Traditional water bodies of Jodhpur
Author(s): Gaurav Dev and Yashwant Shourya
Abstract: Jodhpur, founded in the fifteenth century in the arid landscape of Rajasthan, developed an extensive and sophisticated system of traditional water architecture to ensure sustainable water availability. Drawing upon the natural catchment of the Chonka-Daijar plateau, the city evolved a complex network of surface and groundwater structures, including nadis, talabs, tanks, canals, lakes, wells, baoris, and jhalaras. These systems were gradually expanded and maintained through community participation and royal patronage, enabling effective rainwater harvesting, groundwater recharge, and year-round water access. Water bodies such as Ranisar Talab, Gulab Sagar, and Tunwarji Ka Jhalra exemplify the integration of hydrological knowledge with architectural and cultural expression. Royal women, courtiers, and merchants played a significant role as patrons, reflecting the social and religious importance of water conservation. Despite widespread degradation due to urbanization and neglect, Jodhpur’s surviving water structures represent invaluable indigenous wisdom and offer important lessons for sustainable water management in contemporary dryland cities.
Pages: 165-167 | Views: 217 | Downloads: 159Download Full Article: Click Here
How to cite this article:
Gaurav Dev, Yashwant Shourya. Traditional water bodies of Jodhpur. Int J Hist 2025;7(10):165-167.
