The Kallanai Dam, World Oldest Dam, Built 2000 Years Ago, Still Running Flawlessly

The Kallanai Dam, was built around 2000 years ago, still and running flawlessly, just as if this dam had been completed today. This dam is a true ancient Indian engineering marvel, as strong today as when it was newly built, and it is also the oldest dam in Tamil Nadu. 

This dam was constructed under orders of King Karikalan, of the Chola Dynasty. The Kallanai Dam is built for the waters of the Kaveri River, for the purpose of improving irrigation for the crops in the Thanjavur District of Tamil Nadu. Many years latter, during the British invation, some impovements were added, but the original and strong construction is to this day, an accomplishment of Indian engineering. The British engineers were surprised at the great work from so long ago, by ancient Indian engineers. This Kallanai Dam is also a gift from our ancestor, a very special gift, that still keeps giving today.

It seems there not too much history on King Karikalam, (also as called King Peruvalathaan, and King Thirumavalavan) except for this Chola KIng being mentioned in some poems of the Sangam Age. There are stories about this legendary king, that promoted agriculture, by also building canals, and water tanks. One story tells about winning the battle of Venni over the Pandyas and Cheras., in the poem Porunaraatruppadai. Another victorious battle is mentioned by poet Paranar, (that lived at same time as King Karikalan). in Patanar's poem Agananuru, refering to, father and son, the Battle of Vakaipparandalai. King Karikalam is believed also conquered all of Lanka, and would travel throughout India, all the way to the Himalayas. King Karikalam was the son of King Ilamcetcenni who ruled approximately in 270 BC. Years later King Karikalan married a young lady from Velir Nangur. KIng Karikala was a Shaivite, many say most likely the Perur Patteeswara Swamy Temple was built by this king, dedicating it to Lord Shiva. and close to the River Noyyal. 

Kallanai Dam Image Credit: Wikipedia

Interesting facts about the Kallania Dam, and the River Kaveri are: Facing seaward there are two sea ports, Nagapattinam and Karaikal, on the river's delta. About 32 kilometers west from this dam, the Kaveri River splits in two channels, forming the Srirangam Island, then the waters join again. One of the water channels, the one in the north, is named after the dam. The other channel runs taking its waters to the Bay of Bengal, also retaining the river's name. Since the construction of the dams, the agriculture has been improved, and there has been enough water during dry seasons, also by the good management of the water protecting the crops from damaging floods. Since it was built, the area for planting, and rising crops has been Downstream, the river again splits, but into four streams, Kollidam Aru, Kaveri, Vennaru and Puthu Aru. This Kallania Dam is also known as the Grand Anicut Dam. Farmers whose crops are irrigated with water from this dam, have petition the Tamil Nadu government to honor their benefactor, KIng Karikalam the builder of this great dam.