What was the ancient method used in Omani villages to equitably divide and time falaj water shares among landowners during the day before modern clocks?
Answer and explanation
Correct answer: B. The sundial (Al Mazwala) using shadow markers
- Step 1: During daylight hours, traditional falaj timing was determined by an ancient sundial system known as the 'Al Mazwala' (or Lamm).
- Step 2: A vertical rod cast a shadow across marked stones on the ground, each representing an 'Athar' (a standard unit of water allocation equal to approximately 30 minutes).
- Step 3: At night, star alignments were used.
Answer
The sundial (Al Mazwala) using shadow markers.
Why not the others: 'A water-filled hourglass glass tube' was not the primary outdoor agricultural timing device; 'A digital countdown timer powered by battery' is modern electronics; 'An astronomical pendulum clock mechanism' was not used in traditional agrarian oases.
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