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Stepwell

January 23, 2023

Stepwells (also known as vavs or baori) are wells or ponds with a long corridor of steps that descend to the water level. Stepwells played a significant role in defining subterranean architecture in western India from 7th to 19th century.[1] Some stepwells are multi-storeyed and can be accessed by a Persian wheel which is pulled by a bull to bring water to the first or second floor. They are most common in western India and are also found in the other more arid regions of the Indian subcontinent, extending into Pakistan. The construction of stepwells is mainly utilitarian, though they may include embellishments of architectural significance, and be temple tanks.

Chand Baori, in the village of Abhaneri near Bandikui, Rajasthan is one of the deepest and largest stepwells in India
The Rani ki Vav, Patan, Gujarat
A multi-storey stepwell in Mahimapur Village, Amravati District, Maharashtra

Stepwells are examples of the many types of storage and irrigation tanks that were developed in India, mainly to cope with seasonal fluctuations in water availability. A basic difference between stepwells on the one hand, and tanks and wells on the other, is that stepwells make it easier for people to reach the groundwater and to maintain and manage the well.

The builders dug deep trenches into the earth for dependable, year-round groundwater. They lined the walls of these trenches with blocks of stone, without mortar, and created stairs leading down to the water.[2] The majority of surviving stepwells originally served a leisure purpose as well as providing water. This was because the base of the well provided relief from the daytime heat, and this was increased if the well was covered. Stepwells also served as a place for social gatherings and religious ceremonies. Usually, women were more associated with these wells because they were the ones who collected the water. Also, it was they who prayed and offered gifts to the goddess of the well for her blessings.[2] This led to the building of some significant ornamental and architectural features, often associated with dwellings and in urban areas. It also ensured their survival as monuments.

A stepwell structure consists of two sections: a vertical shaft from which water is drawn and the surrounding inclined subterranean passageways and the chambers and steps which provide access to the well. The galleries and chambers surrounding these wells were often carved profusely with elaborate detail and became cool, quiet retreats during the hot summers.[3]

Names

A number of distinct names, sometimes local, exist for stepwells. In Hindi-speaking regions, they include names based on baudi (including bawdi (Rajasthani: बावड़ी), bawri, bawari, baori, baoli, bavadi and bavdi). In Gujarati and Marwari language, they are usually called vav, vavri or vaav (Gujarati: વાવ). Other names include kalyani or pushkarani (Kannada), baoli (Hindi: बावली) and barav (Marathi: बारव).

History

 
Agrasen Ki Baoli in New Delhi, rebuilt in the 14th century

The stepwell may have originated during periods of drought to ensure enough access to the water. The earliest archaeological evidence of stepwells is found at Dholavira where the site also has water tanks or reservoirs with flights of steps. Mohenjo Daro's great bath is also provided with steps on opposite directions. Ashokan inscriptions mention construction of step wells along major Indian roads at a distance of every 8 kos for the convenience of travellers, but Ashoka states that it was a well established practice which predated him and was done by former kings as well.

King Devanampriya Priyadarsin speaks thus. On the roads banyan-trees were caused to be planted by me, (in order that) they might afford shade to cattle and men, (and) mango-groves were caused to be planted. And (at intervals) of eight kos wells were caused to be dug by me, and flights of steps (for descending into the water) were caused to be built. Numerous drinking-places were caused to be established by me, here and there, for the enjoyment of cattle and men. [But] this so-called enjoyment (is) [of little consequence]. For with various comforts have the people been blessed both by former kings and by myself. But by me this has been done for the following purpose: that they might conform to that practice of morality.

— Ashokan Pillar Edict No 7

The first rock-cut stepwells in India date from 200–400 AD.[4] The earliest example of a bath-like pond reached by steps is found at Uperkot caves in Junagadh. These caves are dated to the 4th century. Navghan Kuvo, a well with the circular staircase in the vicinity, is another example. It was possibly built in Western Satrap (200–400 AD) or Maitraka (600–700 AD) period, though some place it as late as the 11th century. The nearby Adi Kadi Vav was constructed either in the second half of the 10th century or the 15th century.[5]

