Technique of digging out ponds during Ahom era

The architectural style of various constructions works dated back to the Ahom era was marvelous. Artifacts constructed on the basis of scientific analysis during that era still stir curiosity in modern minds. One of the much talked about objects among various constructions of Ahom era has been the technique applied in digging out ponds. The most prominent feature ascribed to the ponds of Ahom era has been their capability to reserve equal amount of water throughout summer as well as in winter.
A pond was dug out only after thorough scientific analysis of soil equilibrium and soil quality. For this purpose, a special officer designated as Soil Licker was deployed to test soil quality of the selected location by licking it. During nightfall, earthen lamps were placed on wooden posts set up on selected locations. Thus digging points were selected where lamps used to extinguish without breeze, and water used to flow from those points. There were three marked steps inside the pond and embankments constructed outside it alongside dug out drains.  Elephants were deployed as roller on the embankment structures so as to prevent any kind of seepage through it. The entire pond digging project was supervised by a specially designated officer known as Darabdhora Baruah.

[Report above is transcreated by Mohim]