Water Conservation Practices In The Indian Knowledge System: Regional Traditions And Their Relevance To Contemporary Water Challenges

Abstract

Water scarcity, depletion of groundwater resources, and hydrological variability due to climate change have come to be recognized as major challenges in the twenty-first century. Although contemporary water management practices are dominated by large-scale infrastructure and technological solutions, traditional knowledge systems provide sustainable, decentralized, and ecologically friendly alternatives. The Indian Knowledge System (IKS) represents a treasure trove of water conservation knowledge developed over the millennia in different ecological zones. This paper explores region-specific water conservation traditions in ancient and traditional India, including stepwells, tanks, johads, kuls, ahar-pyne systems, bamboo drip irrigation systems, and temple tanks, and assesses their relevance in the context of contemporary water challenges. The paper contends that the integration of IKS with modern scientific knowledge can improve water security, resilience, and sustainability.