Home > Indian History > History of India > Irrigation System in Mughal India
Irrigation System in Mughal India
Irrigation System in Mughal India was largely expanded. Well, surface water and rainwater were stored in tanks and then disseminated across the landscape by a large network of canals.

Share this Article:

Irrigation System in Mughal IndiaIrrigation system in Mughal India was quite developed and it was made possible by storing well water, surface water as well rain water. Water from these sources was stored in tanks and then distributed across the vast agricultural lands through a large network of canals. Further, some water-lifting devices were also used for utilising the stored water. During the Mughal rule, both in the Doab and Haryana region the role of canal irrigation became quite significant by the closing decades of the nineteenth century. It is further to the western province particularly in the Indus plains where the modern canal system brought about a vital change. One of the most important features of the irrigation system in Mughal India was the artificial irrigation system. It supplemented the natural bounty of the monsoons. The chief means employed for this purpose had been the construction of wells, tanks and canals.

Further, historical records show that in the Upper Gangetic plains wells were the principal sources of irrigation. Different methods were applied for drawing water out of the wells for irrigation purposes. Most of the wells were kachcha (not concreted). Those used to be dug afresh almost every year. Cultivation of crops depended mostly upon rainfall and only partly on wells. Thus, wells were considered important at that time. It was also believed that in many tracts, especially in the central Ganga-Yamuna Doab, there was a heavy declination in the number of wells, owing to interference by modern canals with the natural drainage system of the country. Moreover, archaeological remains of the pre-colonial system of south Indian dams, tanks and canals testify to the great antiquity of irrigation tanks in peninsular India.

In cases where a river rises and inundates the fields seasonally every year, both the irrigation system and fertilisation were considered to be natural. The seasonal inundations of the rivers were almost uncontrolled; and nothing reveals their range more clearly than the spectacular changes in the river courses which used to take place from time to time. These changes particularly affected cultivation in larger areas. It was in northern India where some large canals were excavated during Mughal period. The Haryana tract was not served by any perennial river. Thus, the common practice in the region was to build dams across the streams for creating artificial inundation or for continuous supply of water for cultivation. Further, in the Punjab province, a small system of canals was brought into existence in the Upper Bari Doab. The common practice had been to either cut artificial channels from the river or canals to lift the water from the river or its branches for supporting agriculture. Thus, it becomes quite clear that irrigation system during Mughal rule was quite advanced supporting the core basis of economy.


Share this Article:

Related Articles

More Articles in History of India


History of Uttar Pradesh
The state was the heart of Mahabharata war and the history of Uttar Pradesh is very much the history of India. The place finds its mentions in Hindu epics Ramayana and Mahabharata.
History Of Archaeology In India
History of archaeology in India contributes a lot to define the past history and the social life of India.
Mughal Architecture during Babur
Mughal Architecture during Babur is of adequate significance in Mughal history, as the emperor introduced Mughal architecture in India, during 16th century.
Princely State of Patdi
Princely State of Patdi or Patri was incorporated as a part of the Baroda Agency, which was a sub division of Western India States Agency.
Architecture during Sayyid and Lodi Dynasty
Architectures during the Sayyid and Lodi dynasty were mainly the tombs and monuments for the dead rulers. It were carefully designed and meticulously constructed.
Brahmanical Sources of Ancient History
Brahmanical Sources of ancient history are contained in the Vedas and they constitute one of the most important literary sources of information about ancient India.
Female Education In British India
The over brimming enthusiasm among zealous Hindu reformers welcomed female education in British India.
Revenue System of Mauryan Empire
Revenue system of Mauryan Empire can be divided into eight categories. The principal revenue of the state was the land revenue, taxes from traders, artisans and professional taxes were also collected.
Mughal Architecture During Jahangir
Mughal architecture during Jahangir`s period was relative dull in comparison to that of Akbar dynasty.
Princely State of Satlasna
Princely State of Satlasna was amongst the former native states of India that was appointed as one of the Indian princely states during the early 19th century.
Coins of Chola Empire
Coins of Chola Empire were issued in gold, silver and copper and carried the Chola emblem.
Social Life during the Pala Period
Religious toleration and simple living were the characteristics of social life during the Pala period.
Coins of the Chalukya Dynasty
Coins of the Chalukya Dynasty was reintroduced in the South India after a brief break of coinage less period of nearly three century. Chalukyas issued coins only in gold and they exhibit a brilliant artistic skill of the engraver.
Costumes of Indus Valley Civilisation
Costumes of Indus valley Civilization have been considered as the basis for Indian clothes. Sophisticated ornaments and make up were used during that age.
Development of Science under Gupta Empire
Development of Science under Gupta Empire was progressive and it had attained considerable perfection. Mathematics, astronomy, medicine, chemistry, physics and metallurgy were the most prominent of the sciences at that time.
Culture under Delhi Sultanate
Culture under Delhi Sultanate had enduring aspects to it. It included the society, the religious condition, literature and art and architecture of that period.
Princely State of Hapa
Princely State of Hapa was incorporated as a part of the Baroda Agency, which was under the administrative control of the Western India States Agency.
Economy Under Chola Dynasty
Economy under Chola dynasty was strong and well developed. The economic life of the people of the Chola Kingdom was well balanced with their social life.
Coins of Khilji Dynasty
Coins of Khilji Dynasty had an influential feature that was followed by the other dynasties.
Religion During Mauryan Dynasty
Religion during Mauryan dynasty became a considerable episode in Indian history with an esteemed lineage of rulers.