The stepwells at Dhank in Rajkot district are dated to 550–625 AD. The stepped ponds at Bhinmal (850–950 AD) are followed by it.[4] The stepwells were constructed in the southwestern region of Gujarat around 600 AD; from there they spread north to Rajasthan and subsequently to the north and west India. Initially used as an art form by Hindus, the construction of these stepwells hit its peak during Muslim rule from the 11th to 16th century.[3]

One of the earliest existing examples of stepwells was built in the 11th century in Gujarat, the Mata Bhavani's Stepwell. A long flight of steps leads to the water below a sequence of multi-story open pavilions positioned along the east/west axis. The elaborate ornamentation of the columns, brackets and beams are a prime example of how stepwells were used as a form of art.[6]

The Mughal emperors did not disrupt the culture that was practiced in these stepwells and encouraged the building of stepwells. The authorities during the British Raj found the hygiene of the stepwells less than desirable and installed pipe and pump systems to replace their purpose.[6]

Location of a stepwell

A stepwell is generally located in three types of places - as an extension or part of a temple, in or at an edge of a village, and/or the outskirts of a village.[2] When a stepwell is associated with a temple or a shrine, it is either at the opposite wall of it or in front of the temple. Sindhvai Mata stepwell in Patan, Mata Bhavani stepwell in Ahmedabad, and the Ankol Mata stepwell in Davad serve as a great example of the stepwells that houses shrines.[2]

Function and use

The stepwell ensures the availability of water during periods of drought. The stepwells had social, cultural and religious significance.[6] These stepwells were proven to be well-built sturdy structures, after withstanding earthquakes.[2] Most places in India where there is abundant fresh water only during the monsoon season, stepwell and wells play a critical role in serving as a direct means to fresh water filtered through the earth. While the rivers, rivulets, creeks, and other natural water bodies dry up in this climate zone, stepwell and wells remain at a depth where there is less exposure to sun and heat.[2]

The well-water is known to attract insects, animals, and many other germ breeding organisms. These stepwells, being a common space in frequent use by the inhabitants of the area, were considered to be a source of spreading epidemics and diseases.[2]

Details

Many stepwells have ornamentation and details as elaborate as those of Hindu temples. Proportions in relationship to the human body were used in their design, as they were in many other structures in Indian architecture.[7]

Stepped ponds

 
Shravanabelagola stepped pond, Karnataka

Stepped ponds are very similar to stepwells in terms of purpose. Generally, stepped ponds accompany nearby temples while stepwells are more isolated.[8] Stepwells are dark and barely visible from the surface, while stepped ponds are illuminated by the light from the sun. Stepwells are quite linear in design compared to the rectangular shape of stepped ponds.[7]

In India

A number of surviving stepwells can be found across India, including in Rajasthan, Gujarat, Delhi, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, and North Karnataka (Karnataka). In 2016 a collaborative mapping project, Stepwell Atlas,[9] started to map GPS coordinates and collate information on stepwells, mapping over 2800 stepwells in India. Another project mapped the location of over 1700 stepwells in Maharashtra.[10]

In his book Delhi Heritage: Top 10 Baolis, Vikramjit Singh Rooprai mentions that Delhi alone has 32 stepwells.[11] Out of these, 16 are lost, but their locations can be traced. Of the remaining 16, only 14 are accessible to public and the water level in these keeps varying, while two are now permanently dry.

Significant stepwells include:

In Pakistan

 
Stepwell at Rohtas Fort, near Jhelum. Constructed by Emperor Sher Shah Suri: carving into the limestone bedrock in the 16th century, approx. 100 feet deep, originally would have been twice as much but has covered by silt. It was in use until 2019.

Stepwells from Mughal periods still exist in Pakistan. Some are in preserved conditions while others are not.

