Kallanai (also known as the Grand Anicut) is an ancient dam built by Karikala of Chola dynasty in 150 CE. It was built (in running water) across the Kaveri river flowing from Tiruchirapalli District to Thanjavur district, Tamil Nadu, India. The dam is located in Thanjavur district,[
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History
The dam was originally built by King Karikalan of the Chola Dynasty in . It is located on the river in Thanjavur district,
Geography
The Kaveri river splits into two at a point west of Kallanai. The two rivers form the Srirangam Island before joining at Kallanai. The northern channel is called the Kollidam River (Coleroon); the other retains the name Kaveri, and empties into the Bay of Bengal at Poompuhar. On the seaward face of its delta are the seaports of Nagapattinam and Karaikal.
Description
The purpose of the Kallanai was to divert the waters of the Kaveri across the fertile River delta region for irrigation via canals and to its northern delta branch Kollidam/Coleroon. Downstream of the barrage, the river Kaveri splits into four streams known as Kollidam Aru, Kaveri, Vennaru and Puthu Aru. However, the flood waters can be allowed, by opening the barrage/anaicut gates, to pass through the other three delta branches also to join the sea.
The delta farmers of Tamil Nadu have demanded the Tamil Nadu government to honor , who built this dam.
==Gallery==
See also
Bibliography
Further reading
