baolis were secular structures from which everyone could draw water. These beautiful stepwells typically have beautiful arches, carved motifs and sometimes, rooms on their sides. The locations of baolis often suggest the way in which they were used. Baolis within villages were mainly used for utilitarian purposes and social gatherings. Baolis on trade routes were often frequented as resting places. Stepwells used exclusively for agriculture had  drainage systems that channelled water into the fields.

Modern India Can Learn a Lot from These 20 Traditional Water Conservation Systems

Lakes

The Lake Revivers Collective

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A documentary that explores the tanka system of water harvesting. Through this system, rain water is collected for domestic use in an underground tank.

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A Taanka is a community and individual based traditional rainwater harvesting technique indigenous to the Thar Desert region of Rajastha

The tanka is an underground tank, accommodated inside the house, preferably under the kitchen or dining room, made of chiselled blocks of stone, in lime mortar. It is unlined but made waterproof by an indigenous herbal mix which renders the inner surface waterproof, seals minor cracks and prevents bacteriological growth. The tanka is large enough to store sufficient drinking water for a family for six to eight months, its average capacity being around 25,000 litres. With sizes reaching nearly 20 feet by 60 feet and a height of 12 feet, arches and vaults are needed to support the earthwork and the superstructure on top of the tanka.

https://www.indiawaterportal.org/news/tanka-system-parsi-craft-water-harvesting-article-craft-revival-quarterly