சோழர் கால ஏரி, குளம், மதகு மற்றும் குமிழித் தூம்பிகளின் வடிவமைப்பு, செயல்முறை, அறிவியல் தொழில்நுட்ப நுணுக்கம் மற்றும் பண்பாட்டு ஆய்வு

A Study on the Design, Operational Methods, Scientific-Technical Nuances, and Cultural Aspects of Lakes, Ponds, Sluices, and 'Kumizhi Thoombu' (Silt-Ejecting Sluices) of the Chola Period

Abstract

The Chola period stands as a Golden Age in the history of irrigation for the Tamils. The world-renowned hydraulic structures of this era were not merely constructions but a manifestation of the scientific thinking of ancient Tamils toward sustainable development. This research report extensively analyzes the design, operational methods, and socio-economic impacts of the unique technology used during the Chola period known as 'Kumizhi Thoombu' (Sluice with Silt Ejectors).

Through archaeological evidence, inscriptions, and literary data, it is explained how these sluices served as pioneering systems in hydraulic pressure control and sediment management. Furthermore, detailed data is provided on how water bodies were systematically maintained through an autonomous body called 'Eri Variyam' (Lake Committee) and the manner in which committee members were elected via the 'Kudavolai' system. A central theme of this research is how this technology aligns with modern engineering concepts such as the Venturi Effect and Bernoulli's Principle.