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{{short description|Wells or ponds reached by steps, common in South Asia}}
{{more footnotes needed|date=May 2022}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=May 2022}}
{{Use Indian English|date=June 2021}}
[[File:Chand Baori perspective panorama (July 2022).jpg|thumb|[[Chand Baori]], in the village of [[Abhaneri]] near [[Bandikui]], Rajasthan is one of the deepest and largest stepwells in India]]
[[File:Rani ki vav 02.jpg|thumb|right|The [[Rani ki Vav]], Patan, Gujarat]]
[[File:Multi-storey Stepwell.jpg|thumb|upright|A multi-storey stepwell in Mahimapur Village, Amravati District, Maharashtra]]
'''Stepwells''' (also known as '''vav''' or '''baori''') are [[Water well|well]]s, [[cistern]]s 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.<ref>{{Cite journal |last=Priya |first=T.Lakshmi |date=Oct 2010 |title=Protecting the Tangible and Intangible Heritage of Rani ki Vav: A Unique Subterranean Step Well in Gujarat |url=https://www.scientific.net/AMR.133-134.1057 |journal=Advanced Materials Research |volume=133–134 |pages=1057–1064 |doi=10.4028/www.scientific.net/AMR.133-134.1057 |issn=1662-8985|url-access=subscription }}</ref> Some stepwells are multi-storeyed and can be accessed by a [[Persian wheel]] which is pulled by a [[bull]] to bring water to the first or second floor. They are most common in western [[India]] and are also found in the other more arid regions of the [[Indian subcontinent]], extending into [[Pakistan]]. The construction of stepwells is mainly [[Utilitarianism|utilitarian]], though they may include embellishments of architectural significance, and be [[temple tank]]s.

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 basic difference between stepwells on one hand, and tanks and wells on the other, is that stepwells make it easier for people to reach the groundwater and to maintain and manage the well.

==Basic architecture==
[[File:Dada Harir Stepwell Ahmedabad Plan.jpg|left|thumb|Plan of Dada Harir Stepwell in Gujarat, India]]
The builders dug deep trenches into the earth for dependable, year-round groundwater. They lined the walls of these trenches with blocks of stone, without [[Mortar (masonry)|mortar]], and created stairs leading down to the water.<ref name="Shekhawat">{{cite web|last=Shekhawat|first=Abhilash|title=Stepwells of Gujarat|url=http://www.indiasinvitation.com/stepwells_of_gujarat/|publisher=India's Invitation|access-date=30 March 2012}}</ref> This led to the building of some significant ornamental and architectural features, often associated with dwellings in urban areas. It also ensured their survival as monuments.

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.<ref name="Davies 1989">{{cite book|last=Davies|first=Philip|title=The Penguin guide to the monuments of India|year=1989|publisher=Viking|location=London|isbn=0-14-008425-8}}</ref>

== Names ==

A number of distinct names, sometimes local, exist for stepwells. In [[Hindi]]-speaking regions, they include names based on ''baudi'' (including ''bawdi ({{langx|raj|बावड़ी}})'', ''bawri'', ''bawari'', ''baori'', ''baoli'', ''bavadi'' and ''bavdi''). In [[Gujarati language|Gujarati]] and [[Marwari language]], they are usually called ''vav, vavri'' or ''vaav'' ({{langx|gu|વાવ}}). Other names include ''kalyani or pushkarani'' ([[Kannada]]), ''baoli'' ({{langx|hi|बावली}}), ''barav'' ({{langx|mr|बारव}}) and ''degeenar'' ([[Bhojpuri language|Bhojpuri]]: 𑂙𑂵𑂏𑂲𑂢𑂰𑂩).{{Citation needed|date=April 2025}}

== History ==
[[File:Agrasen Ki Baoli in New Delhi.jpg|thumb|upright|[[Agrasen Ki Baoli]] in [[New Delhi]], rebuilt in the 14th century]]
The stepwell may have originated during periods of drought to ensure enough access to the water. The earliest archaeological evidence of stepwells is found at [[Dholavira]] where the site also has water tanks or reservoirs with flights of steps. Mohenjo Daro's great bath is also provided with steps on opposite directions. [[Edicts of Ashoka|Ashokan inscriptions]] mention construction of stepwells along major Indian roads at a distance of every 8 [[Kos (unit)|kos]] (about 20.8 miles or 33.5&nbsp;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.

