www.bbc.com/future/article/20211012-the-ancient-stepwells-helping...

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    www.bbc.com/future/article/20211012-the-ancient-stepwells-helping-to-curb-indias-water-crisis
    WATER The ancient stepwells helping to curb India's water crisis
    By Feza Tabassum Azmi13th October 2021

    Huge architectural gems built deep into the Earth like inverted fortresses are scattered around India – and restoring them may be a solution to help the country's parched communities.
    A
    An exquisitely carved maze of 3,500 steps, arranged in perfect symmetry, descends with geometrical precision to reach a well. Criss-crossed steps encircle the water on three sides, while the fourth side is adorned by a pavilion with embellished galleries and balconies.
    Built by
    Rajput ruler Raja Chanda during the 8th-9th Century, Chand Bawri in Abhaneri, Rajasthan, is India's largest and deepest stepwell. Extending down 13 floors, or 100ft (30m), into the ground, it is a captivating example of inverted architecture.
    Plunging into the earth, stepwells like Chand Bawri were built in drought-prone regions of India to provide water all year round, ensuring communities had access to vital water storage and irrigation systems.


    Centuries of natural decay and neglect, however, have pushed these structures into oblivion. Dating back more than 1,000 years, the stepwells (baoli, bawri, or vav) are crumbling into obscurity. Their value has gone largely unnoticed by town planners as modern running water systems eclipsed their importance.
    Many stepwells are in shambles or have caved in. Some have disappeared completely. ……….
    -------------------------------------------------------
    Surely; one for the 'bucket list' or sooner.


    Cheers,
 
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