Impact of the network of canals, wells and Persian wheel on agriculture and economy in medieval India
Keywords:
Medieval India, Irrigation Systems, Canal Networks, Persian Wheel, Agrarian EconomyAbstract
The network of canals, wells, and Persian wheels played a significant role in transforming agriculture and the economy in medieval India. Irrigation systems developed under the Delhi Sultanate and Mughal rulers improved agricultural productivity by ensuring a stable water supply to cultivable lands. Canals facilitated large-scale irrigation, while wells and Persian wheels provided effective methods of lifting groundwater for farming purposes. These technologies contributed to the expansion of cultivated areas, multiple cropping patterns, and the cultivation of cash crops such as cotton, sugarcane, and indigo. Increased agricultural output strengthened the agrarian economy and enhanced state revenue through land taxation. Irrigation networks also promoted trade, urban growth, and rural prosperity by supporting surplus production and market activities. Furthermore, the development of water management systems reflected the technological advancement and administrative efficiency of medieval Indian rulers. Thus, irrigation infrastructure became a crucial foundation for economic stability and agricultural development in medieval India.
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