In India, rivers are worshiped like mothers. From Ganga, Yamuna to Narmada and Godavari, the water of all such huge rivers is used in agriculture. Not only this, at many places water is collected by building huge dams and reservoirs, so that it can be used for drinking after cleaning. From Nainital to Bhopal, big lakes can be seen in many cities. But the question arises that do you know the name of the first lake of India, which was formed 2300 years ago? Which king built the first lake of India? Where was that lake formed? Does that lake still exist today or has it disappeared? If you don’t know, then today we are going to tell you the name of that first lake under the India First series. That lake is Sudarshan Lake, which used to be in Junagadh, Gujarat. The history of its construction is also very interesting.
According to historical inscriptions, India’s first man-made lake was constructed on the orders of Emperor Chandragupta Maurya, the founder of the Maurya dynasty. At that time, this responsibility was entrusted to the provincial governor of Saurashtra region, Pushyagupta Vaishya. This lake was built near the Girnar hills in Junagadh district of today’s Gujarat state. When Chandragupta Maurya established the Maurya Empire in around 322 BC, his aim was not only to expand the state but also to improve the lives of the people. The area of Saurashtra was considered very dry at that time and life here was suffering due to lack of water. There were problems even in farming. Keeping this in mind, it was decided to create a big reservoir by blocking the water of Suvarnasikta and Palashini rivers. This reservoir later became famous by the name of Sudarshan Lake. Interestingly, at that time, building such a big lake was considered an amazing engineering achievement in itself.
Many kings got repairs and expansion done
The importance of Sudarshan Lake was not limited to its construction only. Many subsequent rulers also got it repaired and expanded from time to time. After Chandragupta Maurya, this lake was further developed during the time of his grandson Emperor Ashoka. It is said that during that period, Yavana ruler Tushasp had made arrangements to supply water to the fields by making canals from the lake. However, due to heavy rains and natural disasters from time to time, the dam of the lake broke several times. Around 150 AD, during the reign of Shaka ruler Rudradaman I, the lake was heavily damaged by heavy rains. It is mentioned in the famous inscription of Junagadh. It is said that Rudradaman got this lake repaired from his personal treasury without imposing any new tax and made it stronger than before. After this, this lake was once again damaged during the Gupta period. The dam of the lake was rebuilt during the reign of Emperor Skandagupta (circa 455-467 AD). At that time, this work was entrusted to Chakrapalit, son of provincial officer Parnadatt.
Does Sudarshan Lake still exist today?
Now the question arises whether this historical lake still exists today? In such a situation, let us tell you that if you go to Girnar area of Junagadh at present, you will not see that huge reservoir in its original form, as it was during the Maurya or Gupta period. Over time, due to natural changes, changing course of rivers and lack of care, this huge reservoir gradually disappeared. However, some small reservoirs and dams are still visible in the Girnar area of Junagadh, which are connected to the same ancient water system. The inscriptions present here testify that there used to be a huge lake in this area, which quenched the thirst of the entire Saurashtra region. According to historians, this lake was not just a source of water, but was considered the basis of life of the people of that time.
The legacy of Sudarshan Lake is alive in history.
The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) has preserved the inscriptions of Junagadh, which contain complete details of the construction and repair of Sudarshan Lake. Damodar Kund located near Girnar and the surrounding area is also considered a part of the same historical water system. The construction of this first lake in the country proves how advanced sustainable engineering and water management was in ancient India. From Emperor Chandragupta Maurya to Skandagupta, every king considered it a part of his heritage. Even though that huge Sudarshan Lake is not in front of our eyes today, its name will always be taken as India’s first engineering example. This lake is a symbol of the time when kings had the courage to divert the flow of rivers for the welfare of their subjects. If you go to Junagadh today, you can definitely see those inscriptions in the foothills of Girnar, which are keeping this glorious water history of India alive even today.