Stepwell

Stepwells (also known as vavs or baori) are wells, cisterns 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 the 7th to the 19th century.

They are most common in western India and are also found in the other more arid regions of the Indian subcontinent, extending into Pakistan.

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 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.

Other names include kalyani or pushkarani (Kannada), baoli (Hindi: बावली), barav (Marathi: बारव) and degeenar (Bhojpuri: 𑂙𑂵𑂏𑂲𑂢𑂰𑂩).

The earliest archaeological evidence of stepwells is found at Dholavira where the site also has water tanks or reservoirs with flights of steps.

Ashokan inscriptions mention construction of stepwells along major Indian roads at a distance of every 8 kos (about 20.8 miles or 33.5 km) 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.

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.

A long flight of steps leads to the water below a sequence of multi-story open pavilions positioned along the east–west axis.

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.

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.

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.

Other notable gardens in India which incorporate water into their design include: Azmi, Feza Tabassum.