Influence

 
Candi Tikus, a 14th century bathing place and step well in Majapahit empire capital city, Trowulan Archaeological Park, East Java, Indonesia

Stepwells influenced many other structures in Indian architecture, especially those that incorporate water into their design.[3] For example, the Aram Bagh in Agra was the first Mughal garden in India.[7] It was designed by the Mughal emperor Babur and reflected his notion of paradise not only through water and landscaping but also through symmetry by including a reflecting pool in the design. He was inspired by stepwells and felt that one would complement the garden of his palace. Many other Mughal gardens include reflecting pools to enhance the landscape or serving as an elegant entrance. Other notable gardens in India which incorporate water into their design include:

Gallery

See also

Notes

  1. ^ Priya, T.Lakshmi (October 2010). "Protecting the Tangible and Intangible Heritage of Rani ki Vav: A Unique Subterranean Step Well in Gujarat". Advanced Materials Research. 133–134: 1057–1064. doi:10.4028/www.scientific.net/AMR.133-134.1057. ISSN 1662-8985.
  2. ^ a b c d e f g Shekhawat, Abhilash. "Stepwells of Gujarat". India's Invitation. Retrieved 30 March 2012.
  3. ^ a b c Davies, Philip (1989). The Penguin guide to the monuments of India. London: Viking. ISBN 0-14-008425-8.
  4. ^ a b Livingston & Beach, page xxiii
  5. ^ Jutta Jain-Neubauer (1981). The Stepwells of Gujarat: In Art-historical Perspective. Abhinav Publications. pp. 19–25. ISBN 978-0-391-02284-3.
  6. ^ a b c Tadgell, Christopher (1990). The History of Architecture in India. London: Phaidon Press. ISBN 0-7148-2960-9.
  7. ^ a b c Livingston, Morna (2002). Steps to Water: The Ancient Stepwells of India. New York: Princeton Architectural. ISBN 1-56898-324-7.
  8. ^ Jain-Neubauer, Jutta (1981). The Stepwells of Gujarat: In art-historical Perspective. New Delhi: Abhinav. ISBN 0-391-02284-9.
  9. ^ Stepwell Atlas
  10. ^ "Maharashtra Stepwells". Maharashtra Stepwells. Retrieved 23 March 2021.
  11. ^ Rooprai, Vikramjit Singh (2019). Delhi heritage : Top 10 baolis. Niyogi Books. ISBN 978-9-38913-611-1.
  12. ^ Sengar, Resham. "Sri Subramanya Temple in Peralassery – its legend, the stepwell and resident snakes". Times of India Travel. Retrieved 10 March 2020.

References

  • . At infinityfoundation.com
  • Livingston, Morna & Beach, Milo (2002). Steps to Water: The Ancient Stepwells of India. Princeton Architectural Press. ISBN 1-56898-324-7.
  • Vikramjit Singh Rooprai. Delhi Heritage: Top 10 Baolis (2019). Niyogi Books. ISBN 9-38913-611-3.
  • Jutta Jain Neubauer The Stepwells of Gujarat: An art-historical Perspective (2001)
  • Philip Davies, The Penguin guide to the monuments of India, Vol II (London: Viking, 1989)
  • Christopher Tadgell, The History of Architecture in India (London: Phaidon Press, 1990)
  • Abhilash Shekhawat, "Stepwells of Gujarat." India's Invitation. 2010. Web. 29 March 2012.<http://www.indiasinvitation.com/stepwells_of_gujarat/>.
  • Stepwells in India at Curlie
  • "Architecture of the Indian Subcontinent – glossary". Indoarch.org. Retrieved 18 December 2006.

External links

 
Wikimedia Commons has media related to Stepwells.
  • Stepwell Atlas
  • Stepwells of India
  • Agrasen ki Baoli
  • Stepwell architecture
  • Stepwell on Oxfort Art Online
  • India's Forgotten Stepwells at ArchDaily

