File:Satpula 02.JPG

English: Satpula( Sat+Pul: Sat means seven and Pul means opening of a bridge, meaning 'bridge with seven openings') was constructed during the reign of Sultan Muhammad Shah Tughluq(1325-1351). It was developed as an integral component of defense wall of the fourth city of Delhi, Jahanpanah. It was designed to regulate the possessed water for the purpose of irrigation. Hence, the Satpula was developed by identifying appropriate topography, i.e., a large open plain where water can be stored for irrigating laage flat lands. A structure with sluice gates and a reservoir was developed and presently known as Satpula. It also served the need of defense against attacking armies.

Structural Description

The Satpula was developed as a gate controlled weir (low head dam/small overflow type dam). It was developed to drain catchment from low hills in the south, east and west direction and to regulate movement of water for irrigation. The structure is constructed in two levels and has seven main openings with additional subsidiary openings at each end. It has eleven bays including primary and secondary controlled by sluice gates. Evidences of grooves for sliding of sluice gates are visible on side walls of each arches opening, which was designed to control the flow of water stored in the lake to the south. It is constructed in stone masonry with lime mortar. Buttresses are designed to provide structural stability to the arched openings.