4th unit

"Water is an essential element in Tamil culture, and it plays a significant role in various aspects of life.
Lakes, ponds, rivers, and wells have been vital to the livelihood of Tamil people since ancient times. The
ancient Tamil literature and classical works highlight the importance of water in various contexts.

Water bodies like rivers, wells, and tanks hold a special place in Tamil society. They are considered
sacred and are respected by the people. The act of taking a bath in these water bodies is considered a
purifying ritual, and it is believed to have various health benefits.

Thiruvalluvar, a famous Tamil poet, emphasizes the greatness and significance of water in his literary
works. His verses beautifully describe the power and influence of water in shaping Tamil culture and
civilization.

Throughout history, Tamil people have shown great reverence and gratitude towards water. The phrase
"Neerinthi Anamayodu Ulagu," which translates to "the world depends on water," reflects the
understanding and recognition of the greatness of water by the Tamil people.

During the ancient times, the rulers and kings of Tamil Nadu constructed various water reservoirs and
tanks, showing their commitment to water management and conservation. Tamil people have always
been conscious of water conservation and its importance.

Water's greatness extends to different ecosystems and environments. It supports agriculture, sustains
marine life, and helps maintain the balance of nature. The importance of water is highlighted in various
aspects of Tamil literature and cultural practices.

Water bodies like wells and ponds are considered sacred in Tamil culture. People use these sources for
various rituals and practices. The Tamil people have a profound connection with water, and it plays a
significant role in shaping their cultural identity.

"Water flows to quench the thirst of people and to irrigate their fields. Water that serves these purposes
comes today and goes to the ponds. Even groundwater, which is rich in minerals, is beneficial in
irrigating the fields.
In ancient Tamil literature, several verses describe the significance of ponds. For example:

"Like a thirsty deer hastening towards the water,

A pond attracts the hearts of people like a magnet." - Pattinappalai

"A pond, the abode of beautiful fish." - Akanaanuru

Similar praises for ponds are found in many Tamil poems.

Eri:

Eri is one of the first and foremost water bodies in Tamil Nadu. It plays a crucial role in recharging
groundwater and supplying water to wells and tanks. The groundwater level in the area is dependent on
the presence of eris. It reflects the overall water table of the region.

There are over 11 lakh eris (small ponds) in the entire world, with Tamil Nadu alone having around
40,000 eris.

Eri's Structure:

Regarding the structure of eris, an ancient poem describes how the soil around the pond forms a
concave shape, and the slope of the pondbed helps retain water. The clayey soil around the pond acts as
a barrier to hold water, preventing seepage. The balance between the clay soil and the pond's water
retention capacity contributes to the maintenance of the water level in the eri.

Eri's Catchment:

The catchment area around the eri plays a vital role in maintaining water flow to the pond. The
rainwater that falls within this catchment area eventually reaches the pond, keeping it filled. The roots
of trees and shrubs in the surrounding areas also help retain the rainwater, preventing surface runoff.

In the book "Eriyum Panikaalamum," it is mentioned that to maintain the eri, channels are dug, and
surrounding trees and shrubs are protected to ensure rainwater harvesting. The right balance between
these factors helps in the successful management of the eri and its surroundings."
Please note that this translation is not literal but captures the essence of the original text. Some phrases
and terms may not have exact English equivalents, and interpretations may vary.

The text appears to be a mix of Tamil and English, and it seems to discuss the process of water
purification through aeration and the use of traditional water distribution systems in Tamil Nadu, India.
However, there are some Tamil characters missing or not rendered correctly, making it difficult to
provide an accurate translation.

Based on the available content, here's an attempt at translating the given Tamil text into English:

"The traditional method of water purification through aeration involves five essential steps:

Kulan (Kulan Satotti)

Kalingu (Chakotu Patthi)

Varathukkol, Madhakugal, Minaganir Sapogum Kolkal - water distribution channels that guide the water.

Pannei Sambampottu Paiyikal Moolam Aaykattu Pabhuthikal Uruvokuthal (Uzhuvalokki).

Sopotukkiri Anamehal (Kiru).

Among the various water bodies, the channels through which water flows from the river to the
agricultural fields are called 'Aeri.' These channels are designed to allow water to settle and remove the
impurities before reaching the farmlands.

People believe that the water from these channels is rich in nutrients, and it benefits their health. These
water channels are used to serve the purpose of storing water and also to preserve the Tamil culture.

The water bodies, ponds, and sapovilgals (traditional water distribution systems) are opened up to the
land to let the water flow through, facilitating aeration and purification of the water. This process helps
in purifying the water for consumption by the local communities. This system has been in use for a long
time and plays an important role in the lives of the Tamil people.
Approximately 40,000 'Aeri' channels are used for water distribution in Tamil Nadu by various
communities, including the Chola, Chera, and Pandya dynasties. These channels are called 'Urai,' which
is an ancient word that refers to the storage of water. Many of these traditional water bodies still exist
in the temples and cities, preserving the ancient Tamil heritage and benefiting people worldwide.

The process of water purification through aeration and the use of traditional water distribution systems
is mentioned in ancient Tamil literature, such as the poem 'Punal Punalin Azhagiyadu' (Puram 24:18-19).
The lines from the poem state that when the water flows through the channels and water bodies, it
purifies and becomes crystal clear like the pure water

"In Tamil literature, there are numerous references to the significance of water in sacred places like
Punalvayil, where water flows. Rivers and lakes hold a special place, and water is considered essential
for rituals and offerings. The ancient Tamil texts, including the Purananuru and Purananooru, praise the
importance of water in various contexts.

Ancient texts like the Kurundogai, Natrinai, and Agam mention the importance of tanks and the
significance of water in them. In Purananuru, there are verses that describe the beauty and abundance
of water in rivers and tanks, highlighting the role of water in daily life.

The Kalingathuparani, a historical Tamil epic written in the 10th century AD, talks about the construction
of the Kallanai dam across the Kaveri River during the Chola dynasty. This ancient dam, now known as
the Grand Anicut, is considered a marvel of engineering and an important milestone in the history of
water management in India.

In the contemporary context, Tamil poet Arivoli R. Araththandiyar wrote about the need for sustainable
water management and conservation. His works emphasize the importance of preserving water
resources for future generations.

It appears that the text also discusses the cultural and historical significance of water in Tamil Nadu,
highlighting the ancient practices of tank management and water conservation.