3.3.1. Water resources

The most striking feature about the location of Vijayanagara is the natural basin formed by the river Tungabhadra which flows in a north-easterly direction. The surrounding landscape is characterised by stunning granite hills that seem to form a girdle around the city. A number of streams flow down to the river from these rocky outcrops.

Vijayanagara was strategically located in a natural basin created by the Tungabhadra river, surrounded by granite hills. This geographical feature played a crucial role in the city's water management. The streams that flowed from the hills provided not only a natural source of water but also influenced the construction of water storage systems around the city.

Imagine a bowl surrounded by a raised edge. The bowl holds water (the Tungabhadra river) and the raised edge (the granite hills) prevents water from spilling out. Just like that, the hills helped retain water in the area, which was crucial for a city that needed water to support its population.

In almost all cases embankments were built along these streams to create reservoirs of varying sizes. As this is one of the most arid zones of the peninsula, elaborate arrangements had to be made to store rainwater and conduct it to the city. The most important such tank was built in the early years of the fifteenth century and is now called Kamalapuram tank.

To manage the water supply in the dry climate of Vijayanagara, the rulers constructed embankments to create water reservoirs or tanks. These tanks were essential for storing rainwater, ensuring that even during dry periods, the city had sufficient water. The Kamalapuram tank, built in the early 15th century, exemplifies this effort.

Think of how modern cities use water towers or reservoirs to store water. Just as these structures hold large amounts of water for use during dry spells, the tanks in Vijayanagara helped the residents access water when it was scarce.

Water from this tank not only irrigated fields nearby but was also conducted through a channel to the 'royal centre'. One of the most prominent waterworks to be seen among the ruins is the Hiriya canal. This canal drew water from a dam across the Tungabhadra and irrigated the cultivated valley that separated the 'sacred centre' from the 'urban core'.

The Kamalapuram tank served a dual purpose: it provided irrigation for agriculture and supplied water to the royal center of the city. An intricate canal system, such as the Hiriya canal, was built to distribute water efficiently from the dam to the surrounding agricultural areas, ensuring a steady supply of water for farming.

Consider how farmers today utilize irrigation systems that channel water from rivers into their fields to ensure their crops grow well. Similarly, the canals of Vijayanagara acted like modern irrigation systems, directing water to where it was needed most.

The significance of water management in Vijayanagara cannot be overstated. In one of the most arid regions, storing and distributing water was crucial for agriculture and sustaining the urban population. Efficient water systems helped maintain agricultural productivity and urban viability in a challenging environment.

Water management was vital for the survival and prosperity of Vijayanagara. The city's effective systems for storing, distributing, and managing water resources directly contributed to its agricultural productivity and the overall health of the population. Without such infrastructure, the city might have struggled to thrive in such a dry climate.

Just like how effective water management is essential for cities today to ensure that there is enough water for both farming and urban living, Vijayanagara depended on its intricate water systems to succeed in a similar way.

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