Araghatta, a mechanical device used for irrigation in medieval India
Previous Year Questions: This question has been asked in the UPSC Civil Services Exam 2025 – Prelims – General Studies Paper I, held on Sunday, 25 May 2025.
Question: The irrigation device called ‘Araghatta’ was
(a) a water bag made of leather pulled over a pulley
(b) a large wheel with earthen pots tied to the outer ends of its spokes
(c) a larger earthen pot driven by bullocks
(d) a large water bucket pulled up by rope directly by hand
प्रश्न: सिंचाई में काम आने वाला ‘अरघट्टा’ नामक उपकरण क्या था?
(a) एक घिरनी (पुली) से खींचा जाने वाला चमड़े का बना पानी का थैला
(b) एक बड़ा चक्का, जिसकी अराओं (स्पोक्स) के बाहरी छोरों पर मिट्टी के पात्र बंधे हों
(c) बैलों के द्वारा खींचा जाने वाला मिट्टी का एक अधिक बड़ा पात्र
(d) सीधे हाथों से ही रस्सी द्वारा खींचा जाने वाला बड़ा जल-डोल (वाटर बकेट)
Topic: Medieval Indian History
Explanation:
The term “araghatta” refers to a Persian wheel, a mechanical device used for irrigation in medieval India. It’s a water-lifting mechanism, typically powered by animals like bullocks or camels, used to draw water from wells or other sources for irrigation. The term “araghatta” itself is derived from Sanskrit, combining “ara” (meaning spoke) and “ghatta” (meaning pot).
Structure and Functioning:
The design of the Araghatta was both practical and elegant, relying on basic mechanical principles and locally available materials. At the heart of the device was a large vertical wheel, usually constructed of wood and mounted on an axle. This wheel was rotated using animal power, commonly by bullocks walking in circles around the apparatus.
Fixed to the rim or spokes of the wheel were a series of small pots or earthen containers. As the wheel turned, the containers would descend into a water source—typically a well—and fill with water. As the rotation continued, the pots were lifted upward, carrying the water to a higher level. When they reached the top of the wheel’s arc, the containers would automatically tip or pour the collected water into a channel or trough positioned to catch the flow.
This water was then guided through narrow canals to irrigate the surrounding fields. The continuous motion of the wheel ensured a steady and reliable supply of water, making it ideal for sustaining crops in dry or semi-arid conditions.
