The Kund of Nuh
This visual narrative explores historical traditional water structures as a rich repository of technology, architecture and many other facets of cultural heritage. The decentralized water technology system explored in this narrative is a Kund (tank) situated in the town of Nuh which is located at a distance of 70 kms from New Delhi in the Mewat region. Magnificent water structures with a variety of architectural forms and decorative features, Kunds of various types are prominent across the whole country. However, they have crumbled and disintegrated due to continuous neglect. This narrative traces the story of one such Kund.
Nuh, Mewat
The Kund of Nuh is located in the foothills of the Aravallis at a distance of 70 kms from Delhi in the town of Nuh in Mewat. The catchment area of the Kund in the present day comprises of the foothills of the Aravallis covered with agricultural land. The Kund was located in the exterior of the settlement, in proximity to the Aravallis to ensure that the catchment area of the Kund was not exploited.
The catchment area of the Kund comprises of the foothills of the Aravallis.
There is no perennial river flowing in the region except for some “nalas” or streams which rise from the Aravallis during the rainy season and dry up within a few months. Historically, the Aravallis were covered with vast forest cover and the water falling from the hills during the monsoon appeared like a waterfall which was locally known as “khoda”.
Nalas or streams arising from the Aravallis serves as a source of water in Mewat.
“Kund” is a local name given to underground tanks which were primarily developed to tackle drinking water problems and were more prevalent in the western arid regions of Rajasthan and in regions where limited groundwater was available or the groundwater was moderately to highly saline; like in the case of Nuh.
The Kund is built in the Rajputana style of architecture using sandstone. It is square in shape and has steps leading in from all directions. The corners are crowned with eight octagonal chattris (pagodas). The Kund served the purpose of washing and bathing for the people of Nuh.
The plan and the view of the Kund of Nuh
The water extracted from wells in Nuh was used to manufacture salt as it was highly saline in nature.
The Kund has two serais towards its eastern direction which link it directly to the Temple Complex providing a designated space and a separate access to women. A serai is an enclosure providing resting spaces, in this case, specifically to women. It is an important part of the kund and enabled the women to utilise the Kund extensively for washing and bathing purposes. Also, it was a space for social interaction for them.
There is a sloped/ramped access to the Kund in the northern direction. This sloped access is for cattle and other domestic animals for bathing or drinking water purposes.
A serai is an enclosure providing resting spaces, in this case, specifically to women.
Sloped access is for cattle and other domestic animals.
As per a local legend, during a prolonged drought in the region of Mewat known as “ Chappaniya Akaal”, this Kund in Nuh was one of the only remaining sources of water in the area. People from neighbouring villages like Shahpur, Palla, Kherla, Firozepur Namak, Nalhar, etc. came to the Kund to collect water.
The Kund is not only an example of a decentralised traditional water structure but also an interactive space for the community - a celebration of people, water and culture of the region. It is deeply intertwined with the community as important festivals in the town like Dussehra were celebrated here.
People from neighbouring villages came to the Kund to collect water.
Festivals in the town like Dussehra were celebrated here.
Development of framework for revival of traditional water structures in Nuh
It is quintessential in regions such as Nuh which face water scarcity in the present day to develop a knowledge base which will be helpful in strategizing and dealing with the issue of water scarcity. Learning from the past is as important as bridging the gap between technical solutions and community practices rooted in traditions of care and respect for water. A multi-sectoral approach is critical for sustainable decentralised water management.
The Kund in Nuh is an exemplary example of WATER ARCHITECTURE and WATER AESTHETICS which demonstrates the decentralised traditional water system in the finest manner.
About Yusra Ansari
usra is an architect by profession and has done her specialisation in architectural conservation from the School of Planning and Architecture, Delhi. She is currently working with the National Monument Authority as a conservation architect. (2020)
Yusra worked on this research project as part of Water Seeker Fellowship 2020, a collaborative initiatve of Living Waters Museum and Social and Political Research Foundation.
