Protect the precious- Chand Baori and similar stepwells #sustainability, #water conservation

Introduction:

Artistic mastery once again captivated my senses whilst looking deep into the optical illusion of Chand Baodi (stepwell of Moon). It is one of the most enigmatic, deepest and oldest surviving step-well situated in Abhaneri, a quaint village near Jaipur, Rajasthan. I didn’t realise that my daughter was watching me and the baodi together. Out of curiosity, I showed the picture on screen to her and asked if she has seen that before, knowing that she was only 5-6 years old when we visited the stepwell. To my surprise, she could remember it, probably due to its unique harmonious fusion of utility, form, function, and aesthetic allure. She recalled that I went ahead to watch it on my own without waiting to get more irrelevant information from one of the many inept guides that usually span such areas. It was as if I could smell quality, I was unknowingly attracted to this impeccable masterpiece on that mystical evening. I soaked thoroughly in the contentment of watching this maze-like stepwell in that tranquil and serene atmosphere. I witnessed an extraordinary blend of design ingenuity, engineering excellence, artistry, and cultural significance in solitude.

Water, the sustainer of life, is revered not only for its physical importance but also its spiritual essence. It is seen as a purifier, capable of washing away impurities, both physical and spiritual. Its cleansing properties extend beyond the physical realm, reaching into the depths of our souls, offering renewal and rebirth. Just as water re-energize the body, it rejuvenates the spirit, offering a path to purification and enlightenment. Our ancestors had revered the importance of water as a sacred and precious resource. They wisely made efforts to conserve and manage water through various utilitarian structures. Baodi or vav or stepwell is one of the forms in arid areas with scorching heat and low rainfall intensity. Every village / town had these boadis or wells, to satisfy their domestic and irrigation requirements independently in ancient times. While their primary function was to conserve water in this arid region, our ingenious engineers worked with architects, craftsmen, and artists to envision them into majestic structures. The design highlights the principle of aesthetic beauty through elaborate carvings, intricate arches, and decorative motifs, adorning its walls, elevating it from a mere utility to mesmerising masterpiece.

Design and construction exceptional features:

It was built by a King named Chanda or Chandra of the Nikhumbha dynasty in 8-9th CE. This multi-tiered structure is approximately 19.8 metres deep. It is a 13-storey structure built underground. It is uniquely square and looks like an inverted pyramid from the top. Geometrically, it is designed as a maze of double flight of steps in a perfect diamond shape in symmetrical pattern. The zigzag patterned descending steps run parallel to the baori top levels, lead down to the water level. This innovative design not only maximizes the storage capacity of the stepwell but also allows for efficient water collection and distribution. The intricately carved columns and arches not only add to the aesthetic beauty of the structure but also provide elements of passive cooling and ventilation for shade and airflow, creating a cool and refreshing environment, especially during the s summer months. It created a natural AC, the temperature at the lowest floor is approximately 5-6 degree centigrade lesser than top surface. How did they manage this?

It is also called stepwell of Moon, let’s see why. ?Our ancestors possessed a deep understanding of mathematics, physics, and hydrology, allowing them to harness the forces of nature to create something truly extraordinary. The design incorporates elements of astronomy and geometry, aligning its architecture with the movements of the stars and planets. This celestial connection adds an extra layer of mystique to the stepwell, further enhancing its allure and enchantment. It is a testament to the harmony between nature and architecture, where the beauty of the moonlight is celebrated and revered. The stepwell is positioned strategically such that it can capture and amplify the ethereal glow of moonlight at just the right angle, enhancing its luminosity and creating a captivating visual display that seems to dance with the rhythm of the night. It creates a surreal atmosphere and an enchanting ambiance, evoking a sense of wonder and awe. Its multi-tiered structure acts as a canvas upon which the moon's radiant beams are transformed into a mesmerizing display. This holistic approach to design reflects our ancestor’s understanding of the interconnectedness of human needs and the natural environment.

Construction through community effort: The construction of Chand Baodi was closely intertwined with the principles of sustainable water management and community welfare. The stepwell was strategically positioned between two riverbeds to capture and conserve rainwater and channel it into underground reservoirs, ensuring a steady supply of water for the surrounding community, perennially. This monumental undertaking required the collaboration among people from all walks of life including craftsmen, artists, farmers, laborers, and architects, with their skills, and expertise to transform a vision into reality, through the spirit of unity and camaraderie. It was a project that brought people together, fostering a sense of belonging and shared purpose. It stood as a testament to the triumph of human ingenuity, creativity and determination over adversity, a quintessential paradigm of what can be achieved when communities work together as one.

Exemplary Quality delivery

On a separate note, my gratitude and salute to our ancestors who delivered a project of exceptional quality, approximately 1200 years back. Sometimes, I doubt and question myself if I can say without advanced tools, technology, and machinery. The more I visit these heritage sights, the more I question myself. What can we learn from them now that we have advanced technology? It ticks all the boxes of exemplary project delivery because it not only satisfies the technical, operational, user, legal and client / stakeholders’ requirements but also is sustainable in all possible criterions. I strongly believe that quality delivery happens only when everyone associated with the project cares for not only satisfying the original purpose but strive hard collaboratively to give a little more to make the client / users delightful. That’s how it becomes a legacy project.

Call for action:

Chand Baodi stands as a shining example of the timeless wisdom and innovation of our ancestors. It reminds us of the enduring relevance of engineering principles in shaping our world, and the power of collaboration and creativity in overcoming challenges. I have only taken example of the Chand Baodi, however, there are approximately 3000 (documented) stepwells in India, out of which only 300-400 are in working condition. Few beautiful baoris are mentioned below e.g. Rani Ki Vav, Adalaj Stepwell, Agrasen ki Baoli, Toorji ka Jhalra, Raja ki Baoli, Hampi Stepwells, Modhera Stepwell, Neemrana Baori. In Rajasthan itself, there are approximately 112 boadis.

There is an increased awareness now to restore stepwells to help the self-sufficiency of towns in drought-prone areas and also preserve our cultural heritage. It has a high potential to solve a lot of water scarcity issues at the at source, village level as a first step. This has been helping at slow pace from water conservation aspect and has helped boost local economy through tourism. This pace can be increased through government support, Non-Government Organisation as well as CSR activities. I recently learnt that a local community closer to my place (Bangalore) has restored a well and that has helped them survive water shortage issue for their village. Stepwell restoration is just the beginning of efforts to revive water bodies for the benefit of the local community. At any cost, we should contribute to recharge ground water level at community level to the best of our ability. This can be extended to the rivers, lakes, wells and all other water structures. Here we can really take an advantage of our populated county, if each one of us take a small action to conserve water, I am sure there will be a better summer next year. Thank you again and will meet you in next newsletter. Stay tuned! ??

• Please note that the opinions, views expressed in above newsletter are solely of the author and does not relate to any organisation or organisations or voluntary institutions for whatsoever reason.