Step wells of India : historical water management

It is extremely difficult to imagine an entire category of architecture slipping off the grid. But this is precisely what seems to have happened with the step-wells of India. Step-wells first appeared in India between the 2nd and 4th centuries A.D., born of necessity in a capricious climatic zone which remains dry for much of the year followed by torrential monsoon rains for many weeks. Step-wells also known as Baolis were constructed throughout India during medieval times. Even before rain-water harvesting gained significance and the modern world woke up to the perils of diminishing fresh water, our ancestors realised the importance of water conservation. The sites for the step-wells were chosen where a natural depression or incline of the land meant that rain water falling in the area naturally flowed towards baoli. India had numerous baolis which have now either dried up or have been covered but a few survive even today. A Stepwell or “Baoli” which deserves a special mention is the “Chand Ba