Bund

/ˈbʌnd/ noun

Definition

An embankment or causeway built to control flooding, especially along rivers in India and East Asia; also refers to a defensive league or association.

Etymology

From Hindi 'bandh' (a dam or embankment), related to Sanskrit 'bandha' (binding). The term entered English through colonial contact with India and describes irrigation and flood-control structures that have been built for centuries.

Kelly Says

The Grand Canal in Venice and the dikes of Holland are European examples, but bunds in India have been managing monsoon floods for over 2,000 years—it's an ancient engineering solution that's still crucial today.

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