January 23, 2023
stepwell, this, article, includes, list, general, references, lacks, sufficient, corresponding, inline, citations, please, help, improve, this, article, introducing, more, precise, citations, 2022, learn, when, remove, this, template, message, also, known, vav. This article includes a list of general references but it lacks sufficient corresponding inline citations Please help to improve this article by introducing more precise citations May 2022 Learn how and when to remove this template message Stepwells also known as vavs or baori are wells or ponds with a long corridor of steps that descend to the water level Stepwells played a significant role in defining subterranean architecture in western India from 7th to 19th century 1 Some stepwells are multi storeyed and can be accessed by a Persian wheel which is pulled by a bull to bring water to the first or second floor They are most common in western India and are also found in the other more arid regions of the Indian subcontinent extending into Pakistan The construction of stepwells is mainly utilitarian though they may include embellishments of architectural significance and be temple tanks Chand Baori in the village of Abhaneri near Bandikui Rajasthan is one of the deepest and largest stepwells in India The Rani ki Vav Patan Gujarat A multi storey stepwell in Mahimapur Village Amravati District Maharashtra Stepwells are examples of the many types of storage and irrigation tanks that were developed in India mainly to cope with seasonal fluctuations in water availability A basic difference between stepwells on the one hand and tanks and wells on the other is that stepwells make it easier for people to reach the groundwater and to maintain and manage the well The builders dug deep trenches into the earth for dependable year round groundwater They lined the walls of these trenches with blocks of stone without mortar and created stairs leading down to the water 2 The majority of surviving stepwells originally served a leisure purpose as well as providing water This was because the base of the well provided relief from the daytime heat and this was increased if the well was covered Stepwells also served as a place for social gatherings and religious ceremonies Usually women were more associated with these wells because they were the ones who collected the water Also it was they who prayed and offered gifts to the goddess of the well for her blessings 2 This led to the building of some significant ornamental and architectural features often associated with dwellings and in urban areas It also ensured their survival as monuments A stepwell structure consists of two sections a vertical shaft from which water is drawn and the surrounding inclined subterranean passageways and the chambers and steps which provide access to the well The galleries and chambers surrounding these wells were often carved profusely with elaborate detail and became cool quiet retreats during the hot summers 3 Contents 1 Names 2 History 3 Location of a stepwell 4 Function and use 5 Details 6 Stepped ponds 7 In India 8 In Pakistan 9 Influence 10 Gallery 11 See also 12 Notes 13 References 14 External linksNames EditA number of distinct names sometimes local exist for stepwells In Hindi speaking regions they include names based on baudi including bawdi Rajasthani ब वड bawri bawari baori baoli bavadi and bavdi In Gujarati and Marwari language they are usually called vav vavri or vaav Gujarati વ વ Other names include kalyani or pushkarani Kannada baoli Hindi ब वल and barav Marathi ब रव History Edit Agrasen Ki Baoli in New Delhi rebuilt in the 14th century The stepwell may have originated during periods of drought to ensure enough access to the water The earliest archaeological evidence of stepwells is found at Dholavira where the site also has water tanks or reservoirs with flights of steps Mohenjo Daro s great bath is also provided with steps on opposite directions Ashokan inscriptions mention construction of step wells along major Indian roads at a distance of every 8 kos for the convenience of travellers but Ashoka states that it was a well established practice which predated him and was done by former kings as well King Devanampriya Priyadarsin speaks thus On the roads banyan trees were caused to be planted by me in order that they might afford shade to cattle and men and mango groves were caused to be planted And at intervals of eight kos wells were caused to be dug by me and flights of steps for descending into the water were caused to be built Numerous drinking places were caused to be established by me here and there for the enjoyment of cattle and men But this so called enjoyment is of little consequence For with various comforts have the people been blessed both by former kings and by myself But by me this has been done for the following