BOOK REVIEW: Beyond the stone spout: The forgotten science of Hiti Pranali

Padmasundar Joshi's book, "Hiti Pranali," delves into Nepal's intricate traditional water management systems, arguing that the term "Hiti Pranali" more accurately captures the comprehensive nature of these ancient structures than the simpler term "hiti."

Joshi contends that these systems were not mere spouts but vital components of a sophisticated network that sustained numerous settlements. Accessing water was historically a significant challenge, and Hitis provided a crucial solution, enabling communities to thrive away from riverbanks. The book details how these structures served multiple purposes, including bathing, washing, and providing drinking and cooking water.

The construction of Hitis, according to Joshi, was a testament to meticulous engineering and scientific understanding, integrating principles of physics and engineering. Despite limited resources in terms of materials, manpower, and research during the Licchavi period, the creation of these aesthetically pleasing yet functional water systems represented a remarkable achievement.

The book also contrasts the historical reverence for these water systems with their subsequent neglect. Joshi quotes a sentiment highlighting how rulers who once incentivized the construction of Hitis were succeeded by those who oversaw their decline. The narrative points to a specific incident where a Rana official, after a personal mishap, callously ordered a Hiti to be buried, symbolizing a broader disregard for public infrastructure.

Beyond the technical and historical analysis, "Hiti Pranali" incorporates mythical folktales associated with Hitis and ponds, adding an engaging dimension to the urban planning research. One such story recounts the origin of the Pimbahal pond, illustrating how community needs and local narratives were intertwined with the development and significance of these water sources.

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In a country where Licchavi rulers exempted tax for an entire community that worked for the construction of Hitis, Ranas were successful in doing the exact opposite of it. The region started suffering from a dearth of acknowledgement and care of public infrastructures after that.