Water for Life

Architecture and Hydraulic Engineering in Medieval Rajasthan

Abstract

The research paper "Water for Life: Architecture and Hydraulic Engineering in Medieval Rajasthan" explores the sophisticated water management systems developed in the arid region of Rajasthan, India, during the medieval period. Due to Rajasthan’s dependence on monsoons and scarcity of permanent water sources, historical communities developed an array of architectural and engineering solutions to manage and store water efficiently. These innovations included structures such as wells, step-wells, reservoirs, tanks, canals, and artificial lakes, each uniquely designed to harvest, store, and supply water throughout the year.

The paper describes specific technologies, like the Persian wheel, used to draw water from deep wells, and various step-well designs, known locally as b?’ol?s, which enabled communities to access water from deep beneath the earth. Large artificial lakes and reservoirs were constructed near urban and fort complexes, supported by intricate channeling systems that diverted rainwater from surrounding hills. Notable examples include the step-wells in Amber, the fortified water systems in Jaigarh and Nahargarh forts, and the vast lakes in Udaipur like Pichola and Rajsamand. These water bodies not only served practical purposes but also became cultural landmarks, often adorned with sculptures, temples, and resting pavilions, reflecting the architectural aesthetics and social priorities of the time.

Through this analysis, the paper highlights the cultural, environmental, and technological significance of Rajasthan’s hydraulic architecture, emphasizing its role in sustaining large populations and fortifications in a challenging climate. This study underscores how water management practices were integral to medieval urban planning and how they continue to inspire modern water conservation approaches in arid regions