{{Blockquote|text=King Devanampriya Priyadarsin speaks thus. On the roads banyan-trees were caused to be planted by me, (in order that) they might afford shade to cattle and men, (and) mango-groves were caused to be planted. And (at intervals) of eight kos wells were caused to be dug by me, and flights of steps (for descending into the water) were caused to be built. Numerous drinking-places were caused to be established by me, here and there, for the enjoyment of cattle and men. [But] this so-called enjoyment (is) [of little consequence]. For with various comforts have the people been blessed both by former kings and by myself. But by me this has been done for the following purpose: that they might conform to that practice of morality.|title=|source=Ashokan Pillar Edict No 7|author=}}

The first rock-cut stepwells in India date from 200 to 400 AD.<ref name="L&B" /> The earliest example of a bath-like pond reached by steps is found at [[Junagadh Buddhist Cave Groups|Uperkot caves]] in [[Junagadh]]. These caves are dated to the 4th century. Navghan Kuvo, a well with the circular staircase in the vicinity, is another example. It was possibly built in [[Western Satrap]] (200–400 AD) or [[Maitraka]] (600–700 AD) period, though some place it as late as the 11th century. The nearby [[Adi Kadi Vav]] was constructed either in the second half of the 10th century or the 15th century.<ref name="Jain-Neubauer1981">{{cite book|author=Jutta Jain-Neubauer|title=The Stepwells of Gujarat: In Art-historical Perspective|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=61fSwBF4bbYC|year=1981|publisher=Abhinav Publications|isbn= 978-0-391-02284-3| pages=19–25}}</ref>

The stepwells at [[Dhank]] in [[Rajkot district]] are dated to 550–625 AD. The stepped ponds at [[Bhinmal]] (850–950 AD) are followed by it.<ref name= L&B>Livingston & Beach, p. xxiii</ref> The stepwells were constructed in the southwestern region of Gujarat around 600 AD; from there they spread north to Rajasthan and subsequently to the north and west India. 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.<ref name= "Davies 1989"/>

One of the earliest existing examples of stepwells was built in the 11th century in Gujarat, the [[Mata Bhavani's Stepwell]]. A long flight of steps leads to the water below a sequence of multi-story open pavilions positioned along the east–west axis. The elaborate ornamentation of the columns, brackets and beams are a prime example of how stepwells were used as a form of art.<ref name="Tadgell 1990">{{cite book|last=Tadgell| first= Christopher|title=The History of Architecture in India|year=1990|publisher= Phaidon Press|location=London|isbn= 0-7148-2960-9}}</ref>

The [[Mughal emperors]] did not disrupt the culture that was practiced in these stepwells and encouraged the building of stepwells. 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.<ref name="Tadgell 1990"/>

== Location of a stepwell ==
A stepwell is generally located in two places - as an extension or part of a temple, and/or the outskirts of a village.<ref name="Shekhawat" /> When a stepwell is associated with a temple or a shrine, it is either at the opposite wall of it or in front of the temple. Sindhvai Mata stepwell in Patan, Mata Bhavani stepwell in Ahmedabad, and the Ankol Mata stepwell in Davad serve as a great example of the stepwells that house shrines.<ref name="Shekhawat" />

==Function and use==
The stepwell ensures the availability of water during periods of drought. The stepwells had social, cultural and religious significance.<ref name="Tadgell 1990"/> These stepwells were proven to be well-built sturdy structures, after withstanding [[earthquake]]s.<ref name="Shekhawat"/> Most places in India where there is abundant fresh water only during the [[monsoon]] season, stepwell and wells play a critical role in serving as a direct means to fresh water filtered through the earth. While the rivers, [[rivulet]]s, 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.<ref name="Shekhawat" /> The majority of surviving stepwells originally served a leisure purpose alongside being main source of water for basic needs like bathing, washing clothes, farming, and watering animals. Stepwells also served as a place for social gatherings and religious ceremonies. Usually, women were more associated with these wells because they were the ones who collected the water. Also, it was they who prayed and offered gifts to the goddess of the well for her blessings.<ref name="Shekhawat" />

