MANIT Team Revives 400-Year-Old Kundi Bhandara

A team of experts from the Maulana Azad National Institute of Technology (MANIT) in Bhopal has begun an initiative to conserve and rejuvenate Burhanpur's historic Kundi Bhandara, a 400-year-old underground water management system.

The system, also known as Khooni Bhandara, was built by Abdul Rahim Khan-I-Khana during the Mughal era to supply drinking water from the Satpura range to Burhanpur and nearby army camps.

At the initiative of the Directorate of Archaeology, Archives and Museums, the technical team, led by Rutuja Chavan, assistant professor in the Civil Engineering Department at MANIT, conducted an extensive site inspection.

The experts assessed the condition of the underground water system, evaluated its water flow mechanism and carried out preliminary studies to identify opportunities for technical restoration, structural improvement and rejuvenation.

According to Chavan, the assessment marked the first step towards the scientific conservation and revival of Bhandara's underground water structures and interconnected supply network.

Based on the findings, a comprehensive technical survey, formal documentation and a detailed conservation roadmap will be prepared.

The initiative aims to scientifically understand the hydraulic mechanism of the Bhandara, preserve its historical authenticity and heritage value, and identify suitable engineering interventions for its sustainable revival.

The project will subsequently move to detailed technical modelling, structural analysis and conservation work.

The Kundi Bhandara is a significant historical landmark, showcasing the engineering prowess of the Mughal era.

Its conservation and revival will not only help preserve the region's cultural heritage but also provide valuable insights into the traditional water management systems of India.

The success of this project will have a positive impact on the local community, promoting tourism and education about the importance of preserving historical structures.

In conclusion, the initiative to conserve and rejuvenate Burhanpur's Kundi Bhandara is a significant step towards preserving India's rich cultural heritage and promoting sustainable development in the region.