The importance of irrigation to agriculture was recognised in India from the earliest times.  

• From the Narada Smriti, we understand that there were two kinds of dykes: the bardhya, which protected the field from floods, and the khara, which served the purpose of irrigation.  
• To prevent inundation, jalanirgamah (drains) were constructed, which is mentioned by Amarasimha.  
• Canals were constructed not only from rivers but also from tanks and lakes. The most famous lake was the Sudarsana Lake at the foot of Girnar Hills in Gujarat. 

Source: Tamil Nadu state board.