CULTURAL LANDSCAPE OF TRADITIONAL WATER MANAGEMENT IN THE CENTRAL INDIAN TOWN OF RAMTEK: SHAPED BY CULTURE, MEANING AND PLACE

Author: Dr. Namrata P. Joshi-Vishwasrao Landscape Architect at DesignWell Casual Teaching Staff at University of Adelaide

Abstract Landscapes shaped by water are imprint of the historical evolution, material culture and intangible aspects of past societies. They are sources of holistic and inclusive form of knowledge, developed by people with extended interaction with natural environment and its relationship with the social world. Understanding of human-nature/cosmos relationship has led to design and management practices that have helped conserve these significant landscapes. This paper examines the relationship between Gond and Kohli Indigenous communities and their traditional water management system that resulted in the formation of cultural landscapes of central India (previously known as Gondwana Kingdom), through the case study of Ramtek town. Ramtek landscape is rich with religious associations, rituals, meanings and placesassociated with mythological and past events, people, and their history of evolution. The amazing water harvesting system of Ramtek is rich with layers of human and natural processes and their interconnection. This paper uses a landscape assessment approach, combining archaeological data with chronological and ethnographic sources to highlight the significant cultural relationship between Gond and Kohli Indigenous people and their landscapes. A scientific analysis has revealed an intricate network of groundwater & surface water bodies, intrinsically connected through surface and underground channels. A fully evolved system, this model harvested runoff through tanks, supported by high yielding wells & structures like baodies, kundis & waterholes. This detailed landscape understanding is very significant to present water resource management practices. This paper also highlights some of the challenges inherent in managing these cultural landscapes in modern resource management planning and government institutional structures.

Key Words: Indigenous water management, cultural landscape, water heritage, resource management, Ramtek (India).