Prachin Bharatiya Jala Shastra

Edited & Compiled By Dr.A.S.Nene

20 July 2010
 Table of Contents

SN Title Pages
1 Introduction 1-6
2 Ancient Indian References 7-13
3 Properties of water 14-15
4 Jala Shashtra
4.1 Storage of water
16-29
4.2 Supply or Distribution
4.3 Drainage of water
5 Water divining 30-38
6 Pollution of water 39-41
7 Hydraulic Machines 42-44
8 Forecast of Rainfall & Measurement 45-51
9 References 52-57
Appendix 1- Libraries and Book Sellers i-ii

Appendix 2- Maps of India iii-vii

Appendix 3- 100 Sanskrit names viii-ix

Appendix 4- Tank completion report x-xii

 Read this book to know that;

•King Bhagirath was the first irrigation engineer,

who developed a network of rivers and canals in
north India.
Sage Kashypa reclaimed the water-logged land of
Kashmir by dewatering and hence the land is known
as "Kashypa Mir" or Kashmir.
Varahmihir was the first hydrologist to develop a
science (Dakargal) to predict underground aquifers,
based on surface indicators, such as trees, plants,
creepers, grass, terrariums, hibernating animals
etc.
Ancient text "Kadambini" describes forecasting of
rains based on certain natural symptoms. (Insects,
birds, animals, flora of trees etc.)
•Varahmihir developed method to predict rain
fall, based on astronomy.
•Sage Vashishtha and Sage Bhrugu were the
first divine engineers to describe properties of
flowing and steady water.
•Vedic hymns praise the deity of water.
Water mills were first developed in India and
later the technique was used by Persians
(Persian well)
•Kautilya gave guideline for construction of
dams, canal, wells, pollution prevention etc.
•An ancient text "Nighantu" mentions one
hundred meaningful names of water.
2. Ancient Indian Literature

2.1 Vedic Period 3000 - 5000 BC

Sources of water
 2.2 Post Vedic Period

Rishi Narad asks Yudhishitira

“Are the dams full of water and big enough and well
Distributed in different parts of the kingdom, and whether
agriculture depends only on rain water?" Naradniti
Ponds & Tanks
Arch Bridges
Water Forts
River Forts

Chapters of Narad Shilpashashtra

 3. PROPERTIES OF WATER

3.1 Twelve properties of Flowing Water

Weight of a body suspended in water is

Equivalent to weight of water of volume same

As submerged portion. (Archimedes Principle).

 3.2 Static Water

The water pressure is equivalent to its weight.

The banks should be sloping to reduce the

damage due to waves.
 4. JALASHSHASTRA TECHNIQUES

The three Vidya or Techniques of this Shastra are;

Storage of water –Stambhan

Water Supply/ Distribution – Sanchetan

Drainage / Dewatering - Samharan

Ten types of tanks
 5. WATER DIVINING IN ANCIENT INDIA

Varahmihir (505 C.E- 587 C.E),

The indicators for aquifers are

Specific trees, plants,

herbs and grasses
Hibernating animals (Enjoying winter sleep-
frogs, lizards, snakes, alligators and tortoises)
Anthills (Terrariums)
 84 Botanical names of trees mentioned in
Brihat Samhita Chapter 54

B01 Calamas rotang Rattan (Cane)

B84 Dalbergia latifolia Sissoo tree

6. POLLUTION OF WATER

Maintenance of water bodies

Treatment of Well water

7. HYDRAULIC MACHINES
8 METHODS OF FORECASTING RAIN

Normal rainy season

Quantity of rainfall in different regions

 18 Ancient References
67 Modern references
Appendix 1 -List of Libraries Sources in India

Appendix 2- Glossary of Terms and Ancient

Measures of Liquids

Appendix 3 -100 Sanskrit Names of water

Appendix 4- 18th Century report on Rajasagar tank

 Contact

For any suggestions

Dr.A.S.Nene
M4 Laxmi Nagar,
Nagpur (India) 440022
Email: nene_ashok@yahoo.com