Though there are many Karez systems in other parts of the world, Bidar Karez is unique for several reasons. An Iranian ground water expert, M.L. Khaneiki from UNESCO’s International Centre on Qanats and on Historic Hydraulic Structure shared – It is so extraordinary that it even has the potential to qualify for the UNESCO world heritage structure.

Khaneiki, on his recent visit to Bidar, demonstrated how it transfers water from low-lying watershed to the higher altitude without a mechanised motor. This is truly extraordinary feat of engineering. The Karez also combines the technique of reservoir, water duct and a stepped well- all into one.

At regular intervals along the channel, there were vertical vent that opened to the surface. These would serve as wells for the people on the ground.

And this is how the vents would look like:

There were around 25 such vertical vents which not only acted as ground water harvesting inlets but also helped maintain consistent and even air pressure inside the channel. Today, most of them are filled to the brim with garbage or encroached upon, with houses built on top of them.

If you must visualise the stunningly conceptualised Karez Channel, you could think of it as a giant stretched out flute – the cylindrical part is the water tunnel and the “holes” are the vertical vents positioned at strategic points and open to the ground surface.

Walking along the Karez, you find cubicles in the top places of the walls, which were presumably meant for the Karez workers to keep their belongings.

If we talk about quality of water available through Bidar Karez system, I was pleasantly surprised at how nature works so beautifully. Bidar Karez has a natural filtering system and works much the same way as the old water filter candles

The laterite rocks through which water seeps into the channels play the role of the porous, purifying candles in the water filter. The Karez channels have been exclusively dug through the laterite rocks precisely for this purpose -to make every square inch of the karez a rainwater harvesting and filtering system that provides pure, clean, drinking water to the fort and the city.

The Karez system of Bidar is one of the most environmentally sustainable, historical, traditional water supply systems.

Team YUVAA (Team of Youth United for Vigilance Awareness & Action) realised that and worked on reviving the long lost stepwells of Bidar.  What they gifted to Bidar in return is just phenomenal. They started with two defunct wells, carried on the restoration operations and within 15 – 20 days, one well became functional and started to percolate water.

While the team was cheering with happiness at their efforts, they took care to test the quality of water and found very little bacteria. They got the water treated and ensured it was fit for drinking.

Soon they realised that water reviving was not enough, it was also important that the water is used so it can be replenished. Hence, they started spreading awareness among dwellers that this water can be used for their daily chores. Though it was difficult initially, eventually women started to use the water.

Women complained that pulling water with rope was difficult, so the team helped them by installing mini water supply motor. It has been two years since the Karez system is functional and the team YUVAA still feels empowered to take on sustaining work of these stepwells and the Karez System.

Karez system in Bidar is one of the most promising revival and conservation project on modern-day usage of prehistoric heritage structures in India. This experiment has given enough reasons for locals to have pride in their built-in heritage rendering it as a benchmark for similar efforts in other heritage towns and cities.

Reference:

https://hydtrails.wordpress.com/2016/07/31/the-underground-marvels-of-bidar/

https://blogvirasatehind.com/2017/03/17/karez-system-of-bidar-a-persian-oasis-in-deccan/

The post Stepwells – An ode to the Karez System of Bidar appeared first on SAHE : Society for Advancement of Human Endeavour.

Stepwells are wells or ponds used to store water and it is reached by descending a set of steps, hence the name Step wells. Stepwells are examples of many types of storage and irrigation tanks that were developed in India, primarily to manage seasonal instabilities in water availability. A basic difference between stepwells, and tanks and wells, is – Stepwells make it easier for people to reach the ground water and to maintain and manage the well.

The earliest stepwells date to around 550 A.D., but the most famous of them were built in primitive times. It is estimated that more than 3,000 stepwells were built in the two northern states. Although many have fallen into poor condition and have been filled in with trash in the modern era, hundreds of wells still exist.

In Telangana alone, there are more than 75 stepwells per a survey by HDF (Hyderabad Design Forum)

These wells are known by many names. Hindus call them as baori, baoli, baudi, bawdi, or bavadi. Gujaratis know them as vav.

Two common types of wells are: 1. Step pond with a large open top and 2. Graduated sides meeting at a relatively shallow depth. Stepwells usually consist of two parts: a vertical shaft (protected from direct sunlight by a full or partial roof) from which water is drawn and the surrounding inclined subterranean passageways, chambers and steps which provide access to the well. The galleries and chambers surrounding these wells were often carved abundantly with intricate detail and became cool, quiet retreats during the hot summers. Temples and resting areas with beautiful carvings are built into many of the wells.

Most surviving stepwells originally served relaxation purpose along with providing water. This was because the base of the well provided respite from high temperature during the day, and relief was amplified if the well was covered.

Stepwells also served as a place for social gettogethers and holy rituals. Usually, women were associated with these wells because they were responsible to get water. And, majorly they used to pray and offer gifts to the goddess of the well for her blessings. This led to the building of some significant decorative and architectural structures, often associated with dwellings. It also ensured their survival as monuments.

The stepwell ensured availability of water during periods of drought. The stepwells had social, cultural and religious significance. These stepwells were proven to be well-built sturdy structures, after withstanding earthquakes.

Stepwells are certainly one of India’s most unusual, but little-known, contributions to architecture. They influenced many other structures in Indian architecture, especially many that incorporate water into their design.

References:

1. http://www.slate.com/blogs/atlas_obscura/2013/09/03/chand_baori_is_an_exquisitely_carved_ancient_stone_water_stepwell_in_india.html
2. http://www.atlasobscura.com/places/ancient-stepwells-india
3. http://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/Hyderabad/The-forgotten-step-wells-of-Telangana/article17056598.ece

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