Ranthambhore's water bodies
Ranthambhore's water bodies
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Ranthambhore has five large water bodies - Jangali talab, Suksagar talab, Kalasagar, Padmala talab and Renee haud. There is also one perennial spring known as Gupt Ganga. All the talabs have a natural catchment. The biggest is the Jangali talab, Its bund (dam or embankment) is built in such a way that it obstructs the water flowing in from two different valleys. At a corner of the bund is a well from which water can be drawn for drinking.
Renee haud, situated near the palace, was probably the water source far the latter. It has a very large catchment area and some artificial canals to facilitate a faster runoff, besides a very large well. Outside the palace there is a large tank. Water was probably obtained from the Ranee haud and stored in this tank, and then taken into the palace as and when required.
The Padmala talab has a very high bund with a flight of steps leading to the water and a pavilion. Its catchment is extensive, consisting of two different valleys. There is a well on the right side of the bund. Suksagar Is bounded on three sides by a stone wall. The main bund has a porous layer so that the water leaks, and the talab often goes dry. Kalasagar, on the extreme east art the fort, dams a narrow valley. This talab probably supplied water to the granary and storehouses situated next to it.