purpose that they might conform to that practice of morality Ashokan Pillar Edict No 7 The first rock cut stepwells in India date from 200 400 AD 4 The earliest example of a bath like pond reached by steps is found at Uperkot caves in Junagadh These caves are dated to the 4th century Navghan Kuvo a well with the circular staircase in the vicinity is another example It was possibly built in Western Satrap 200 400 AD or Maitraka 600 700 AD period though some place it as late as the 11th century The nearby Adi Kadi Vav was constructed either in the second half of the 10th century or the 15th century 5 The stepwells at Dhank in Rajkot district are dated to 550 625 AD The stepped ponds at Bhinmal 850 950 AD are followed by it 4 The stepwells were constructed in the southwestern region of Gujarat around 600 AD from there they spread north to Rajasthan and subsequently to the north and west India Initially used as an art form by Hindus the construction of these stepwells hit its peak during Muslim rule from the 11th to 16th century 3 One of the earliest existing examples of stepwells was built in the 11th century in Gujarat the Mata Bhavani s Stepwell A long flight of steps leads to the water below a sequence of multi story open pavilions positioned along the east west axis The elaborate ornamentation of the columns brackets and beams are a prime example of how stepwells were used as a form of art 6 The Mughal emperors did not disrupt the culture that was practiced in these stepwells and encouraged the building of stepwells The authorities during the British Raj found the hygiene of the stepwells less than desirable and installed pipe and pump systems to replace their purpose 6 Location of a stepwell EditA stepwell is generally located in three types of places as an extension or part of a temple in or at an edge of a village and or the outskirts of a village 2 When a stepwell is associated with a temple or a shrine it is either at the opposite wall of it or in front of the temple Sindhvai Mata stepwell in Patan Mata Bhavani stepwell in Ahmedabad and the Ankol Mata stepwell in Davad serve as a great example of the stepwells that houses shrines 2 Function and use EditThe stepwell ensures the availability of water during periods of drought The stepwells had social cultural and religious significance 6 These stepwells were proven to be well built sturdy structures after withstanding earthquakes 2 Most places in India where there is abundant fresh water only during the monsoon season stepwell and wells play a critical role in serving as a direct means to fresh water filtered through the earth While the rivers rivulets creeks and other natural water bodies dry up in this climate zone stepwell and wells remain at a depth where there is less exposure to sun and heat 2 The well water is known to attract insects animals and many other germ breeding organisms These stepwells being a common space in frequent use by the inhabitants of the area were considered to be a source of spreading epidemics and diseases 2 Details EditMany stepwells have ornamentation and details as elaborate as those of Hindu temples Proportions in relationship to the human body were used in their design as they were in many other structures in Indian architecture 7 Stepped ponds Edit Shravanabelagola stepped pond Karnataka Stepped ponds are very similar to stepwells in terms of purpose Generally stepped ponds accompany nearby temples while stepwells are more isolated 8 Stepwells are dark and barely visible from the surface while stepped ponds are illuminated by the light from the sun Stepwells are quite linear in design compared to the rectangular shape of stepped ponds 7 In India EditA number of surviving stepwells can be found across India including in Rajasthan Gujarat Delhi Madhya Pradesh Maharashtra and North Karnataka Karnataka In 2016 a collaborative mapping project Stepwell Atlas 9 started to map GPS coordinates and collate information on stepwells mapping over 2800 stepwells in India Another project mapped the location of over 1700 stepwells in Maharashtra 10 In his book Delhi Heritage Top 10 Baolis Vikramjit Singh Rooprai mentions that Delhi alone has 32 stepwells 11 Out of these 16 are lost but their locations can be traced Of the remaining 16 only 14 are accessible to public and the water level in these keeps varying while two are now permanently dry Significant stepwells include Agrasen ki Baoli New Delhi Rajon ki baoli New Delhi Chand Baori in Abhaneri near Jaipur Rajasthan Rani ki vav at Patan Gujarat Adalaj ni Vav at Adalaj Gandhinagar Gujarat Dada Harir Stepwell Ahmedbad Navghan Kuvo and Adi Kadi vav Uparkot Fort Junagadh Toor Ji Ka Jhalra Baori Jodhpur Birkha Bawari Jodhpur Shahi Baoli Lucknow Raniji ki Baori in Bundi Rajasthan Bundi has over 60 baolis in and around the town Panna Meena ka Kund