A millennium ago, stepwells were fundamental to life
in the driest parts of India. Richard Cox travelled to
north-western India to document the spectacular
monuments from a bygone era.
During the sixth and venth centuries, the
inhabitants of the modern-day states of Gujarat and
Rajasthan in north-western India developed a
method of gaining access to clean, fresh groundwater
saudi arabiaduring the dry ason for drinking, bathing, watering
animals and irrigation. However, the significance of
this invention-the stepwell-goes beyond its
utilitarian application.
(The function during the dry ason)
Unique to this region, stepwells are often
architecturally complex and vary widely in size and
shape. During their heyday, they were places of
gathering, of leisure and relaxation and of worship
for villagers of all but the lowest class. Most
stepwells are found dotted round the dert areas of
Gujarat (where they are called vav) and Rajasthan
(where they are called baori), while a few also survive
in Delhi. Some were located in or near villages as
deniedpublic spaces for the community others were
positioned beside roads as resting places for
travellers.
(The function of Stepwell for diff people, where are they)
As their name suggests, stepwells 汉堡包英语怎么说compri a ries of
stone steps descending from ground level to the
water source (normally an underground aquifer) as it
recedes following the rains. When the water level was
high, the ur needed only to descend a few steps to
reach it when it was low, veral levels would have
to be negotiated.
(Structure of Stepwells)
Some wells are vast, open craters with hundreds of
steps paving each sloping side, often in tiers. Others
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are more elaborate, with long stepped passages
leading to the water via veral storeys. Built from
stone and supported by pillars, they also included
pavilions that sheltered visitors from the relentless
heat. But perhaps the most impressive features are
the intricate decorative sculptures that embellish
many stepwells, showing activities from fighting and
dancing to everyday acts such as women combing
their hair or churning butter.
捉弄上司(Description of different kind of stepwells)
Down the centuries, thousands of wells were
澳大利亚首都英文constructed throughout north-western India, but the
majority have now fallen into disu many are
derelict and dry as groundwater has been diverted
for industrial u and the wells no longer reach the
water table. Their condition hasn't been helped by
recent dry spells southern Rajasthan suffered an
eight-year drought between 1996 and 2004.
(The reason for being derelict)
However, some important sites in Gujarat have
appreciatesrecently undergone major restoration, and the state
government announced in June last year that it plans
to restore the stepwells throughout the state.
(Opposite Fact introduction of sites restoration)
In Patan, the state's ancient capital, the stepwell of
Rani Ki Vav (Queen's Stepwell) is perhaps the Finest
current example. It was built by Queen Udayamati
during the late 11th century, but became silted up
following a Flood during the 13th century. But the
Archaeological Survey of India began restoring it in
the 1960s, and today it is in pristine condition. At 65
metres long, 20 metres wide and 27 metres deep, Rani
Ki Vav features 500 sculptures carved into niches
throughout the monument. Incredibly in January
2001, this ancient structure survived an earthquake
that measured 7. 6 on the Richter scale.
(Restoration Example of Rani Ki Vav and its decription)
Another example is the Surya Kund in Modhera,
northern Gujarat, next to the Sun Temple, built by
King Bhima I in 1026 to honour the sun god Surya. It
actually rembles a tank (kund means rervoir or
pond) rather than a well, but displays the hallmarks
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of stepwell architecture, including four sides of steps
that descend to the bottom in a stunning geometrical
formation. ouyaThe terraces hou 108 small, intricately
carved shrines between the ts of steps.
oceandeep
(Restoration Example of Surya Kund and its decription: includes comparison)
Rajasthan also has a wealth of wells. The ancient city
of Bundi, 200 kilometres south of Jaipu is renowned
for its architecture, including its stepwells. One of the
