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V
isitors to the tea gardens are often awestruck by the
architectural splendour of Tea bungalows and clubs as well as
simplistic yet effective engineering feats in the factory and
other constructions.
Keeping in mind that these wonders were achieved in remote areas
in an era when road connections were few and far between, one is left
wondering what the moving force behind these marvels was.
One might be familiar with the terms ‘Jugar’ and ‘Bandobast’, often
used in the plantations of Assam and Bengal. Both essentially mean
getting the work done within the constraints for the best, most
effective result. However, behind this simple definition is the symbol
of the planters’ indomitable grit, determination and ‘gung ho’ spirit in
the face of adversity.
One amazing example of this spirit is the Junglee Howdah at
Chuapara T.E. Built in the early 1900s during the tenure of
Mr Hughes, the Junglee Howdah used to supply water to Chuapara
and two other adjoining estates – Mechpara and Bhatpara. In fact, as
late as 1989-90, it was functional and catered to the substantial
requirement of Chuapara T.E.
According to Mr R.K.Ghosh, eminent water expert, the Junglee
Howdah was built in the pattern of Qanats which was based on
ancient hydro-technology developed in Persia (modern Iran) during
the 7th century BC. He further confirms that the plan and layout of
the Junglee Howdah is an exact replica of the Qanats. It is believed
that the Howdah was built by Muslim artisans, which perhaps
explains the sudden influx of Muslim families in Kalchini block
during 1930-1931, as per census records.
Qanats or underground canals are one of the most ingenious ancient
hydro-technologies developed in Persia to tap sub-surface seepage
water mainly on mountainous slopes and let it flow through the pull
of gravity to the fields and settlements. This technique was mostly
used by farmers in ancient Persia for irrigation in vast tracks of farm
lands. It is believed that Qanats are still in use in several countries
stretching from China to Morocco and have been in use in India
since 300 BC, in places like Gulbarga, Bidar and Burhanpur.
The Junglee Howdah is an imposing Masonic structure measuring
15ft x 15ft and 30ft in depth. Upon closer inspection one will find
an amazing arrangement of three semi-circular tunnels about 10ft in
diameter, each lined with bricks. Those tunnels run up to 600ft in
length. Seepage sub-surface water from the surrounding forest would
be tapped by these tunnels and accumulate at the bottom of the
Howdah. The water would move to the main reservoir (Pani Koop)
through two 12 inch pipes by the force of gravity, from where it
would be distributed to Chuapara , Mechpara and Bhatpara – again
through gravitational force. However, with the advent of deep tube
well technology and the parting of Mechpara and Bhatpara from the
Company’s fold, the supply was confined to Chuapara T.E.
It is unfortunate that this relic has not been functional since 1989-
90. Massive deforestation in the surrounding areas has robbed its
seepage water potential. Also, with increasing lawlessness in the
locality, there were instances of dead bodies being dumped there, and
to deter people from drinking the contaminated water, the
perpetrators spread rumours among the workers that the water
caused gout. All these factors led to its closure.
However, Mr R.K. Ghosh is of the opinion that with some
innovative restructuring it can be revived and possibly yield around
22,000 gallons of water per hour. So, we are ready for a new ‘avatar’
of our ‘Jugar/Bandobast’ tradition to make this heritage site work
again!
‘Junglee Howdah’
at Chuapara
~ Nav R. Thapa
Chuapara T.E.
56 January 2016
January 2016 57