Great Kallanai
About:
Kallanai (also known as the Grand Anicut , Tamil : கல்லணை) is an ancient dam, which is built (in running water) across the Kaveri river in Trichy District in the state of Tamil Nadu in South India.[1] Located at a distance of 15 km from Tiruchirapalli, the dam was originally constructed by the Chola king Karikalan in 2nd century AD. It is located on Kaveri river approximately 20 KM from Trichy, but the dam falls under Thanjavur district .[2][3] and is the fourth-oldest water-diversion or water-regulator structures in the world which is still in use.
History:
The dam was originally built about 2000 years ago by the might Chola king, Karikalan. Remodelling of the dam was carried out by the British engineer Caldwell during the 19th century. He was appointed to do extensive research, and he found that most of the Kaveri waters were flowing into the Kollidam river and a tiny amount was being used for irrigation. This was why the height of the dam stones was considerably raised, and steps were taken to reduce the amount of silt in the river. Following this, Sir Arthur Cotton built the Lower Anaicut across the Kollidam, a major tributary of the Kaveri. It is said to be a replica of the Kallanai Dam. Till date, it stands firm as a remarkable feat in the history of engineering.
How to Reach Kallanai Dam
Kallanai dam is located 19 km from Tiruchirappalli. From Sarkarpalayam village, one can take the Sarkarpalayam-Kalanai road and 1.5 km after reaching Thogur village, lies the Kallanai Dam. Taxis can be hired from Tiruchirapalli.
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