京都大学大学院アジア・アフリカ地域研究研究科 COSER Center for On-Site Education and Research 附属次世代型アジア・アフリカ教育研究センター
京都大学大学院アジア・アフリカ地域研究研究科
フィールドワーク・レポート

Mapping Sacred Water bodies: The Study of Urban Water Reservoir System in India

Mātr̥ kuṇḍa, Varanasi city (August 2018)

Research background

  Urbanization alters soil patterns, the flow of rainwater, and drainage systems, as well as the natural slope and gradient of the land. Rapid and unplanned urbanization disturbs catchment areas and their natural drainage features, which causes heavy run-off. Urban water bodies and wetlands are therefore not only significant sites for biodiversity, but they also act as sponges by soaking up excess water and recharging the ground water. With this background, the present study seeks to understand the discourse on urban ecology of the city in the context of urban water bodies and the impact of urban development.

Research purpose

  Urban water bodies are not only surface water bodies but are also part of a complex network of urban ecology. The purpose of this research was to study the impact of urban growth of the city of Varanasi and map the existing water bodies and examine their restoration and improvement activities. Additionally, it is also important to explore the heritage restoration process of these ancient water bodies in urban ecology planning.

Cakra tālāba, Varanasi city (August 2018)

Results/Achievements

  The research study in Varanasi was divided into two broad segments. In both parts I have referred primarily to the map of 1822 (prepared by James Prinsep) documenting the city’s temple tanks and ponds.
  In the first segment, I revisited the existing temple tanks and ponds of Varanasi, documented their current status and discussed the ongoing restoration activities at a few temple tanks. In this study, I observed the significant revival and improvement of one ancient temple tank called Mātr̥ kuṇḍa, which was completely extinct and forgotten by many residents. Current restoration and revival programs are making considerable transformations in these temple tanks and ponds as well as in the boundaries, temple complex infrastructures, and access infrastructures of a few of the temple tanks. In the second segment of my study, I also started mapping the unnamed water bodies, which were either completely lost or encroached upon. The mapping of unnamed water bodies is a complicated exercise and requires advanced GIS mapping and comparison with the few satellite images we have of them. The mapping of unnamed water bodies also revealed the locations of a few unmapped water bodies known as Bhavanīya pōkharā.
  Additionally, in this research project, I studied the ongoing restoration program and prospective revival plan of a few more temple tanks and ponds. Discussions with the staff members of the municipal office and members of INTACH as well as with citizens residing near these temple tanks and ponds also highlighted the inclusive understanding and expectations of the prospective revival program.

Plans for further research

  Research on the temple tanks and ponds of Varanasi needs regular fieldwork visits to document the transformation that is continuing within and around these water bodies. The topography and surroundings of the water bodies is changing considerably, so it is necessary to map these changes and study the impact of restoration activities. I plan to revisit these water bodies again next year and document their transformation and study the impact of heritage conservation on these heritage and water harvesting structures. I also plan to study the reclaiming of encroached upon and extinct temple tanks, particularly their restoration and reformation process. The study of these water bodies, which are known as sponges, is also another significant facet to explore in future research.

References

【1】Kelly, Eric Damian. 2010. Community Planning: An Introduction to the Comprehensive Plan. Washington, DC: Island Press.
【2】The Indian National Trust for Art and Cultural Heritage (Varanasi chapter)

  • レポート:Mahesh Madhav Gogate(Year of enrollment: AY2016 )
  • 派遣先国:India
  • 渡航期間:August 1st, 2018 to September 11th, 2018
  • キーワード:Water Bodies, Heritage Conservation, Urbanization

関連するフィールドワーク・レポート

食料安全保障政策に対する村落社会の反応 /エチオピア・オロミア州の事例

対象とする問題の概要  エチオピアでは干ばつ等の発生による食料不足の事態が頻繁に起こっており、これに対し政府は2005年から食料安全保障政策としてプロダクティブセーフティネットプログラム(以下PSNP)を実施している。PSNPは食料が慢性的…

エチオピア・アムハラ州における健康観と医療実践に関する医療人類学的研究

対象とする問題の概要  エチオピア・アムハラ州の農村では2000年代以降、ヘルスセンターの設置や村への保健普及員の配置によって医療の選択肢が広がってきた。本研究の調査地であるアムハラ州エナミルト村には、徒歩圏内に看護師が常駐する政府のヘルス…

イスラーム金融における「不確実性」の法的解釈――イスラーム型金融派生商品に焦点を当てて――

対象とする問題の概要  イスラーム金融では、利子と共に不確実性が禁止されている。しかし、現代の金融の一側面である金融派生商品(デリバティブ)は、リスクテイク・不確実性を伴う。そうしてみると、イスラーム金融における金融派生商品の実践にまつわる…

セネガルにおけるグラフィティの流行とその役割

対象とする問題の概要  セネガル共和国(以下セネガル)の都市部の壁には、多くの落書きや壁画が描かれている。それらは「グラフィティ」あるいは「ストリートアート」として市街の風景に溶け込み、グラフィティを描く人びとは、自らを「グラファー」や「ア…