Question

Describe the irrigation system of the Chola kingdom.

Answer 1

Hint: An improvement from earlier systems as it was organized, diverse and was monitored from the top. About 70% of the total systems in Tamil Nadu were built by them in the 9th century.

Complete answer: - The king himself would partake in distribution of labour, planning of infrastructure and collection of resources. Even the Pallava dynasty has contributed to this infrastructure.
- They had channels called Vativaykkal (it stands for north-south and east-west respectively) which helped gather water from the deltas.
- A variety of methods were used; canal systems, stone dams, bunds and wells were dug to help farmers and other agriculturists and tanks were built for collections and storage.
- A distinctive part was the emphasis on artificial irrigation and lakes. They were also the first to introduce rain harvesting as a practice. This led to a boost in agriculture (embankments were built to facilitate this).
- An interesting fact is that even common people contributed to this process. For instance, a stone sluice has been found that names Korra Nangi of Gangeya Uttama Nallur for establishing it, almost 1000 years ago.
- A separate collective was set up to overlook water management, called the ‘Eri Variyam’.

Note: Most of their water came from the river Kaveri and its tributaries, and they spent a major part of the kingdom’s income to ensure water was easily accessible all-year-round, which also gave them a tactical advantage over their enemies in times of conflict.