The Najafgarh canal, a significant historical and political landmark, is prominently featured in pre-

independence Indian literature. This canal has been more than a mere waterway; it has played a
crucial role in shaping the socio-political landscape of its region. Through the lens of historical texts,
the Najafgarh canal is revealed as a nexus for economic, cultural, and political narratives, highlighting
its importance in the development and identity of the area. Its presence in literary records
underscores its influence on the region's history and politics, making it a subject of enduring
significance.

During Shah Jahan reign 1628- 1658 Shahjahan addressed the water demands of his burgeoning city,
the palace, and his army by devising a canal system complemented by dighis—stepped, square or
circular reservoirs—for water diversion from the Yamuna River. His chief engineer, Ali Mardan Khan,
was instrumental in integrating this canal with the Najafgarh drain, originating in the Sirmaur hills of
Haryana, to the southwest of Delhi. Named in tribute to Khan, this canal system not only facilitated
water diversion but also replenished the wells and dighis en route to the city.

The Najafgarh drain, starting in the west, initially moves north and then curves northeast until it
merges with the river. It primarily functioned as an essential drain, transporting water from Najafgarh
lake to the river and supporting the water needs of west Delhi. Over time, as the city grew, both
British colonial officials and later Indian urban planners utilized this drain as a convenient means to
manage the city’s increasing municipal and industrial waste.

The Najafgarh canal and drain have been central to the historical, cultural, and socio-political fabric
of Delhi. Initially designed to meet the city's water demands, they evolved into essential features of
urban infrastructure. From facilitating water diversion and replenishment during Shah Jahan's reign
to managing municipal waste in later years, their significance remains paramount in the region's
history and development. The story of the Najafgarh canal and drain is a testament to the dynamic
interplay between human needs, environmental resources, and urban growth, underscoring their
enduring importance in shaping Delhi's past and present.

Description of map

Based on author’s narrative- according to the sketch map, the walled garden, referred to as the Pakka
Bagh in the original report, was situated beyond elevated terrain to the north of the road leading
east from Najafgarh town to the bridge across the Jhil drain. Positioned near the old site of
Masudabad, the garden featured sturdy corner towers and was attacked by the 1st Punjab Infantry.
South of the Pakka Bagh and the road lay the location where the main body of troops reassembled
after engaging the principal enemy position.

Accounts from local residents present in 1857 indicate that the 1st Punjab Infantry skirted the
deserted town of Najafgarh on their way to confront the enemy at the Masudabad site, described as
a "village held by the enemy" on the sketch map. The reformed main body of troops proceeded
down the road toward the Jhil bridge, prompting the enemy to abandon their position at Kot, located
to the south of the bridge. In response, British artillery was advanced to engage the enemy guns
positioned on the far side of the canal cut.
The historical and political significance of the Najafgarh canal is discernible in various pre-
independence literary accounts, reflecting its profound impact on the socio-political landscape of the
era. These records illuminate the canal's integral role in shaping regional history and politics,
highlighting its enduring importance.

Beyond the ridge,the drainage canal from Najafgarh jhil bounded the Old Cantonment to its west.
The Old Cantonment, which was destroyed in May 1857, and was occupied by the force besieging
Delhi from June to September in that year. Across the canal, to the north of the high road, is the
Bawari Plain, the site of the Imperial Assemblage of 1877, and 'of the scene of the greater
Coronation Darbar of 1st January 1903.

Based on Lieutenant Norman's narrative, it can be deduced the drainage cut from the Najafgarh Jhil
subsequently proved as a valuable protection of the rear of Britisher’s position behind the Ridge. The
wide and deep canal cut ran nearly parallel to the ridge and at a distance of approximately 1200
yards from the Flag Staff Tower there was a masonry bridge. This was partially destroyed, but
fortunately was left of a sufficient width for the guns to pass for the British.

The Pulchaddar aqueduct, a structure of remarkable durability, used to convey canal water across the
Najafgarh Jhil cut, was destroyed. This action prevented water from entering the city via the canal,
which had minimal impact on the town's inhabitants, as they had access to numerous wells in a
riverside location. Additionally, it was decided to demolish the Bassi Bridge over the Najafgarh Jhil
cut, approximately eight miles from the camp, further complicating access to the rear. This
destruction was carried out on the morning of July 8th.

Around 31st July there was an attempt by the sepoys to build a temporary bridge (for which purpose
they took timber) across the Najafgarh Jhil cut and getting to our rear. A move which if would have
been carried out successfully would have caused much inconvenience to British.

Lieutenant Norman traversed a significant ford over a branch of the Najafgarh Jhil near Bapraula
village, encountering enemy forces positioned from the Najafgarh canal bridge to Najafgarh town.

--- chat gpt

Lieutenant Norman's narrative underscores the strategic importance of the drainage cut from the
Najafgarh Jhil, which provided a crucial defensive barrier for the British forces positioned behind the
Ridge. The wide and deep canal, running nearly parallel to the ridge and featuring a masonry bridge
approximately 1200 yards from the Flag Staff Tower, posed a significant obstacle to enemy
advancement. Despite partial destruction, the bridge still allowed passage for British artillery,
maintaining their defensive advantage.

The destruction of the Pulchaddar aqueduct, a sturdy structure used for conveying canal water
across the Najafgarh Jhil cut, further fortified British defenses by cutting off potential water access
for the enemy. While the demolition of the Bassi Bridge over the Najafgarh Jhil cut, carried out on
July 8th, added another layer of complexity to enemy movements toward the British rear.

Around July 31st, sepoys attempted to construct a temporary bridge across the Najafgarh Jhil cut,
aiming to flank the British position. This maneuver, if successful, could have caused significant
inconvenience to the British forces. However, the measures undertaken to secure the Najafgarh Jhil
cut and the vigilance of troops like Lieutenant Norman, who encountered enemy forces near
Bapraula village, demonstrated the importance of this waterway in shaping the strategic landscape of
the conflict.

On the 8th of July, a series of operations aimed at destroying the bridges over the canal and the
Najafgarh drain was concluded with the destruction of the Bassi bridge over the latter, located
approximately three miles away from the camp. Although repelled with minor casualties on the
British side, it resulted in significant losses for the sepoys. Due to continuous efforts by the
engineers, the obstacles and structures on this side were cleared, providing a clear field of fire.

On the 1st of August, which coincided with the "Bakra Id," one of the two major Muslim festivals, the
sepoys successfully constructed their bridge. Some of their forces had even crossed over when a
sudden and severe flood surged down the Najafgarh drain, triggered by heavy rainfall the previous
day and continued precipitation on the said day. Consequently, the bridge's timbers were swept
away, compelling the rebels to retreat back into the city.