India, Aug. 19 -- A prominent feature of ancient India's energy system was the overwhelming use of renewable sources. Biomass, animal power, water, solar and wind constituted the primary sources of energy. Ancient India developed some of the world's most sophisticated water management systems. Tanks, reservoirs, canals, dams and wells were constructed across different regions. Water harvesting systems captured rainwater efficiently, especially in arid regions. Wind-powered maritime trade flourished along the western and eastern coasts.

Long before the world discovered photo voltaic cells and solar thermal power technology, ancient India utilised sun's energy through architectural ingenuity, thermal storage and solar driven processing, in...