The well-water is known to attract insects, animals, and many other germ breeding organisms. These stepwells, being a common space in frequent use by the inhabitants of the area, were considered to be a source of spreading [[epidemic]]s and diseases.<ref name="Shekhawat" />

==Details ==
Many stepwells have ornamentation and details as elaborate as those of Hindu temples. Proportions in relationship to the human body were used in their design, as they were in many other structures in Indian architecture.<ref name="Livingston 2002">{{cite book|last=Livingston|first=Morna|title=Steps to Water: The Ancient Stepwells of India|year=2002|publisher=Princeton Architectural|location=New York|isbn=1-56898-324-7}}</ref>

==Stepped ponds==
[[File:Shravanabelagola2007_-_05.jpg|thumb|[[Shravanabelagola]] stepped pond, [[Karnataka]]]]
Stepped ponds are very similar to stepwells in terms of purpose. Generally, stepped ponds accompany nearby temples while stepwells are more isolated.<ref>{{cite book|last=Jain-Neubauer|first=Jutta|title=The Stepwells of Gujarat: In art-historical Perspective|year=1981|publisher=Abhinav|location=New Delhi|isbn=0-391-02284-9}}</ref> Stepwells are dark and barely visible from the surface, while stepped ponds are illuminated by the light from the sun. Stepwells are more linear in design compared to the rectangular shape of stepped ponds.<ref name="Livingston 2002"/>

==In India==
{{anchor | India }}

A number of surviving significant stepwells in [[India]] can be found across India, including in [[Rajasthan]], [[Gujarat]], [[Delhi]], [[Madhya Pradesh]], [[Maharashtra]], and [[North Karnataka]] ([[Karnataka]]). In 2016 a [[collaborative mapping]] project, Stepwell Atlas,<ref>[http://www.stepwells.org Stepwell Atlas]</ref> started to map [[GPS coordinates]] and collate information on stepwells, mapping over 2800 stepwells in India. Another project mapped the location of over 1700 stepwells in Maharashtra.<ref>{{cite web |title=Maharashtra Stepwells |url=https://www.indianstepwells.com/2020/02/maharashtra-stepwells.html?m=1 |publisher=Maharashtra Stepwells |access-date=23 March 2021 |language=en}}</ref>

=== Delhi and Haryana ===
In his book ''Delhi Heritage: Top 10 Baolis'', [[Vikramjit Singh Rooprai]] mentions that Delhi alone has 32 stepwells.<ref>{{cite book |last1=Rooprai |first1=Vikramjit Singh |title=Delhi heritage : Top 10 baolis |date=2019 |publisher=Niyogi Books |isbn=978-9-38913-611-1}}</ref>

* [[Agrasen Ki Baoli]]
* [[Baolis of Mehrauli]]
* [[Dwarka Baoli]]
* [[Rajon Ki Baoli]]

=== Gujarat ===
* [[Rani ki vav|Rani ki Vav]] at [[Patan, Gujarat|Patan]]
* [[Adalaj Stepwell|Adalaj stepwell]] at [[Adalaj]], [[Gandhinagar]]
* [[Dada Harir Stepwell]], [[Ahmedabad]]
* [[Navghan Kuvo]]
* [[Adi Kadi Vav|Adi Kadi vav]]
* [[Vanarashi Vav]], Vavdi, [[Bhavnagar district]]
* [[Modhera Vav]]

=== Haryana ===
* [[Baoli Ghaus Ali Shah]], [[Farrukhnagar]], [[Gurgaon district|Gurugram district]]

=== Karnataka ===
* Kalyani, Hulikere
* [[Bhoganandishwara Temple|Bhoga Nandeeshwara Temple]], Karnataka

