Local Government in Ancient India c13.32

c13.32

(3) *Tank Committee*: the number of members was six. The duties of this committee are apparent from the name. They are indicated in detail in numerous inscriptions, some of which have been already cited. The committee were entrusted by the general assembly with all endowments made in favour of tanks in the shape of grants of land, and they had to invest money endowments in the best possible way [see *infra*, § 2]. They utilized the deposits of money in reclaiming waste land and cultivating it in order to pay out of the produce the interest on the deposit. They had also apparently to look after the cultivation of lands granted to tanks. The income from both these sources was applied to meet the expenses of the annual or occasional operation of the removal of the silt of tanks and of other necessary repairs to breaches of bunds and to boats employed on the tanks. They had to levy the fines which were to be credited to the tank-fund. Endowments for watering sheds to supply drinking water to thirsty wayfarers were apparently entrusted to them (see no. 75 of 1898). Sometimes we find the tank committee being appointed to look after the gifts of lamps to temples (as in no. 685 of 1904). One inscription even makes only Bhaṭṭas or learned Brāhmans members of the tank committee (No. 13 of *S.I.I.*, Vol. III., pt. 1).