ManuScript Details
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Paper Id:
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IJCIRAS2049
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Title:
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ENGINEERING THE PERENNIAL FLOW: HYDRAULIC DESIGN, GRADIENT ADAPTATION, AND IRRIGATION EFFICIENCY IN PRE-MODERN INDIAN RIVER DIVERSION SYSTEMS – THE GRAND ANICUT (KALLANAI) AND FIROZ SHAH TUGHLAQ’S WESTERN YAMUNA CANAL NETWORKS, C. 150–1400 CE
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| Published in: |
International Journal Of Creative and Innovative Research In All Studies |
| Publisher: |
IJCIRAS |
| ISSN: |
2581-5334 |
| Volume / Issue: |
Volume 9 Issue 2 |
| Pages: |
7
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| Published On: |
7/4/2026 9:00:32 PM (MM/dd/yyyy) |
| PDF Url: |
http://www.ijciras.com/PublishedPaper/IJCIRAS2049.pdf |
Main Author Details
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Name:
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Nazakat Hussain |
| Institute: |
Govt. Degree College Thannamandi Jammu and Kashmir |
Co - Author Details
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Author Institute |
Abstract
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Research Area:
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History |
| KeyWord: |
Pre-modern irrigation, Grand Anicut (Kallanai), Firoz Shah Tughlaq canals, Western Yamuna Canal, hydraulic engineering, river diversion systems, gradient and flow dynamics, Kaveri delta irrigation, Delhi Sultanate water management, Chola dynasty, Indian environmental history, history of technology. |
| Abstract: |
This paper examines the hydraulic engineering principles of pre-modern Indian river diversion systems through a comparative analysis of two landmark examples: the Grand Anicut (Kallanai) on the Kaveri River (c. 2nd century CE) and the Western Yamuna Canal network developed under Sultan Firoz Shah Tughlaq (mid-14th century). It investigates how these systems managed gradients, regulated flow dynamics, handled silt and flood energy, and achieved durable, efficient irrigation across the Kaveri delta and the semi-arid Yamuna-Ghaggar interfluve.
Drawing on chronicles such as the Tarikh-i-Firoz Shahi, Chola inscriptions, early British engineering reports, archaeological remains, and modern hydraulic assessments, the study demonstrates that pre-modern Indian engineers possessed sophisticated empirical knowledge of local hydrology and topography. They employed minimal artificial gradients, passive flow regulation through weirs and gravity distribution, energy dissipation, and ecological integration. These designs produced remarkable longevity—Kallanai remains operational after nearly two millennia—significantly expanded irrigated area, enabled multiple cropping, and supported state revenue without fitting older models of hydraulic despotism.
The paper contributes to Indian environmental history and the history of technology by challenging colonial narratives of pre-modern stagnation. It identifies gaps in integrated technical-historical studies and recommends future research combining archaeological surveys, GIS mapping of canal gradients, and climate data.
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Citations
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IEEE
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Nazakat Hussain, "ENGINEERING THE PERENNIAL FLOW: HYDRAULIC DESIGN, GRADIENT ADAPTATION, AND IRRIGATION EFFICIENCY IN PRE-MODERN INDIAN RIVER DIVERSION SYSTEMS – THE GRAND ANICUT (KALLANAI) AND FIROZ SHAH TUGHLAQ’S WESTERN YAMUNA CANAL NETWORKS, C. 150–1400 CE", International Journal Of Creative and Innovative Research In All Studies,
vol. 9, no. 2, pp. 1-7, 2026.
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MLA
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Nazakat Hussain "ENGINEERING THE PERENNIAL FLOW: HYDRAULIC DESIGN, GRADIENT ADAPTATION, AND IRRIGATION EFFICIENCY IN PRE-MODERN INDIAN RIVER DIVERSION SYSTEMS – THE GRAND ANICUT (KALLANAI) AND FIROZ SHAH TUGHLAQ’S WESTERN YAMUNA CANAL NETWORKS, C. 150–1400 CE." International Journal Of Creative and Innovative Research In All Studies,
vol 9, no. 2, 2026, pp. 1-7.
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APA
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Nazakat Hussain (2026). ENGINEERING THE PERENNIAL FLOW: HYDRAULIC DESIGN, GRADIENT ADAPTATION, AND IRRIGATION EFFICIENCY IN PRE-MODERN INDIAN RIVER DIVERSION SYSTEMS – THE GRAND ANICUT (KALLANAI) AND FIROZ SHAH TUGHLAQ’S WESTERN YAMUNA CANAL NETWORKS, C. 150–1400 CE. International Journal Of Creative and Innovative Research In All Studies,
9(2), 1-7.
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ENGINEERING THE PERENNIAL FLOW: HYDRAULIC DESIGN, GRADIENT ADAPTATION, AND IRRIGATION EFFICIENCY IN PRE-MODERN INDIAN RIVER DIVERSION SYSTEMS – THE GRAND ANICUT (KALLANAI) AND FIROZ SHAH TUGHLAQ’S WESTERN YAMUNA CANAL NETWORKS, C. 150–1400 CE
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