History of Technology in India, Vol. I: From Antiquity to c. 1200 A.D. v1.c32.s2.t9.9

v1.c32.s2.t9.9

A passage like this would surely indicate the existence of water-lifting mechanisms for the purpose of irrigation and cultivation. In the *Maduraikāñcī* we get a glimpse of the modes or different types of water-lifting devices employed in irrigation: “In thy domain is heard the sound of those who stand in rows and irrigate their fields from tanks with basket-pails to well-sweep tied and baskets strongly made and softly bound” (*Maduraikāñcī*, ll. 89-92; see also Chelliah 1947, p. 237)³.