Ancient Oases of Art & Ingenuity

Once upon a time, these stepwells were saviors from drought; today, they might offer answers for the future.

By Pravallika Soubandi

The Stepwell Legacy

Undoubtedly, iconic structures like the Taj Mahal immediately capture the imagination when it comes to Indian architectural masterpieces, but perhaps one of India’s most underrated structural marvels lies, quite literally, beneath its surface.

The Indian ‘vavs’ or ‘baori’ were not just utilitarian stepwells designed to collect water. They were, in their own right, intrinsically detailed creations that represented the architectural artistry, skill, and cultural significance of ancient India.

Stepwells fell out of favor during 19th-century British rule because they were deemed unhygienic. However, in the last few years, state governments and non-governmental agencies have begun to revitalize these ancient subterranean reservoirs.

Stepwells played a significant role from the 7th to the 19th century in India, ensuring water availability, especially in drought-prone regions; they also held great social, cultural, and religious significance. Women tended to be more associated with these cisterns and their accompanying rituals – they drew water from the stepwells, prayed, and offered gifts to the “Goddess of the Well” for her blessings.

Traditions like these transformed the stepwells into vibrant, communal spaces where stories were shared by its users.

Subterranean Aquifers

The stepwells were made by digging deep into the earth to access subterranean aquifers – natural resources containing trapped rainwater and groundwater. In arid regions like Rajasthan, these water wells, an imperishable water source, reached as far as 82 feet. A complex infrastructure of stairs, platforms, and pavilions gave access to the deep wells for villagers and travellers alike.

Every significant stepwell in India – Rani Ki Vav, Adalaj Ni Vav, Shahi Baori, Chand Baori, Agrasen ki baoli – has a tale to tell.

Rani Ki Vav (The Queen’s Stepwell) has a long and intriguing history. Built by Udayamati, wife of the 11th-century Chaulukya king Bhima I, around 1032. It was hailed for its architectural glory in Prabandha-Chintamani, composed by the Jain monk Merutunga in 1304.  Later, it was flooded and silted over by the Saraswati River and rediscovered by the British in the 1890s. The state of Baroda began excavating Rani Ki Vav in the 1940s, and in the 1980s, the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) undertook major excavations, which unearthed an image of Udayamati. Rani ki Vav today is a UNESCO World Heritage site, and represents one of the finest examples of stepwell architecture in Gujarat.

Stepwell Architecture

Besides their beauty and elegance, another reason to marvel at stepwell architecture is its environmental responsiveness. Their subterranean design naturally regulates temperatures, creates cool sanctuaries, ensures the proper harvesting and storing of rainwater, and offers reliable water sources.

Temperature regulation in stepwells is based on the same principle used in havelis! They are designed with thick walls and deep chambers that absorb heat during the day and release it slowly through the night to maintain comfortable temperatures by day and night. Moreover, as water from the well’s surface evaporates, it adds to cooler temperatures within the step well.

The architectural brilliance of stepwells also incorporates water conservation and management principles, which are critical in arid parts of India where many of these stepwells are located.

Water Conservation

India is one of the most water-stressed countries in the world – it contains nearly 18 percent of the world’s population, it has only 4 percent of the world’s water resources (NITI Aayog Report, 2017), making it one of the most water-stressed countries in the world (Source: Nextias).

As India mounts an uphill battle to overcome its water crisis, the stepwells offer hope. Their sustainable water harvesting techniques serve both as water source conservation and help in recharging the groundwater level.

Integrating new technology with traditional harvesting methods could help address water scarcity while preserving the stepwell culture.

Preservation & Restoration

Over the centuries, many stepwells disappeared from communities because they fell out of use or vanished beneath landfills, debris, and garbage. Only a handful remain in a somewhat salvageable condition while thousands wait to be rediscovered and restored. State governments and NGOs have invested in initiatives to revitalize these beautiful relics. In parts of India today, some of the restored stepwells contribute several thousand gallons of water a day; in Jodhpur, stepwells contribute to several million gallons of water a day.

The Indian stepwell is more than a remnant of ancient history, they are the proof of why ancient India was home to proud civilizations. They offer the possibility that we could return to our roots to find solutions that address the challenges of modern life. Once upon a time, these stepwells were our saviors from drought; today, they might offer answers for our future.

Read: A slice of South India in Karachi

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When not sketching designs or geeking out over sustainable urban spaces, architecture student Pravallika can be found writing about the fascinating intersections of culture, heritage, and commerce. She believes every building has a tale to tell, and likes to explore the world, one brick, one word, and one big idea at a time!

Courtesy: India Currents