KHOONI BHANDARA

GS 1-ART AND CULTURE

• Ingenious system consisting of 103 well-like structures called Kundis (aqueducts).
• Operates based on the law of gravity, ensuring smooth water flow from the first to the last Kundi.
• Water recharge mechanism:
  • Intercepts subsoil groundwater through underground channels.
  • Stores water in structures known as Bhandaras, partially underground and above ground.
• Built in 1615 CE using the Persian qanat system.
• Six out of the original eight sets of underground channels are still intact.

Water Source and Distribution

• Groundwater is sourced from springs in the Satpura hills flowing towards the Tapti River.
• Reservoirs contributing water:
  • Mool-bhandara
  • Chintaharan
  • Sookha-bhandara
• Water flow system:
  • Collected at a central point and directed to Khooni Bhandara.
  • Transported to Jali Karanj or Jal Bhandara.
  • Distributed through pipelines to the entire city.
• Functioned as the city’s primary water supply for over 300 years.

Reason for the Name “Khooni Bhandara”

• Mineral-rich water had a reddish hue, giving it the name “Khooni” (bloody).
• Recognized as a state-protected structure by the Directorate of Archaeology, Archives, and Museums.

Historical Significance

• Mughal Era Developments:
  • Burhanpur became a military and commercial hub in the late 16th century.
  • Served as the base for Mughal expansion in South India.
• Role of Abdul-Rahim Khan-i-Khana:
  • Governor of Khandesh during Jahangir’s reign with Burhanpur as his capital.
  • Initiated the construction of the underground canal to improve the city’s water supply.
• Construction Details:
  • Supervised by Tabaqat-al-Ardh (Department of Earth Sciences).
  • Persian geologist Tabkutul Arz surveyed the region and implemented the design.
  • The system was inspired by the ancient qanat technique, developed over 3,000 years ago in Persia.

Qanat System

• Ancient method for transporting water from aquifers or wells to the surface.
• Utilizes underground aqueducts to channel water effectively.
• Played a critical role in improving Burhanpur’s water infrastructure.