They must have also been
used for religious rituals to justify the enormous capital cost (and labor) of
the elaborate carvings, not to mention superior engineering skills that surpass
even our modern-day technology.
The Forgotten Stepwells:
Thousands of Masterpieces in
Engineering, Architecture and Craftsmanship Provide a Window into India’s Past
Stepwells are magnificent architectural structures found
in India that tapped into underground water tables, providing a year-round
water supply. Thousands of the engineering masterpieces are dotted around the
country, many containing ornate and intricate carvings depicting Hindu scenes.
While many are now dilapidated and in a state of disrepair, others remain as
visually stunning windows into India’s glorious past.
As its name suggests, a stepwell consists of a well/pool of water which may be accessed via a flight of stairs. Whilst it is not
entirely clear as to when stepwells began to be constructed, the archaeological
excavation of Mohenjo-daro, one of the largest settlements of the Indus Valley
Civilisation, has uncovered a large structure resembling a water tank. This has
been dubbed as the ‘Great Bath’, and may be a precursor to the decorative
stepwells of India.
The Rav Ki Vav Stepwell in India. Source: BigStockPhoto
Early Stepwells and Their Purpose
The earliest stepwells (known also as baori) are speculated
to have been built during the 1st millennium AD (some sources placing them in
the 6th century AD, whilst others say they were first built between the 2nd and
4th centuries AD). The construction of stepwells developed over time and by the
medieval period they became complex structures that showcased a mastery of
engineering, architecture, and art. Hence, the best-known stepwells today date
to this period of Indian history. Stepwells continued to be built in India, and
it has been estimated that by 19th century there were several thousand
stepwells in existence.
Stepwells were initially built for the utilitarian
purpose of storing water, especially in areas where it is dry for the greater
part of the year, but have several weeks of torrential monsoon rains. In such
areas, stepwells collect water during the rainy seasons (and perhaps reduced
the risk of flooding) which could then be used throughout the rest of the year.
For these stepwells to function efficiently, they had to be large and deep
enough. Rani Ki Ji Baori (also known as ‘Queen’s Stepwell’) in Rajasthan,
for example, has a length of 64 meters (209.97 ft.), a width of 20 meters
(65.62 ft.), and a depth of 46 meters (150.92 ft.)
Rani Ki Ji Baori - Queen’s Stepwell. (Andrea Kirkby/CC BY NC 2.0)
Modhera Sun Temple Stepwell (CC by SA 4.0)
Artistic Masterpieces
Stepwells during the medieval period were not merely
utilitarian structures, but also artistic masterpieces. For example, the Adalaj
Vav in Gujarat is a five-storey stepwell with octagonal landings. Towards the
end of the 15th century, the area where the well is located was known as Dandai
Desh, and was ruled by a Hindu monarch. Whilst the Adalaj Vav was being built,
a neighbouring Muslim ruler invaded the area, sacked it, and disposed of the
king. The conqueror fell in love with the widowed queen, and wanted to marry
her. The queen demanded that her late husband’s stepwell be completed in return
for her hand in marriage. The ruler agreed, and continued the construction of
the Adalaj Vav. The result was a stepwell that blended Islamic architecture
with Hindu symbolism, and contained intricate carvings of flora and fauna. The
story has a tragic ending, though, as the queen, after inspecting the stepwell
when it was almost completed, committed suicide by throwing herself down into
the structure.
Adalaj stepwell, Gujarat (CC BY SA 4.0)& A sculpture inside (CC BY SA 4.0).
Leaving Stepwells
Whilst there are many stepwells in India today, a number
of them have been forgotten and left to decay. This abandonment is not an
entirely new phenomenon. During the British Raj, for example, stepwells were
viewed as unhygienic, as they were thought to be breeding grounds for diseases
and parasites. As a result, the authorities had many stepwells barricaded,
filled in, or simply destroyed. Today, modern water supply systems, such as
taps and water tanks, have also reduced dependency on stepwells. Consequently,
some stepwells have become rubbish dumps and latrines, whilst others have been
turned into storage areas, quarried for their stone, or just left to
deteriorate.
In late 2014, it was reported that officials in Delhi
authorized the de-silting and restoration of five medieval stepwells, following
the successful work that was carried out on two others. Thus, there is hope
that these historical monuments will receive the care and attention they
deserve. Moreover, some Indian engineers are also reported to have drawn
inspiration from these ancient structures to design new tanks for water
collection.
Posted by: Phil
(SOURCE : VIA GP E-MAIL FROM COL RB MISTRY (RETD)
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