Talaparige- A unique traditional Water bodies

Talapariges, the small traditional water bodies of Karnataka (Mainly Tumkur, Chitradurga, Kolar, Chikkaballapura and part of Bellary) that saved many lives during drought years barely a quarter century ago that are today by and large forgotten. When a mention is made about the traditional water bodies of the state, talaparige rarely finds a place. Unfortunately, no printed documents are available on the life-saving structures.
The word talaparige is used for the point where water springs out from sandy soil. It is also referred to as a swamp or a sweet water spring. talapariges are spring channels, which take advantage of the topography and the sandy nature of the aquifer material. These are particularly common in the Tank beds, Tank command area and sandy beds of rivers like North Pinakini, Jayamangali, Hagari and Suvarnamukhi.
Talaparige looks like a small tank, it is neither a tank nor a well. For a hurried look, it looks like a small pond. Not deep or wide as an open well. It is a unique structure. It is the only source of irrigation for summer crop. Water was taken through a channel and by gravity – without using a motor.
Disappearing rich culture:
Talapariges, once a central part of the rural community have mostly fallen in to disuse today. While some have dried-up due to continuous drought and indifference, others have been encroached upon. Sinking of too many wells adjoining the river and continuous pumping has destroyed the springheads and most of the talapariges have now ceased functioning.
Hence, there is a need to undertake a detailed study of the significance of talapariges and revive this beautiful art and science in nature.
Photo: M. Hosapalaya