What were the means and methods of irrigation during medieval period ?
Answers
Modern methods like Canal irrigation, Sprinkler irrigation and Drip irrigation were not used!
Canal irrigation
In India, irrigation of extensive areas is carried out by canals.
The main canal receives water from different sources such as reservoirs or rivers and branches further for irrigation.
Moat/Pulley system
The pulley system along with a rope and bucket is known as a moat.
Water is lifted out from the well by using a bucket attached to a rope which passes over the pulley. The rope is either pulled by man or by animals.
Water is directly taken out from wells and used to irrigate fields.
Persian wheel (Rahat system)
A Persian wheel is a simple water-lifting device.
It consists of a large wooden wheel with several buckets arranged on its outer rim. The whole arrangement is submerged in an open well.
The wheel is yoked to a pair of animals like bullocks. They move around in circles thus rotating the wheel and, in turn, the buckets.
The buckets dip in the well, collect water and empty it into an intricate network of channels which distribute water in the cropped area.
Swing basket method
The swing basket is an ancient water-lifting device.
It consists of a bamboo basket to which four ropes are attached.
Two people stand facing each other and swing the basket to fill in water.
The basket is raised and water is discharged in the crop field.
Dhekli
Dhekli is generally used to lift water from an unlined well, stream or pond.
It consists of a lever rod supported on a vertical post about which it can swing in a vertical direction.
Chain pump
The chain pump is used to lift water from a shallow well.
It is useful to lift water from a depth of about 6 metres.