=== Kerala ===
* [[Peralasseri|Sree Peralassery Temple]]<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/travel/destinations/sri-subramanya-temple-in-peralassery-its-legend-the-stepwell-and-resident-snakes/as68564468.cms|title=Sri Subramanya Temple in Peralassery – its legend, the stepwell and resident snakes|last=Sengar|first=Resham|newspaper=The Times of India|access-date=2020-03-10}}</ref>

=== Maharashtra ===
* Charthana Stepwell, Parbhani
* Pingli Stepwell, Parbhani
* Arvi Stepwell, Parbhani

=== Rajasthan ===
* [[Bundi]]: has over 60 baolis in and around the town.
** [[Raniji ki Baori]] in Bundi
** [[Nagar Sagar Kund]]
* Jaipur: 
** [[Chand Baori]] in [[Abhaneri]] near [[Jaipur]]
** [[Panna Meena ka Kund]], [[Amer, India|Amer]]
*[[Jodhpur]]
** [[Birkha Bawari]],
* [[Neem Ka Thana]]
** [[Udoji ki Baori]] at [[Mandholi]] 5&nbsp;km north of Neem ka Thana on Neem ka Thana-Mandholi-Khetri highway.

[[File:Bansilalpet Stepwell 11.jpg|thumb|Bansilalpet Stepwell, [[Hyderabad]]]]

=== Telangana ===
* [[Bansilalpet Stepwell]]<ref>{{cite news |last1=Datta |first1=Rangan |title=Hyderabad's Bansilalpet stepwell: Ravaged, reimagined, then revived |url=https://www.telegraphindia.com/my-kolkata/places/hyderabads-bansilalpet-stepwell-ravaged-reimagined-then-revived/cid/1922205 |access-date=20 March 2023 |agency=The Telegraph |issue=My Kolkata |date=13 March 2023}}</ref>
* [[Korutla Stepwell]]

=== Uttar Pradesh ===
* [[Shahi Baoli]], [[Lucknow]]

==In Pakistan==
[[File:Baoli at Rohtas Fort.jpg|thumb|Stepwell at Rohtas Fort, near Jhelum. Constructed by Emperor Sher Shah Suri: carving into the limestone bedrock in the 16th century, approx. 100 feet deep, originally would have been twice as much but has covered by silt. It was in use until 2019.]]
Stepwells from [[Mughal (tribe)|Mughal]] periods still exist in [[Pakistan]]. Some are in preserved conditions while others are not.

* Bahar Wali Baoli, in [[Kharian]] 
* [[Rohtas Fort]], near [[Jhelum]]
* [[Wan Bhachran]], near [[Mianwali]]
* [[Losar Baoli]], near [[Islamabad]]
* [[Makli]] Baoli, near [[Thatta]]

==Influence==
[[File:Candi Tikus.jpg|thumb|Candi Tikus, a 14th-century bathing place and step well in [[Majapahit]] empire capital city, [[Trowulan]] Archaeological Park, East Java, [[Indonesia]]]]
Stepwells influenced many other structures in Indian architecture, especially those that incorporate water into their design.<ref name="Davies 1989"/> For example, the [[Aram Bagh, Agra|Aram Bagh]] in [[Agra]] was the first [[Mughal gardens|Mughal garden]] in India.<ref name="Livingston 2002"/> It was designed by the Mughal emperor [[Babur]] and reflected his notion of paradise not only through water and landscaping but also through symmetry by including a reflecting pool in the design. He was inspired by stepwells and felt that one would complement the garden of his palace. Many other Mughal gardens include reflecting pools to enhance the landscape or serving as an elegant entrance. Other notable gardens in India which incorporate water into their design include:

* [[Humayun's Tomb]], [[Nizamuddin East]], [[Delhi]]
* [[Taj Mahal]], [[Agra]]
* [[Mehtab Bagh]], Agra
* [[Safdarjung's Tomb]]
* [[Shalimar Bagh (Srinagar)]], [[Jammu and Kashmir (union territory)|Jammu and Kashmir]]
* [[Nishat Gardens]], Jammu and Kashmir
* [[Pinjore Gardens|Yadvindra Gardens]], [[Pinjore]]
* [[Khusro Bagh]], [[Allahabad]]
* [[Roshanara Bagh]]

