Britannica Sources used in this answer

How has Ganges River water been used for irrigation throughout history?

Created from Britannica articles using AI. AI can make mistakes, so verify using Britannica articles.

Physical map showing the Brahmaputra and Ganges river basins and their drainage networks across northern India, Bangladesh, Nepal, Bhutan, Tibet (China), and Myanmar. The map uses color shading to indicate elevation, from the high Himalayas in brown and white to lowland plains in green, and marks major rivers, tributaries, glaciers, dams, irrigated areas, and regions subject to flooding. An inset locator map highlights the region within South Asia. — Ganges River The Brahmaputra and Ganges river basins and their drainage network.

The use of the Ganges River for irrigation has been a foundational practice in the region since ancient times, documented in scriptures and mythological texts over 2,000 years old. By the 4th century BCE, the Greek historian Megasthenes recorded the active use of irrigation systems along the river.1

Throughout history, irrigation methods have evolved significantly:
* Early Development: Irrigation was highly advanced during the period of Muslim rule starting in the 12th century, with Mughal kings constructing numerous canals.1
* Colonial Expansion: The British further extended these canal systems, which eventually became primary arteries for both irrigation and navigation.12
* Modern Infrastructure: Today, extensive networks like the Upper Ganga Canal and Lower Ganga Canal support the production of cash crops such as sugarcane and cotton.1

In areas where gravity canals are impractical, such as the northern edges of the plain, farmers rely on groundwater pumped from wells. Additionally, modern schemes like the Ganges-Kabadak project in Bangladesh utilize both gravity canals and electrically powered lifting devices to manage water distribution.1