Kallanai Dam
| Kallanai Dam | |
|---|---|
Kallanai Dam with its floodgates open | |
| Location | Thanjavur district, Tamil Nadu, India |
| Purpose | Irrigation |
| Status | Operational |
| Construction began | c.150 BC |
| Built by | Karikala cholan of Chola dynasty |
| Operator(s) | Government of Tamil Nadu |
| Dam and spillways | |
| Type of dam | Barrage |
| Impounds | River |
| Height (foundation) | 5.4 metres (18 ft) |
| Length | 329 metres (1,079 ft) |
| Width (base) | 20 metres (66 ft) |
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, 15 km from Tiruchirapalli and 45 km from Thanjavur. It is the fourth oldest water-diversion or water-regulator structure in the world and the oldest in India that is still in use. Because of its spectacular architecture, it is one of the prime tourist spots in Tamil Nadu.