Water has always been an integral part of human life. Man would not be able to live without water and earth itself is made up of more water than land. Hence, man has always given great respect to water and even treated it as God. Most civilisations have been formed in places where there was abundance of water available for agriculture, irrigation, drinking and bathing. Many battles have been fought and conflicts arise even today over division of rivers and other water sources between states and even countries.
Water being considered so important, there is no surprise that mankind has used water in all activities of life. Beyond the essential uses like agriculture, water was used for decoration in the form of fountains. Historians point out that water fountains originated in the ancient middle east region, especially in Egypt where gardens were found to be decorated with water fountains. Fountains were also found in Roman and Persian cultures. The Mughals, who ruled India had built many architectural wonders, like Taj Mahal, and their gardens were always decorated with lush trees and fountains. Mughal women tended to stay indoors most of the day and hence these gardens and fountains were a source of relaxation and recreation for them. Fountains have always been an integral part of living in the far east countries like China, Japan etc where water is considered as a form of energy in Feng shui.
In many countries, fountains have been the center of social life. People used to gather around them, while collecting water for drinking, cooking and bathing and many a romance, friendship and political conspiracy is said to have risen from there.
Originally, nature created many fountains with the natural flow of water due to gravity, from higher surfaces to lower surfaces. The geysers, which are found in national parks and waterfalls are examples of nature created fountains. Later, with the invention of hydraulic equipments, artificial water fountains were built. In the beginning, the fountains were simple in design, used for supplying water for everyday living. Later, they were also decorated with statues, sculptures and figurines. Modern day fountains have become more advanced like musical fountains, fountains with colored lights and animated fountains and are used more like a showpiece. The Bellagio fountains in Las Vegas is a masterpiece in artificial fountains and continues to enthrall people everyday.
Today, we see water fountains being used practically everywhere from shopping complexes to hospitals. Not only do they enhance the decor of the building, but they also bring relaxation and pure joy to people.
Gnana Ramanathan is an internet entreprenuer specialising in elegant home decor items like Room Dividers, Hammocks, and home decor accessories like mirrors, lamps, vases, fountains etc.
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