Stepwells

WHS having architecturally or historically significant Stepwells


"Stepwells, also called bawdi or baoli (Hindi) ..... or vaav (Gujerati) are wells or ponds in which the water can be reached by descending a set of steps. They may be covered and protected, and are often of architectural significance. It can be multi-storied also in which a bullock turns the water wheel ("Rehat") to raise the water in the well to the first or second floor." (Wiki - http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Stepwell )

Connected Sites

Site Rationale Link
Champaner-Pavagadh
Chan Chan large, deep, walk-in-wells
Citadel of the Ho Dynasty At Nam Giao Altar location, used as a ritual bath: "a square well with steps, still full of water. It has been identified as the ‘Jade Well’ but is known to local people as the ‘Well of the King’."
Dholavira: A Harappan City Bead-workshop, water tanks, a step well, and houses of various stages are found in the Castle (AB ev)
Fatehpur Sikri
Hampi
Hill Forts of Rajasthan Kumhalgarh - "Langan Baori, a 15th-century step-well" (Wiki)
Rani-ki-Vav
Red Fort "The discovery of a Tughlak era baoli in the Red Fort has been the subject of much debate. How come a 14th Century step-well exists in a fort built by Shah Jahan in the 17th Century? Baffling for some but it must be remembered that the Red Fort was built on the ruins of an old Afghan fort....." For more see
Rock Islands Ulong Village contains several stone features, including a ... walk-in well on the beach flat (nomination file)
Rohtas Fort Has 3 step wells - "Bari (Main) Bowali: It is in the middle of the Fort for soldiers, elephants, horses etc. This Baoli has 148 steps (now 134 left due to filling of mud). Each step is 20 cm (8 inches) wide. The upper portion has been cut in stone. It has three arches that span the length of the baoli."
Sukur "unique stone-built conical walk-in wells"

Suggestions?

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A connection should:

  1. Not be "self evident"
  2. Link at least 3 different sites
  3. Not duplicate or merely subdivide the "Category" assignment already identified on this site.
  4. Add some knowledge or insight (whether significant or trivial!) about WHS for the users of this site
  5. Be explained, with reference to a source