Hydraulic Structures in Ancient India

Questions and Answers

What hazards are posed to the water supply in India due to modern practices?

Pollution from domestic and industrial wastes, chemicals, pesticides, and fertilizers.

What is the primary objective of the Jal Jeevan Mission (JJM) in India?

The goal is to ensure every rural household has access to 55 liters of potable piped water daily.

Which ancient Indian civilization is noted for its sophisticated water harvesting system?

The civilization near Sringaverapura in the first century B.C.

During whose reign were extensive dams, lakes, and irrigation systems built in ancient India?

During the time of Chandragupta Maurya. Signup and view all the answers

What is the main function of a dam in water management?

A dam obstructs, directs, or retards the flow of water, creating a reservoir or lake. Signup and view all the answers

What was the significance of the Bhopal Lake constructed in the 11th century?

Bhopal Lake was one of the largest artificial lakes of its time. Signup and view all the answers

What are the two main classifications of dams?

Dams are classified based on structure and intended purpose. Signup and view all the answers

Who constructed the tank in Hauz Khas, Delhi, and what was its purpose?

Iltutmish constructed it to supply water to the Siri Fort area. Signup and view all the answers

What do survivors of Rihand express about their sacrifices for the nation?

They question whether they are the only ones chosen to make sacrifices for the nation. Signup and view all the answers

What were the purposes for which the dams were constructed, and how did they fail?

The dams were built to control floods but ironically triggered floods due to sedimentation. Signup and view all the answers

What significant event occurred in Maharashtra and Gujarat in 2006 concerning dam operations?

The release of water from dams during heavy rains aggravated the flood situation. Signup and view all the answers

What traditional water management technique existed in ancient India?

Ancient India had a wide-ranging tradition of water-harvesting systems. Signup and view all the answers

How have big dams been viewed in terms of flood control effectiveness?

Big dams have mostly been unsuccessful in controlling floods during excessive rainfall. Signup and view all the answers

What do inter-state water disputes often stem from according to the passage?

They often arise due to the adverse consequences of reduced downstream flow from multipurpose projects. Signup and view all the answers

What adverse effects can arise from the construction of irrigation projects, as seen in the context provided?

They can lead to precarious livelihoods and exacerbate agricultural and industrial challenges. Signup and view all the answers

What knowledge did ancient people possess that aided their water harvesting techniques?

They had an in-depth knowledge of rainfall regimes and soil types. Signup and view all the answers

What is the implication of the phrase 'bitter years of being adrift' in the context of the survivors' experiences?

It suggests a long period of hardship and uncertainty following their sacrifices. Signup and view all the answers

In light of resistance against multipurpose projects, what alternatives are suggested?

Water harvesting systems are suggested as a viable alternative, socio-economically and environmentally. Signup and view all the answers

What are the three main classifications of dams based on materials used?

Timber dams, embankment dams, and masonry dams. Signup and view all the answers

How are dams categorized by their height?

Dams can be categorized as low, medium height, and high dams, or as large dams and major dams. Signup and view all the answers

What did Jawaharlal Nehru refer to dams as and why?

He referred to them as the 'temples of modern India' due to their role in agricultural development and industrial growth. Signup and view all the answers

Name one traditional purpose of building dams.

To impound rivers and rainwater for irrigation. Signup and view all the answers

List two modern functions of dams beyond irrigation.

Electricity generation and flood control. Signup and view all the answers

What does the integration of uses of impounded water signify about modern dams?

It signifies that modern dams are designed as multi-purpose projects. Signup and view all the answers

What activities are facilitated by rivers when managed with dams?

Recreation, inland navigation, and fish breeding. Signup and view all the answers

Explain one major advantage of contemporary dam projects.

They help in managing water resources effectively and support multiple sectors. Signup and view all the answers

How have the perceptions of dams evolved over time?

They have evolved from solely irrigation structures to essential multi-purpose projects. Signup and view all the answers

Explain the significance of the kul in the context of rainwater harvesting.

The kul facilitates the collection and distribution of rainwater to a circular village tank, ensuring a sustainable water supply for the community. Signup and view all the answers

What is a common feature of all dams mentioned in the text?

They are built to manage and conserve water resources. Signup and view all the answers

Calculate the total annual rainwater that a single house can harvest based on the given data.

A single house can harvest approximately 50,000 litres of rainwater annually. Signup and view all the answers

Discuss how the construction of underground rooms near the ‘tanka’ aids in summer heat management.

Underground rooms remain cooler during the summer, providing a comfortable living environment by utilizing the natural cooling properties of the earth. Signup and view all the answers

What are the implications of the difference in rainfall between Shillong and its neighboring regions?

