Photo Gallery

In the area around Udaipur in Rajasthan, there are still a few places where you can see the traditional Persian waterwheel (often known locally as a ‘rahat’ or ‘araghatta’) in action. Unlike electric pumps, waterwheels draw water more slowly, which allows for a more sustainable use of the often scarce groundwater reserves. – 1990

The Persian wheel (also known as a saqiyah or araghatta) is an ancient method of drawing water. This scene is typical of the rural areas of Rajasthan. Similar installations are often found near Udaipur, Jodhpur or Kumbhalgarh Fort. – Ranakpur – 1990

The picture shows an zebu-driven water wheel, a traditional irrigation system known as a Rahat or Persian wheel. Oxen or bulls walk in a circle to turn a gear mechanism, which in turn drives a vertical wheel fitted with buckets (often made of clay or metal) attached by chains. The water is drawn from deep wells or rivers and channelled into irrigation canals to supply fields in rural areas. – Ranakpur – 1990

The picture shows an ox-driven water wheel, a traditional irrigation system known as a Rahat or Persian wheel. Oxen or bulls walk in a circle to turn a gear mechanism, which in turn drives a vertical wheel fitted with buckets (often made of clay or metal) attached by chains. The water is drawn from deep wells or rivers and channelled into irrigation canals to supply fields in rural areas. – Ranakpur – 1990