Embedded knowledge in architecture the water structures of arid India

Abstract

The architecture for water in the desert embeds within it the tacit knowledge of a people whose comprehension of the relation between available resources and a way of life was holistic and deeply rooted in local conditions. This research aims to distill the essence of knowledge that is embedded in architecture, through the case of the water structures of Jodhpur to enable its transmission beyond its local boundaries. The research should enable us to get a better understanding of Indian history and the structures of scientific thinking in India in the past. Each society through time and space has left an imprint of its knowledge on various social and cultural entities. Architecture is one such entity and its surviving elements offer a potential research subject. The research outcomes of this study will include a comprehensive interpretation of the architecture of water structures of Jodhpur in terms of entities, attributes and relationships. The spatial, typological and tectonic aspects were examined. Connections to similar conditions in history of the region are made to establish the continuity of traditional knowledge. This continuity can establish links to an otherwise fragmented history. This research will also bring out the nature of technology used to make the water structures, thus reveal the sophistication and complexity that the traditional systems embedded. Jodhpur, established in the midst of a harsh climate and difficult terrain, nonetheless has survived through the ages as a bustling city. Like all settlements, assurance of regular access to water was a key consideration. Since there were no natural sources of water like rivers, the city needed to create its own. This was done through ingenious construction and sensitive understanding of the landscape. Incremental development with changing populations is also observed. This research seeks to study the architecture of the water system of Jodhpur to extract the knowledge embedded within it as the architecture remains the only visible, physical and tan