The Grand Anicut: Tamil Nadu’s 2,000-Year-Old Dam

By- Khushi Bisht

Dam construction dates back to the dawn of human civilization. Since antiquity, dams have been constructed across rivers and streams. The majority of dams are now constructed to generate hydroelectricity and for industrial uses. However, centuries ago, dams were not constructed for this reason. They were primarily erected to prevent flooding, irrigate farmland, and provide drinking water.

Despite all of the latest technological advancements and innovations, constructing a dam remains a monumental undertaking. Although the structure and technology have evolved, the concept of dam construction hasn't changed much throughout the years. In this article, we will talk about a 2,000-year-old dam that is still in use today.

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India is a country steeped in history and culture, the Kallanai Dam, often known as the Grand Anicut, is one of its many glories. This dam is claimed to be the oldest still-functioning dam in the world. The Kallanai Dam, which spans the Cauvery River in Tamil Nadu's Tiruchirappalli district, was built approximately 2,000 years ago and is currently in an outstanding state.

This dam, like many great things, has a fascinating backstory.

The man behind this dam is Karikala Chola, a mighty king of the Chola dynasty, who erected the dam in the 2nd century B.C. with the intention of distributing water from the Kaveri to neighboring territories for irrigation purposes via canals. It has the world's first water diversion and regulation structure.

The dam is around 15 kilometers from Tiruchirapalli, Tamil Nadu's major city. As a result, Karikala Chola was able to cultivate a large portion of the delta.
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He was the first ruler to accomplish this incredible feat, a spectacular architectural and engineering masterpiece given the historical period of 2,000 years ago. It's around 15 kilometers from Tiruchirapalli, Tamil Nadu's major city. As a result, Karikala Chola was able to cultivate a large portion of the delta.

The Grand Anicut measures 1079 feet (329 meters) in length, 66 feet (20 meters) in width, and 18 feet (5.4 meters) in thickness. Approximately 69,000 acres were irrigated by the delta's ancient irrigation system of channels. It presently spans a large area, encompassing more than millions of acres.

Kallanai is regarded as a paradigm and a standard for future dam structures that use uncut stones. When British engineers saw this huge ancient dam in the 19th century, they were blown away by its engineering and the geographical position selected by the mighty Chola King, as well as his creativity and forethought.

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Sir Authur Thomas Cotton, a prominent British general, and engineer were encouraged by the Kallanai dam to construct The Upper Anaicut over the Kollidam.

The Grand Anicut is still in use as a significant irrigation dam, and due to its incredible engineering, it has inspired many contemporary dams. The dam draws a large number of tourists each year due to its architectural excellence. It is now a popular tourist attraction and a historical landmark in India.

All of this demonstrates how far advanced and innovative the ancient Indians were, and constructions like the Grand Anicut have become vital mementos of the country's rich past.