Begum talab, Vijayapur

Another kind of water body commonly seen in Bijapur are talabs. Talab means a tankor lake, which are different from the bavadis.

Begum talab is an example of the technological excellence achieved during the Adil Shahi era in ensuring water supply to the city of Bijapur. This tank, which is two miles to the south of Bijapur was built by Mohammed Adil Shah in 1651 under the supervision of Afzal Khan. Prior to its construction, his grandfather, Ali Adil Shah I had implemented the Toravi water supply scheme. When this could not meet the demands of the city for water, Mohammed Adil Shah built the aforesaid tank by making provision for the flow from the nearby Saravad and Khwajapeer streams to flow into the tank.

On the right hand corner of the talab is a small stone window offering a glimpse of an underground room, which is presently full of mud. Historical facts dating back 350 years lie buried beneath this pile of mud. During the rule of the Adil Shahis, water collected in the tanks was supplied to the city through this underground room by using clay pipes. Once it entered the fort area, it was stored in tall four- cornered water towers called gunj. The intention behind the erection of these towers was to ensure that dirt and slush in the pipes would remain at the bottom of thetower thereby allowing clear and free flow of water to the top. These water towers vary in height ranging from 25-40 feet. The gunj in the vicinity of PDJ School near Bagalkot Cross was linked to an underground canal. A few years ago, a tap was fitted to this tower. As water is still available from the tower, it can be inferred that the underground canal is still in good condition.

The Begum talab maintained by the Department of Minor Irrigation dries up in summer. It has a total capacity of 25-35 million cusecs and when completely full, its outflow is 1657 cusecs. Dredging work had been undertaken about seven years ago. Vijay Halkudi, chief engineer says that the cost would be an estimated Rs1.5 - 5 crores depending upon the method of dredging, if it is to be repeated. As the tank is away from the city, sewage water does not mingle with it. In addition, there is no fear of effluents as Bijapur has no industries. Thus barring the growth of Ipomoeaweeds, this talab is in a fairly good condition.