Sudarshana Lake
Sudarshana Lake is an artificial lake located in the semi-arid region of Kathiawar. The lake was originally commissioned by Chandragupta Maurya and later renovated by several kings across different dynasties.
History
Sudarshana Lake was originally constructed by Pushyagupta, a governor under the Maurya emperor Chandragupta Maurya. The lake was built as part of a water conservation project in the semi-arid region of Kathiawar, now Gujarat. Later, during the reign of Ashoka, the lake underwent renovations by Tushaspha, a governor appointed by Ashoka.The lake suffered damage in the 2nd century CE due to heavy rains, which led to a breach in the dam. In 150 CE, Rudradaman I, a king of the Western Kshatrapas, undertook a major renovation as recorded in the Junagadh Rock Inscription of Rudradaman. The lake was also repaired by Suvisakha, a Parthian governor under Rudradaman.
The lake was also restored by Chakrapalita, the son of Parnadatta, the governor of Saurashtra under King Skandagupta. Chakrapalita repaired the breach and rebuilt the embankment—100 cubits long, 68 cubits wide, and as tall as seven men—in just two months.