Dholavira: An Ancient Indian City’s Exemplary Water Conservation Legacy

✍Unni Thalakkasseri 

Water, second only to air in its necessity for human survival, has been the cornerstone of civilizations, typically flourishing along the banks of abundant rivers. However, Dholavira, an ancient metropolis in the arid Kutch region of Gujarat, India, stands as a testament to human ingenuity, thriving for centuries in a water-scarce desert through sophisticated water conservation techniques.

The Challenge of Water in a Desert Landscape

Approximately 70% of Earth’s surface is covered by water, yet the salinity of seawater renders it unsuitable for direct agricultural or domestic use. While modern technologies now enable desalination at a reasonable cost, as seen in cities like Chennai, the true challenge lies not in water availability but in its efficient utilization. Dholavira, a prominent city of the Indus-Sarasvati civilization, exemplifies this principle, having sustained itself from 2500 to 1500 BCE in a region devoid of perennial rivers or streams. Today, the Kutch region is characterized by saline groundwater and a harsh desert environment, with monsoon rains confined to a brief period in July. Yet, over 4,500 years ago, Dholavira’s inhabitants mastered water management to support a thriving urban center.

A Marvel of Hydraulic Engineering

Discovered in 1967 by archaeologist J.P. Joshi of the Archaeological Survey of India, Dholavira spans approximately 250 hectares, making it one of the largest urban centers of the Indus-Sarasvati civilization. Archaeological excavations, ongoing since its discovery, reveal a city meticulously designed to conserve every drop of water. Despite its distance from the Indus River and the vanished Sarasvati River’s tributaries, which flowed only during the monsoon, Dholavira sustained an estimated population of 20,000 to 40,000 during its peak.

The city’s water management system was a marvel of hydraulic engineering. Dholavira was surrounded by a network of large reservoirs, each exceeding 70 meters in length and width and over 7 meters in depth. These reservoirs, lined with stone to prevent seepage, were interconnected by underground channels that regulated water flow and maintained consistent water levels. A significant dam diverted seasonal streams into these reservoirs during the monsoon, ensuring a reliable water supply. Excavations as recent as 2014 have uncovered structures that surpass the sophistication of those found in Mohenjo-Daro and Harappa, underscoring Dholavira’s advanced engineering.

Sustaining a Civilization

The water stored in Dholavira’s reservoirs met the city’s domestic and agricultural needs, enabling the cultivation of wheat and barley. This agricultural surplus supported trade, contributing to the city’s prosperity. The meticulous design of the reservoirs and channels ensured that water, a scarce resource in the semi-arid Kutch, was neither wasted nor lost to the saline ground.

Lessons from the Past

Water conservation is not a modern concept but a practice rooted in ancient wisdom. Dholavira’s enduring legacy highlights the importance of sustainable water management in sustaining civilizations. As contemporary societies grapple with water scarcity, the lessons from Dholavira offer valuable insights. These ancient techniques, often cost-effective and practical, remind us that innovation need not always be complex to be effective. By studying and adapting the water conservation strategies of ancient cities like Dholavira, we can address modern challenges with solutions that are both sustainable and inspired by the ingenuity of our ancestors.