EXPLORING THE INDIAN KNOWLEDGE SYSTEM: ANCIENT WISDOM IN WATER HARVESTING AND ITS MODERN RELEVANCE

Water harvesting has been an integral part of India’s rich heritage, deeply rooted in its ancient knowledge systems. The Indian subcontinent has a rich legacy of sustainable water management systems that evolved in response to diverse ecological and cultural contexts. Traditional water harvesting practices, such as stepwells, johads, tanks, and baoris, exemplify indigenous knowledge deeply rooted in sustainability, community participation, and ecological balance. These systems, often tailored to local climatic and geographic conditions, highlight an intricate understanding of hydrology, ecology, and community participation. The study advocates for a synergistic approach that combines ancient wisdom with modern engineering to develop resilient and sustainable water management strategies. It also underscores the need for policy frameworks that recognize and promote the revitalization of traditional systems, fostering community engagement and ecological stewardship in the face of global water challenges. This paper explores ancient water harvesting systems in India, emphasizing their design principles, socio-cultural significance, and environmental benefits. It also evaluates their modern relevance in the context of urbanization, climate change, and water scarcity. By integrating traditional wisdom with contemporary technology, this paper proposes a framework for sustainable water resource management in the 21st century.