Ḍākar gāla (A method of ground water exploration) दकार्गल विचार

 Ḍākar gāla

(A method of ground water exploration)  दकार्गल विचार

                                                                                Dr. Dinakar Marathe

                                                                            Dept of VJ, KKSU

                                                The term ‘Dakargala’ in Sanskrit connotes ‘water exploration’. Daka means water (derived from the Sanskrit word udaka for water) and argalam, a bolt or bar; i.e., “a branch of science dealing with water locked up in the bowels of the earth”

                                                The underground water sources have always been visualised and analysed by our Indian Sages. The description of underground water was given in detail by Varahmihira in his text - Brihat Samhita. The observation about the underground water and the exploration of its various sources has been penned down very meticulously. 

                                                The roots of specially mentioned trees suck/absorb the underground water and create micro-paths. This regular suction creates capillaries. As the tree grows, these capillaries also expand in size and volume

                                                 The chapter on Dakargala of Brihat Samhita mentions several indicators of the presence of underground water. These are geological, geo-botanical, bio-geological, and nonbiological indicators of the surface and subsurface of the earth that even today could be useful in several regions of India. The other common surface indicators of groundwater, such as termite mounds have also been mentioned.

                                                 The hydrological indicators documented in ancient India had a scientific basis; the applied study is bound to go a long way in satisfying the need for water for irrigation, industrial and domestic use.

                                                Varahamihira documented more than 100 plant species occurring individually, (i) in association with termite mounds, (ii) in presence of two or three different species together, and (iii) in conspicuous morphologic or physiologic features. 

                                                 With the aid of specific plants, sources of groundwater were located at depths varying from 2.3 to 160 m in different environments of arid and semi-arid regions. Varahamihira estimated not only the depth of the groundwater but also the distance and direction with respect to the indicator plants.

                                                 The indicators for aquifers are- Specific trees and plants,  Herbs and grasses Hibernating animals, Ant hills

• Specific trees and plants- The specially mentioned trees have the water holding capacity and indicate the presence of water along its peripheral area.
• Herbs and Grasses- These need water and wetness for sustenance. So, their presence indicates the availability of water nearby.
• Hibernating Animals- The animals like frogs, lizards, snakes and ants enjoy winter sleep. They need moisture to stay alive while hibernating below the ground. Their presence indicates the availability of water.
• Ant hills- The ants build their colonies preferably over the moist ground. Therefore, ant hills indicate the presence of natural underground water in the peripheral area.