The Conflict between Cultivation and Water Transportation in Watery Area: Hydraulic Infrastructure Maintenance in the Huai River Basin in East China, 1570-1855

Between 1570 and 1855, the Huai River Basin in East China underwent significant changes, becoming a vast watery area due to the southflow of the Yellow River, leading to the formation of wetlands and swamps. To counter the challenges of frequent inundation and flooding, extensive hydraulic infrastructure projects, including weirs, dams, and dikes, were constructed and meticulously maintained along the waterway. This paper challenges prevailing perspectives that attribute debates over water management to bureaucratic preferences and technological advancements. Instead, it sheds light on the central issue of conflicting water usage goals among officials. Utilizing a wide range of primary sources, including official documents, personal accounts, water control records, water technology manuals, ancient maps, and GIS data, this study reveals that the debates were driven by opposing objectives: some officials prioritized maintaining water levels for grain transportation, while others emphasized using water for agricultural irrigation. Through an in-depth analysis of these debates and an examination of the development and maintenance of hydraulic structures, this research highlights the state's resilience and the collaboration between officials and local elites in navigating the intricate balance between cultivation and water transportation in this complex watery landscape. Ultimately, this study provides valuable insights into historical water management practices and the dynamic interactions between human societies and natural environments.