Architecture of the Step Wells of Nagpur, Central India

BY : Kirti.D.Bhonsle
SUBMITTED BY : Shubhangi gupta

2014uar1205

Introduction –
India gets the most rainfall per square unit of land area of any country in the world. For a country so
well endowed with water, with the world’s richest tradition of local community-level water
management systems, it’s strange to have water crises in such country.

With time, the rivers flowing through the urban areas have dwindled into streams of garbage, and
become dirty stinking cesspools where mosquitoes and bacteria breed. The construction of big dams
struck a death knell for the traditional harvesting systems.

But today the problem of water famine continues. Slowly, there is a growing awareness that the
traditional water harvesting systems will be a better and cheaper alternative to big or small dams.
Groups of villages have revived small water harvesting systems and are enjoying the benefits. Some of
the traditional practices being adopted to harvest rain are as under.

Table – 1 Traditional Rain Water Harvesting Systems in India

Eco-zone Traditional water Description Found in

harvesting
systems
Thar Desert Kunds / kundis Underground storage W.Rajasthan
Baoris / bers Community wells Rajasthan
Jhalaras Tank Rajasthan, Gujarat
Khadins Embankment across lower hill Jaisalmer, W. Rajasthan
slopes
Vav / Vavdi / Stepwells Gujarat, Rajasthan
Baoli / Bavadi
 History of Step wells in India –
Among all these water harvesting systems, Step wells are India’s most unique contribution to
architecture. The step wells of Gujarat consist of a vertical shaft in the middle from which water is
drawn. This shaft is surrounded by corridors, chambers and steps which provide access to the well.
They were profusely carved and served as a cool resting place in summer.

Mata Bhavani’s vav at Ahmedabad, built in the 11th century, is one of the earliest step wells, while the
Rani Vav (Queen’s well) at Patan, built during the late 11th century, is the grandest.

Plan & Section of Chand Baori, Abaneri View of Chand Baori

The idea and architecture of the step well is solely influenced by the Mughal architecture.A baoli is
laid longitudinally consisting of 2 parts – a circular or octagonal well to draw water manually or with
the help of flight of steps descending successfully from the ground level to the lowest landing. The
entrance is embellished with platforms, niches and pavilions .

Step wells in Vidarbha –

In Vidarbha region, step wells are known as bavadis, bahuli or the pairyachi vihir. Baolis were not just
a source for drawing water for the domestic purpose but for irrigation and posed as cool retreats in
summer. The baolis shady platforms and galleries used to provide a cool space for repose in the
scorching heat of a summer day.
These wells derive their water table from underground springs.Among the step wells found in
Vidarbha especially in an around Nagpur, are of the same type i.e. straight stepped corridor and one
main entrance along with two smaller entrances to the bridge between the octagonal well and the
steps on the other side reaching the water level. A few examples of this type of wells are at-

- Nandanvan layout, Nagpur

- Near maruti mandir, Rajabaksha
- Pardi
- Jagnath, Budhari and other places.

The water management system of Nagpur during the Bhonsla period was indeed well worked out. The
water supply was through the earthenware and stoneware pipes.

Scaled drawing showing the location of the Step well

An initiative -
As part of an academic assignment in Architectural Graphics – III of the RTM university, the students
of IDEAS college were taken on a measured drawing trip to a Bahuli vihir in Hariweda village around
12 kms away from Nagpur. It was a worthwhile experience for the students and during the process of
measuring a falling structure.

The bahuli vihir is located on a site with black cotton soil which is formed with the cooling of lava
known as magma and then the deformation of the igneous rocks. The construction materials are
yellow sandstone, lime mortar, powdered stone and the dressed stone along with bricks. The lime
mortar composed of the lime, aggregate, sand and water has porous properties and is advantageous
while working with softer materials like natural stone and terracotta.
Water from the octagonal well was drawn into the tank above, the water from this tank then could be
used for irrigation through the channels provided above the wall and the water could be also used for
other purposes through an outlet given which opens towards the outside.

Detailed plan of the bahuli vihir

The vihir measure around 31.1mx9.4m with the octagonal well with diameter of 4.5m is around 8.6m
deep and the tanks at the sides being 2x2.2m. The aisles or passages on either side of the steps are
around 2m wide with the smaller pavilions being 1.8x1.8m and the arches at the side entries being
0.8m wide. As the structure is 2 storey the average floor height is around 2.4m.

Detailed sections through the vihir

The carvings on the brackets supporting the projections of the slab above. Floral motifs in between
the brackets and the carvings on the borders of lintel beam. A bracket is an architectural element: a
structural or decorative member. They can be made of wood, stone, or metal .

A jharokha (or jharoka) is a type of overhanging enclosed balcony used in Indian architecture,
typically rajputana architecture, Mughal architecture, and Rajasthan architecture. Smaller side entries
to the vihir had jharokas that acts as a transition platform between the well and the steps on the
other side.

Conclusion –
Heritage relates to sense of belonging and notion of identity. In a land of rich history, colorful
customs, comely traditions, mosaic of faiths, beliefs, vibrancy and diversity as that of our State,
importance of heritage gets redoubled. In continuation with the course work of the measured
drawings of the Bahuli vihir at Weda gaon, the students of 5 th semester organized the awareness
programme. The main aim of this activity is to create awareness and inculcate a sense of pride among
the students and the villagers about the built heritage of vidarbha and safeguarding it from natural
calamities and human vandalism.