The assessment of indigenous technology practiced in the historic settlement of Bhaktapur city, Nepal has concluded the indigenous technology to be sound and efficient too. Water management is a prime challenge for a city to be sustainable, so the technology behind the effective water management in the city has been researched. It is found that, the indigenous technology of water management is also a scientific approach too.
Table of Contents
1. INTRODUCTION
1.1. Background of the Study
1.2. Statement of the Problem
1.3. Objectives of the Study
1.4. Conceptual of Frameworks
2. LITERATURE REVIEW
2.1. Theoretical Reviews
3. RESEARCH METHODS
3.1. Rationale of the Selection of the Study Area
3.2. Research Design
3.3. Nature and Sources of Data
3.4. Universe and Sampling
3.5. Data Collection Techniques
3.6. Reliability and Validity of Information
3.7. Interpretation of Information
3.8. Limitation of the Study
4. INDIGENOUS TECHNOLOGY OF WATER MANAGEMENT
4.1. Tun
4.2. Hiti
4.3. Pukhu
4.4. Water Management Through Other Indigenous Practices
4.4.1.Feasting Culture
4.4.2.Cultural Milieu
4.4.3.Recycling and Sustainable Use of Water
4.4.4.Water Storage
4.4.5.Recharge Scenario
5. JUXTAPOSITION OF INDIGENOUS FEATURES WITH SCIENTIFIC ASPECTS
6. CONTEMPORARY WATER SCENARIO
7. CONCLUDING REMARKS
8. RECOMMENDATIONS
Objectives and Core Themes
This research aims to identify and analyze the indigenous water management technologies in the historic city of Bhaktapur, exploring their historical relevance, scientific principles, and integration with cultural practices to address modern water scarcity challenges.
- Documentation of traditional water infrastructure (Hitis, Tuns, Pukhus)
- Evaluation of the scientific basis of indigenous water management
- Examination of cultural rituals in relation to resource conservation
- Analysis of the impact of the Raj Kulo system failure
- Proposals for revitalizing traditional systems to improve water sustainability
Excerpt from the Book
4.2. Hiti
Hitis are the primary component of life in this city for freshwater supply. In every corner of the city, Hitis still exist, though discharge from almost all Hitis is null. Hitis are constructed in a depressed rectangular box accessed through steps (fig. 7). Hitis are either constructed for the natural springs to discharge or supplied with Raj Kulo.
The gravity supply of water from the Raj Kulo to the Hitis has avoided the power demand for pumping. It has been well facilitated by the downgrading terrain of the settlement. Basically Hitis are constructed below the general topography by excavating and ultimately boxing with the parapet around except the entry porch. This has ultimately prohibited the surface water entry to the Hitis and thus assures the water quality. The drainage arrangement has been found to be effective due to the provision of surplus water to be discharged into the Pukhu nearby such Hitis. It is found to be efficient in preventing the surface run off and inundating the adjoining areas or even the Hiti porch too. The sanitation in Hitis is maintained by imposing the religious beliefs as Shiva Linga, Bhagirathko moorti (statue of Bhagirath), and Naaga are inseparable components of each Hitis.
The Shiva Linga remarks the religious belief over the God Shiva by Hindus, Bhagirathko moorti leads to unrelenting supply of water to the Hiti, as Bhagirath is related to Ganga, and finally the Naaga is primarily related to water. In this milieu, the sanitation and proper taking care of the Hitis have been also assured through religious beliefs.
Chapter Summary
1. INTRODUCTION: Outlines the background of indigenous knowledge in Bhaktapur, the problem of water scarcity, and the research objectives.
2. LITERATURE REVIEW: Examines national and international perspectives on indigenous water management and traditional knowledge systems.
3. RESEARCH METHODS: Details the exploratory research design, field survey techniques, and the criteria for selecting study sites.
4. INDIGENOUS TECHNOLOGY OF WATER MANAGEMENT: Analyzes specific traditional water sources like Tuns, Hitis, and Pukhus, alongside cultural practices related to water usage.
5. JUXTAPOSITION OF INDIGENOUS FEATURES WITH SCIENTIFIC ASPECTS: Discusses the scientific validity of traditional construction and water management techniques.
6. CONTEMPORARY WATER SCENARIO: Evaluates current challenges, including population growth and the impact of the degraded Raj Kulo system.
7. CONCLUDING REMARKS: Summarizes findings regarding the efficiency and sustainability of indigenous technologies.
8. RECOMMENDATIONS: Proposes the revitalization of traditional infrastructure to address the city's current water crisis.
Keywords
Indigenous Technology, Bhaktapur city, Water Management, Hiti, Tun, Pukhu, Raj Kulo, Sustainability, Newari Culture, Water Conservation, Traditional Knowledge, Hydraulic Engineering, Groundwater, Cultural Anthropology, Sanitation
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the core focus of this research?
The study focuses on documenting and evaluating the indigenous water management technologies utilized by the Newari community in the historic city of Bhaktapur.
What are the central themes of the work?
The central themes include traditional water infrastructure construction, the integration of religious beliefs with water sanitation, the historical role of the Raj Kulo system, and the potential for reviving these systems to combat modern water scarcity.
What is the primary objective of the research?
The primary objective is to demonstrate that traditional water management techniques are scientifically sound and to advocate for their revitalization as a sustainable solution for the current water crisis.
Which scientific methods were applied?
The research employed an exploratory method, primarily using field surveys, key informant interviews, and photographic analysis to assess the construction and functionality of historical water resources.
What does the main body of the work cover?
It covers the specific roles of Tuns (wells), Hitis (stone spouts), and Pukhus (ponds), examines cultural practices that support water quality, and juxtaposes these traditional designs with modern engineering principles.
Which keywords define this work?
Key terms include Indigenous Technology, Bhaktapur, Water Management, Hiti, Pukhu, Sustainability, and Cultural Anthropology.
How did the 1934 earthquake affect the water system of Bhaktapur?
The earthquake destroyed the Raj Kulo, a critical canal system that supplied water to the city's network of Hitis, leading to a long-term decline in water availability.
What role do cultural rituals play in water quality?
Rituals such as Sithi Nakha and the placement of religious icons like Shiva Linga and Naaga at water sites create a communal sense of responsibility for cleaning and maintaining these resources, ensuring better sanitation.
- Quote paper
- Dipendra Gautam (Author), 2013, Indigenous Technology of Water Management in the Historic Settlement of Bhaktapur City, Nepal, Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/232888
