Ancient Sinhalese Hydraulics
Associated with some ancient tanks provided with stone anicuts
is this concept of the time honoured device of a Biso Kotuwa.
This ancient irrigation artefact is rectangular in shape
of well dressed stone slabs has served as a marvellous contraption
of invention of the time.
The sulice at Uru Sita Vewa |
Its purpose was to store irrigation water for the purpose
of stopping the overflow of the water conveyed along a stolen
aqua-duct in regulating its flow of water to feed the vast
tracts of rice fields. Still another purpose was prevention
of siltage.
Hence this sprawling Walawe Basin nestling in the cradle
of our ancient civilization in Ruhuna Rata and Sabaragamuwa
has turned into one of the bountiful rice bowls of our isle,
teeming with multitudes of farming communities and a host
of industries could aptly boast of such relics of a past
hydraulic heritage.
This refers particularly to Magama Weva/Uru Sita Weva stone
anicut surmounted by a seven headed monolithic cobra In this
regard, I would like to quote in the first instance from
an authoritative source namely Dr. R. L. Brohier.
In the early 20th century A.D., he was a prolific author
on the ancient hydraulic heritage, archaeology, history,
heritage and what not. In one of his masterpiece monograph,
titled ‘Ancient Irrigation Works - Part I, (1939),
particularly with reference to this very Biso Kotuwa on the
ancient sluice of stone of the Seven Headed Cobra stone has
enlightened us thus: “The works in the upstream of
embankment which fulfilled the important functions are termed
as Biso Kotuwas.
The remains of the pond at Galabedda Pix by Gamini G. Punchihewa |
This Biso Kotuwa through which was let out water into the
channels had its base or floor of about fifteen fathoms square
paved with quarried stone, waterway or gutter conducting
the water through the Biso Kotuwa through which was 3 1/2
fathoms long, 1 1/2 wide and 1 1/2 high on all sides closely.
It was of 2 1/2 by 3 feet to admit the passage of man. There
were two sluices, the entrance to each of which was called
Wanaya and was undoubtedly of wide influence”.
There is still another similar authoritative source reference
culled from H. Parker of British times who served in Ceylon
(Sri Lanka) as an Irrigation Engineer (in 1901). In his voluminous
monograph titled “Ancient Ceylon” (1909), he
has paid accolades to our ancient Sinhalese Irrigation Engineers
thus “The Valve Pits/Valve Towers of modern times by
which the overflow in large reservoirs are regulated or totally
stopped. Since this being the case the ancient Sinhalese
Engineers in constructing such Biso Kotuwas had established
a claim to be considered the first Inventors of Valve Pita
more than 2,100 years ago.
D. G. A. Perera, a Pioneer member of the Royal Asiatic Society
(Sri Lanka Branch) has been a frequent guest Lecturer on
those time honoured Biso Kotuwas and other ancient Irrigation
structures. With special reference to these Biso Kotuwas
termed as Valve pits/Valve Towers.
In a Paper titled “The Biso Kotuwa”. In Architecture
and Irrigation works of ancient Sri Lanka presented at the
National Archaeological Congress, in 1986 held at the Sri
Lanka Foundation Institute from 28th to 30th November 1986
gave a more signified position in respect of these Ancient
Biso Kotuwas in relation to ancient irrigation works thus “However
in the light of further development of European Science later
in the 20th century.
We may have to modify Parker’s modification to read “The
Sinhalese Engineers are the first Inventors of both the Hydraulic
Surge Chamber and Valve Tower and the first to incorporate
both the principles in the same structure, called a Biso
Kotuwa more than 2,100 years ago”.
In archaeological terms such Biso Kotuwas had the function
of releasing the water by either regulating or stopping its
flow completely. It had another romantic state in Royal flavour
in those halcyon days when our ancient kings and queens ruled
in all glory and splendour. A similar rectangular tank dressed
with stone was constructed, fed by some natural spring or
some rivulet, where queens and princesses bathed and frolicked
in the filled up ponds.
While working in the G. O. D. B./R. V. D. B. (Gal Oya from
1955 to 1970) in clerical and field capacities. In mid 1970,
I was transferred out of the Gal Oya Project to the Udawalawe
Project to report to my station at Embilipitiya, I was privileged
to get an official Jeep to travel down there with my family
as well.
We took the route through the Moneragala/Wellawaya highway
where a tiny village by its roadside Galabbedda famed for
native Auyrvedic treatment for fractures. In this pastoral
village turned into a paddy field we beheld this romantic
spot where queens and princesses had bathed, frolicked in
all merriment. The Pond was about 20 feet square with four
entrances with stone steps carved on its surface which led
to this square pond below. From the four entrances were four
water spouts flowing through the mouths of sculptured lions.
On the walls of this Pond were fascinatingly carved figures
of damsels carrying pots. This was a veritable sign that
this pond was exclusively only for the Queens and Princesses
of old. Close to this Pond was a heart shaped stone slab
with fabulous, ornamental designs neatly carved out. These
carvings were contiguous with yet another grooved space in
stone to keep the vessel(Sembuwa).
This too was beautifully and artistically ornamented with
cultural motifs of floral and tendrils. This vivid account
has been taken from my first publication ‘Souvenirs
of a Forgotten Heritage’ (1990) the chronicle of Gal
Oya valley in retrospect.
From a recent news item in an English newspaper it was reported
that this priceless treasure trove of heritage, fine arts
and sculpture with designs and motifs was in a dilapidated
state.
When we visited in 1970, in a prime state looked after by
a Watcher of the Department of Archeology. Photos taken by
me in 1970 are reproduced in this Article.
I would like to draw the kind attention, of the Director
General of the Department of Archaeology to take proper steps
to restore it to its pristine state.
By Gamini G. Punchihewa
Sunday Observer- 18 May 2008
Created :December 4, 2008
Updated :
December 4, 2008
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