Documenting and Copying (Estampage) Sluice Inscriptions: A Case Study of Pudukottai District (EAP1293)

Sluices with inscriptions installed in ancient irrigation tanks between 6th and 16th century CE in Tamil Nadu transformed the entire landscape of the command area. The study of sluice inscriptions provides a glimpse on technology oriented water management and the social process that happened due to the introduction of new technology. It provides an ample scope to understand the history, irrigational techniques, water management, social structure, rituals and many other cultural aspects associated with the sluices. The documentation, decipherment and digitisation of the tanks, sluices and inscriptions provide an ample scope to understand the historical context and the history of science and technology.