The Karez System of Afghanistan, a water harnessing legacy from Persian culture, currently faces severe threats due to the prolonged war conditions and impending uncertainties under the Taliban’s second regime. Simultaneously, a remarkably similar system called Surangam, predominantly found in South India, continues to thrive, making it an interesting contrast in the field of traditional water management systems.
Understanding the Surangam System
The Surangam or Suranga system is generally located in northern Kerala and southern Karnataka. It essentially involves digging a tunnel through a laterite hillock which allows water and moisture to seep out from its periphery, acting as a sustainable water source. This system bears striking resemblance with the Qanats, a subterranean infrastructure that existed around 700 BCE in Mesopotamia and Babylon. By 714 BCE, the technology had spread to Egypt, Persia, and India.
Surangams mirror the functionality of Qanats. Both are underground tunnel systems designed to bring infiltrated groundwater, surface water, or spring water to the earth’s surface solely using gravitational force. Its efficient usage is observed specifically in the arid regions of Northern Malabar for domestic and agricultural purposes.
Interestingly, some theorists propose that Surangam is indigenous to the region, and its possible origin can be traced back to 18 Karhada Brahmin families who were relocated from today’s Maharashtra to Kasargod under duress during the 17th century.
In-depth into the Karez System
The Karez system has intrinsic ties with its Persian cultural roots. The structural design of this system is such that it involves fetching groundwater to the surface via a tunnel, without the need for any mechanical pump or lift. Here, again, gravity plays the crucial role of drawing water from the underground sources. This technology originated in Persia/Iran and found extensive application during the medieval period.
However, unfortunately, the Karez system has borne substantial damage over the past 43 years due to war, and currently, under the Taliban’s second regime, its future seems uncertain.
Traditional Water Management Systems across India
Besides Surangam and Karez, numerous traditional water management systems exist, differentiating mostly based on the geological and ecological regions of the country. Some instances include:
– Trans – Himalayan Region: Zing
– Western Himalaya: Kul, Naula, Kuhl, Khatri
– Eastern Himalaya: Apatani
– North Eastern Hill Ranges: Zabo
– Brahmaputra Valley: Dongs / Dungs/ Jampois
– Indo-Gangetic Plains: Ahars – Pynes, Bengal’s Inundation Channels, Dighis, Baolis
– The Thar Desert: Kunds, Kuis/beris, Baoris / Ber/ Jhalaras, Nadi, Tobas, Tankas, Khandins, Vav/Bavadi, Virdas, Paar
– Central Highlands: Talab, Bandhis, Saza Kuva, Johads, Naada/Bandh, Pat, Rapat, Chandela Tank, Bundela Tank
– Eastern Highlands: Katas / Mundas / Bandhas
– Deccan Plateau: Cheruvu, Kohli Tanks, Bhandaras, Phad, Kere, The Ramtek Model
– Western Ghats: Surangam
– West Coastal Plains: Virdas
– Eastern Ghats: Korambu
– Eastern Coastal Plains: Eri / Ooranis
– The Islands: Jack Wells
Each of these systems offers customized solutions to meet the specific demands of the regions they are native to, proving the diverse cultural heritage and advanced traditional practices that India has been home to.