Studies in Ancient Hindu Polity (Based on the Arthashastra of Kautilya), Vol. I c3.76

c3.76

2. “Some superintend the rivers, measure the land . . . and inspect the sluices by which water is let out from the main canals into their branches.” Kauṭilya also mentions provisions for irrigation under the Superintendent of the Admiralty [नावध्यक्ष] for inspection of rivers and watercourses. He also refers to canals and sluices, as in the passage “सेतुभ्योमृगततोयमपारेवदप्योषम्,” etc. [Bk. III, ch. x, 61], and mentions four modes of irrigation, viz. irrigation by hand [हस्तप्रावर्तिम], by water carried on shoulders [स्कन्धप्रावर्तिम], by mechanical contrivances [स्रोत-यन्त्रप्रावर्तिम], and by water from tanks, wells and rivers [नदीसरस्तडाकूपोद्घाटम्]. In the following passage, “वातप्रवर्तिमवर्षिविषायसनतडाककेदारााराम-षण्डवापानां . . .” there is perhaps a reference to the raising of water from wells and tanks by bullocks, and also to devices worked by wind-power, *i.e.* windmills.