Indigenous Irrigation Works in Peninsular India

Abstract

HEN we think of irrigation in India we do so primarily in terms of her wonderful network of great canals, triumphs of which modern engineering is justly proud. This is natural enough, yet it remains true that in any year more than half the area irrigated in India derives such nourishment from a variety of small, humble works, the great majority of which are constructed and maintained by the cultivators themselves with or without assistance from the authorities.' The water supply of these petty undertakings is often uncertain; and this, together with other considerations, causes the number in use and the area served by them to fluctuate rather widely from one year to another. After a series of good rainy seasons, many waterworks are likely to be found in disrepair from neglect; during a run of bad seasons the number of works of a type that can be usefully resorted to under such circumstances shows an increase. Several are of a temporary character and must be abandoned after a season or two.