Despite high rainfall in nearby regions like Cherapunjee, Shillong faces water scarcity, indicating inefficiencies in water storage and management. Signup and view all the answers

Describe the process and importance of rooftop rainwater harvesting in Shillong.

Rooftop harvesting captures rainwater that falls on sloping roofs, directing it to underground tanks, which is essential for meeting the water needs of households. Signup and view all the answers

What ecological issue arises in flood plains due to sedimentation?

Flood plains are deprived of silt, which is a natural fertilizer, leading to land degradation. Signup and view all the answers

How do people in hill regions manage irrigation for agriculture?

They build diversion channels like ‘guls’ or ‘kuls’ to facilitate water flow for irrigation. Signup and view all the answers

What water management technique is commonly practiced in Rajasthan?

Rooftop rainwater harvesting is commonly practiced to store drinking water. Signup and view all the answers

What agricultural adaptations are used in arid and semi-arid regions?

Farmers convert fields into rain-fed storage structures, such as ‘khadins’ and ‘Johads’, to retain moisture. Signup and view all the answers

What type of water storage was traditionally found in households of Rajasthan's semi-arid regions?

Houses traditionally had underground tanks or tankas for storing drinking water. Signup and view all the answers

What negative impacts are caused by excessive use of water in agricultural practices?

Excessive water use leads to water-borne diseases, pests, and pollution. Signup and view all the answers

Describe the dimensions of an underground tank mentioned in Phalodi.

The tank mentioned in Phalodi is 6.1 metres deep, 4.27 metres long, and 2.44 metres wide. Signup and view all the answers

What role do inundation channels play in flood plains of Bengal?

Inundation channels are developed to irrigate fields during flood conditions. Signup and view all the answers

What problems are induced by multi-purpose projects in mountainous regions?

Multi-purpose projects can induce earthquakes and cause water-related issues. Signup and view all the answers

Why is sedimentation a concern for agricultural practices in flood plains?

Sedimentation results in the loss of vital silt, undermining soil fertility and crop yields. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Water Pollution and Hazards

Many water bodies in India face pollution from domestic and industrial wastes, chemicals, pesticides, and fertilizers, making them hazardous for human use.
The Government has prioritized improving living conditions, particularly in rural areas, through the Jal Jeevan Mission (JJM), which aims to provide 55 liters of potable water per person daily.

Ancient Hydraulic Structures

Sringaverapura, near Allahabad, had an advanced water harvesting system in the 1st century B.C., channeling Ganga's floodwaters.
During the Chandragupta Maurya era, extensive irrigation systems, lakes, and dams were developed to support agriculture.

Definition and Purpose of Dams

Dams are barriers across water flows that create reservoirs, lakes, or impoundments, utilized for multiple purposes including irrigation, electricity generation, water supply, flood control, recreation, and fish breeding.
Dams are classified based on structure (e.g., timber, embankment, masonry) and height (e.g., low, medium, high).

Historical Context of Dams in India

Jawaharlal Nehru considered dams as "temples of modern India," believing they would drive agricultural development and economic growth.
Historical resistance to multi-purpose dams has surfaced due to their failure to control floods and sedimentation issues.

Rainwater Harvesting Tradition in India

Ancient India exhibited sophisticated water harvesting techniques adapted to local ecological conditions, including systems for capturing rainwater, groundwater, and river water.
Techniques include the construction of diversion channels (guls or kuls) in hilly areas and various forms of tank systems in arid regions.

Rooftop Rainwater Harvesting

Rajasthan features underground storage tanks known as tankas, some reaching significant dimensions, strategically designed for drinking water collection.
Shillong has a prevalent rooftop rainwater harvesting practice, despite its proximity to some of the world's wettest places.

Impact of Dams and Water Management

Dams, while intended for flood control, sometimes exacerbate flooding due to sediment buildup and have led to ecological and agricultural declines in affected downstream areas.

Summary of Regional Practices

Arid regions of Rajasthan utilize structures like khadins and johads to retain rainwater and enhance soil moisture.
Rainwater harvesting systems in the Thar Desert and Bikaner include traditional underground tanks, emphasizing the integration of local practices with environmental needs.

Need for Improved Water Management

The ongoing challenges with dam projects, such as insufficient flood control and adverse environmental impacts, call for reevaluation and potential prioritization of sustainable water harvesting systems.

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Description

Explore the ancient hydraulic systems of India and their significance in managing water resources. This quiz delves into the impact of modern pollution and the government's priority in improving these historical structures for better human use. Test your knowledge on the interplay between ancient innovations and contemporary challenges.