Articles
Catchment Morphometry and Tank Distribution Pattern in the Dry Zone of Ancient Sri Lanka with Special Reference of the Malvatu Oya and Kalá Oya Basin
Author:
P Vidanapathirana
Lecturer, Postgraduate Institute of Archaeology, LK
Abstract
Agricultural activities in the settlements in the Dry Zone of ancient Sri Lanka are mainly dependent on man-made irrigation systems. The environment of the Dry Zone was naturally water poor due to annual prolonged droughts and the monsoon rain system. The tank system was a positive response to these challenges of the natural phenomenon. The tank, dam and the canal bear witness to the hydraulic engineering ingenuity of ancient Sri Lanka. Within this irrigation system there flourished an agricultural pattern in a dry yet fertile soil resulting in self sufficiency in food. The river basin is a systematic natural open hydraulic system accepting and rejecting the incoming and overflowing water without restriction. The catchment's ecosystem includes a geological structure, soil profile, climate, gradient and shape of the basin, vegetation and finally human action. The study examines the above factors which have greatly influenced ancient hydraulic technology in Sri Lanka.
Sri Lankan Journal of Humanities and Social Sciences Vol.1(2) Oct 2009
How to Cite:
Vidanapathirana, P., 2010. Catchment Morphometry and Tank Distribution Pattern in the Dry Zone of Ancient Sri Lanka with Special Reference of the Malvatu Oya and Kalá Oya Basin. Sri Lanka Journal of Humanities and Social Sciences, 1(2).
Published on
13 Dec 2010.
Peer Reviewed
Downloads
