History of Technology in India, Vol. I: From Antiquity to c. 1200 A.D. v1.c24.s6.48

v1.c24.s6.48

The Kāśyapīyakṛṣisūkti recommends irrigation from ponds, tanks and, more particularly, from wells. After ascertaining the presence of water by the examination of the soil by an expert of the rules of water-divining and by observing the strata of the earth from the direction of the roots of trees a well or a pond is to be dug. At first a big pit is to be dug, oblong, square or circular in shape. Digging is to be continued till water appears. Then, for making the foundation strong the base is built in latticed masonry of burnt bricks and sometimes in stone-slabs. Bricks masonry is to be gradually raised over the base. The walls are to be made of bricks laid in lime mortar. Steps are also to be provided wherever necessary. The structure above ground is to be made of stone-slabs in which an opening is to be kept towards the east or west according to the situation of site.