Abstract :
Step well ( Bawdi) are certainly
one of India’s most unique, but little known, contribution to architecture. In Architecture
, a such art which come under Lalit Kala that are well or ponds which the water
may be reached by descending a set of steps .They may be covered and protected
and often of architectural significance and ornamental features, provides
safety prosperity and stability. Architecture an important feature for
aboriginals to make social infrastructure and social restriction . Bawdi has an
important place in Architecture that is a spot of water accumulation, multi
utility, multi storied having a bullock, grand sculpture well arranged,well established
and square ,rectangular, spherical deep place with many flights . All forms of
the step well 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.
The
first rock cut step wells in India date from 200-400 A.D.. Subsequently, the
construction of wells at Dhank (550-625 A.D.) and of stepped ponds at Bhinmal
(850-950 A.D.) takes place.
It
is known as ‘step wells in English, Kalyani or Pushkarani in Kannada ,Vav or
vaav in Gujarati , Barav in Marathi , Bawli or Baori or Bawdi
in Hindi .
It’s
formation is useful as well as it
glorifies the importance of architectural ornamentation . It is greatly
elaborate in India arid region and also found in the other more arid region of
the south Asia, extending into Pakistan. It is originated in India. Keeping in view for the accumulation of water,
resources of irrigation and supply of water .It has been developed to counter
act the seasonal instability and unavailability of water.
It’s
care and management was very easy Bawdi which survive ever today are following
the main purpose of their aim. These underground Bawdis were a formed and aimed
for social and religious .There was the resting places for the passer by .In
these Bawdis people found the image of god . So these Bawdis were the source of
religion. Thus people had great respect for these Bawdis . Bawdi were
constructed in such a way that contained water in it .throughout the year.
These Bawdi s were the centre for the local festivals which were also the
sources of regal amusement and both .Muslims ruler also formed these Bawdis
besides the Hindu ruler, the motif was the same.
Swimming
pools in five stars hotels and courtyard of prosperous people is the changed
form of these Bawdis.
Some
Bawdis decrease the temperature from 5°c to 6°c from its surface to bottom.
This was because the base of the well provided relief from daytime heat, and
more of such relief could be obtained if the well was covered. Step wells 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. Some of the bowdis found in India seems not to be Man-made but to be
made by jinnh and ghosts .If we have a glance over the history of Bawdis we
find that some Bawdis are prepared in overnight.
The
great both of Indus Valley Mohenjo-daro about 2500 B.C.is the ancient Bawdi of
India Which may be the predecessors of the step well. The Imambada of Lucknow
is an epitome of unique architecture. The Bawdis which astonished of its
formation are Chand Bawdi , Abhaneri Rajasthan. Surya Mandir Bawdi , Rani ki
Vav –Patan Gujrat ,
These
ornamented carved Bawdi should be given administrational patronage like other
monuments, So that it may be properly carved and preserved .Thus the
posterity can be familiar with these Bawdis.
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