==Gallery==
<gallery mode="packed" heights="134">
File:Amazing Huge Stepwell.jpg|Large stepwell at Nagnath Mandir in Hatnoor Village, Parbhani District in Maharashtra
File:Bawdi.jpg|View of a stepwell at [[Fatehpur, Shekhawati]]
File:Baoli Ghaus Ali Shah, Farrukhnagar.jpg|The 18th-century Baoli Ghaus Ali Shah, in [[Farrukhnagar]], Haryana
File:Birkha Bawari2, Jodhpur.jpg|''Birkha Bawari'', a stepwell at [[Jodhpur]]
File:Rudabai Stepwell.jpg|Rudabai stepwell or [[Adalaj Stepwell|Adalaj ni Vav]] at [[Adalaj]], [[Gandhinagar]], [[Gujarat]]
File:Toorji Ka Jhalra Toorji's Step Well Jodhpur DSCN0671 (1) 11.jpg|Toor Ji Ka Jhalra, stepped well, [[Jodhpur]]
File:Hampi aug09 243.jpg|Stepped well, [[Hampi]]
File:Jachchakibaori.jpg|[[Jachcha Ki Baori]] in [[Hindaun, Rajasthan]]
</gallery>

==See also==

* Ancient India
** [[Sanitation of the Indus Valley Civilisation|Water supply and sanitation in the Indus-Saraswati Valley Civilisation]]
** [[History of stepwells in Gujarat]]
* [[Water resources in India]]
* {{annotated link|Johad}}
* {{annotated link|Dhunge dhara}}
* {{annotated link|Vessel (structure)}} - modeled after Indian stepwells

==Notes==
<references/>

==References==
*[https://web.archive.org/web/20100903160914/http://www.infinityfoundation.com/hooja_book.htm Rima Hooja: "Channeling Nature: Hydraulics, Traditional Knowledge Systems, And Water Resource Management in India – A Historical Perspective"]. At infinityfoundation.com
* Livingston, Morna & Beach, Milo (2002). ''Steps to Water: The Ancient Stepwells of India''. [[Princeton Architectural Press]]. {{ISBN|1-56898-324-7}}.
* [[Vikramjit Singh Rooprai]]. ''Delhi Heritage: Top 10 Baolis'' (2019). Niyogi Books. {{ISBN|9-38913-611-3}}.
*Jutta Jain Neubauer ''The Stepwells of Gujarat: An art-historical Perspective'' (2001)
*Philip Davies, The Penguin guide to the monuments of India, Vol II (London: Viking, 1989)
*Christopher Tadgell, The History of Architecture in India (London: Phaidon Press, 1990)
*Abhilash Shekhawat, "Stepwells of Gujarat." India's Invitation. 2010. Web. 29 March 2012.<http://www.indiasinvitation.com/stepwells_of_gujarat/>.
*{{cite web
|url=http://www.indoarch.org/arch_glossary.php
|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20031121114804/http://www.indoarch.org/arch_glossary.php
|url-status=usurped
|archive-date=21 November 2003
|title=Architecture of the Indian Subcontinent – glossary
|publisher= Indoarch.org
|access-date=2006-12-18
}}

==Further reading==
Azmi, Feza Tabassum. ''[https://www.bbc.com/future/article/20211012-the-ancient-stepwells-helping-to-curb-indias-water-crisis The ancient stepwells helping to curb India's water crisis]'', BBC

==External links==
{{commons category|Stepwells}}
*[http://www.stepwells.org Stepwell Atlas]
*[http://jatinchhabra.com/indian-stepwells/ Stepwells of India]
*[http://www.agrasenkibaoli.com/ Agrasen ki Baoli]
*[http://www.thisiscolossal.com/2015/08/stepwell-architecture/ Stepwell architecture]
*[http://www.oxfordartonline.com/view/10.1093/gao/9781884446054.001.0001/oao-9781884446054-e-7000081320 Stepwell on Oxfort Art Online]
*[https://www.archdaily.com/395363/india-s-forgotten-stepwells India's Forgotten Stepwells] at ArchDaily

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