Amer India Udoji ki Baori Mandholi Rajasthan Kalyani Hulikere Bhoga Nandeeshwara Temple Karnataka Sree Peralassery Temple Kerala 12 Charthana Stepwell Parbhani Maharashtra Pingli Stepwell Parbhani Maharashtra Arvi Stepwell Parbhani MaharashtraIn Pakistan Edit Stepwell at Rohtas Fort near Jhelum Constructed by Emperor Sher Shah Suri carving into the limestone bedrock in the 16th century approx 100 feet deep originally would have been twice as much but has covered by silt It was in use until 2019 Stepwells from Mughal periods still exist in Pakistan Some are in preserved conditions while others are not Rohtas Fort near Jhelum Wan Bhachran near Mianwali Losar Baoli near Islamabad Makli Baoli near ThattaInfluence Edit Candi Tikus a 14th century bathing place and step well in Majapahit empire capital city Trowulan Archaeological Park East Java Indonesia Stepwells influenced many other structures in Indian architecture especially those that incorporate water into their design 3 For example the Aram Bagh in Agra was the first Mughal garden in India 7 It was designed by the Mughal emperor Babur and reflected his notion of paradise not only through water and landscaping but also through symmetry by including a reflecting pool in the design He was inspired by stepwells and felt that one would complement the garden of his palace Many other Mughal gardens include reflecting pools to enhance the landscape or serving as an elegant entrance Other notable gardens in India which incorporate water into their design include Humayun s Tomb Nizamuddin East Delhi Taj Mahal Agra Mehtab Bagh Agra Safdarjung s Tomb Shalimar Bagh Srinagar Jammu and Kashmir Nishat Gardens Jammu and Kashmir Yadvindra Gardens Pinjore Khusro Bagh Allahabad Roshanara BaghGallery Edit Large stepwell at Nagnath Mandir in Hatnoor Village Parbhani District in Maharashtra View of a stepwell at Fatehpur Shekhawati The 18th century Baoli Ghaus Ali Shah in Farrukhnagar Haryana Birkha Bawari a stepwell at Jodhpur Rudabai stepwell or Adalaj ni Vav at Adalaj Gandhinagar Gujarat Toor Ji Ka Jhalra stepped well Jodhpur Stepped well Hampi Jachcha Ki Baori in Hindaun RajasthanSee also EditCheck dam Dhunge dhara Ghat History of stepwells in Gujarat Johad Liman Subak irrigation Taanka Tube well Water wellNotes Edit Priya T Lakshmi October 2010 Protecting the Tangible and Intangible Heritage of Rani ki Vav A Unique Subterranean Step Well in Gujarat Advanced Materials Research 133 134 1057 1064 doi 10 4028 www scientific net AMR 133 134 1057 ISSN 1662 8985 a b c d e f g Shekhawat Abhilash Stepwells of Gujarat India s Invitation Retrieved 30 March 2012 a b c Davies Philip 1989 The Penguin guide to the monuments of India London Viking ISBN 0 14 008425 8 a b Livingston amp Beach page xxiii Jutta Jain Neubauer 1981 The Stepwells of Gujarat In Art historical Perspective Abhinav Publications pp 19 25 ISBN 978 0 391 02284 3 a b c Tadgell Christopher 1990 The History of Architecture in India London Phaidon Press ISBN 0 7148 2960 9 a b c Livingston Morna 2002 Steps to Water The Ancient Stepwells of India New York Princeton Architectural ISBN 1 56898 324 7 Jain Neubauer Jutta 1981 The Stepwells of Gujarat In art historical Perspective New Delhi Abhinav ISBN 0 391 02284 9 Stepwell Atlas Maharashtra Stepwells Maharashtra Stepwells Retrieved 23 March 2021 Rooprai Vikramjit Singh 2019 Delhi heritage Top 10 baolis Niyogi Books ISBN 978 9 38913 611 1 Sengar Resham Sri Subramanya Temple in Peralassery its legend the stepwell and resident snakes Times of India Travel Retrieved 10 March 2020 References EditRima Hooja Channeling Nature Hydraulics Traditional Knowledge Systems And Water Resource Management in India A Historical Perspective At infinityfoundation com Livingston Morna amp Beach Milo 2002 Steps to Water The Ancient Stepwells of India Princeton Architectural Press ISBN 1 56898 324 7 Vikramjit Singh Rooprai Delhi Heritage Top 10 Baolis 2019 Niyogi Books ISBN 9 38913 611 3 Jutta Jain Neubauer The Stepwells of Gujarat An art historical Perspective 2001 Philip Davies The Penguin guide to the monuments of India Vol II London Viking 1989 Christopher Tadgell The History of Architecture in India London Phaidon Press 1990 Abhilash Shekhawat Stepwells of Gujarat India s Invitation 2010 Web 29 March 2012 lt http www indiasinvitation com stepwells of gujarat gt Stepwells in India at Curlie Architecture of the Indian Subcontinent glossary Indoarch org Retrieved 18 December 2006 External links Edit Wikimedia Commons has media related to Stepwells Stepwell Atlas Stepwells of India Agrasen ki Baoli Stepwell architecture Stepwell on Oxfort Art Online India s Forgotten Stepwells at ArchDaily Retrieved from https en wikipedia org w index php title Stepwell amp oldid 1134691382, wikipedia, wiki, book, books, library,

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