Dwarka Baoli, a recently discovered stepwell

Dwarka Baoli

A recently discovered stepwell in Dwarka

Monsoon in India has a very short duration and moreover it has always been very unpredictable, this gave rise to the necessity of water conservation. Over the centuries Indians have constructed artificial lakes and dug wells to hold the water supplied by the monsoon rains.

Dwarka Baoli (Loharheri Baoli), Delhi

It is often said that “Necessity is the Mother of Invention” and the necessity of conservation of water, for the dry season, led to the construction of step wells. Stepwells are wells or ponds in which the water is reached by descending a set of steps. They are often multi storied in structure and are found in Western India and in the other more arid regions of South Asia, extending into Pakistan.

Baolis (Step Wells) of Delhi

A compilation of Baolis (Step Wells) of Delhi

Monsoon in India has a very short duration and moreover it has always been very unpredictable, this gave rise to the necessity of water conservation. Over the centuries Indians have constructed artificial lakes and dug wells to hold the water supplied by the monsoon rains.

Baolis of Delhi. Top Left: Rajon ki Baoli, Top Centre: Gandhak ki Baoli, Top Right: Loharheri Baoli, Bottom Left: Hindu rao hospital Baoli, Bottom Centre: Purana Kella Baoli, Bottom Right: Tuglagabad Baoli

It is often said that “Necessity is the Mother of Invention” and the necessity of conservation of water, for the dry season, led to the construction of step wells. Stepwells are wells or ponds in which the water is reached by descending a set of steps. They are often multi storied in structure and are found in Western India and in the other more arid regions of South Asia, extending into Pakistan.

Gandhak Ki Baoli, Mehrauli, Delhi

The Step Well with Sulphur Rich Water

Also see: Monuments of Mehrauli

As monsoon in India has always been erratic, the necessity of water conservation has been an integral part of Indian culture from time immortal.

Gandhak Ki Baoli, Mehrauli Archaeological Park, Mehrauli, Delhi

Over centuries lakes have been dug and wells drilled to save the water, which was available during the brief period of monsoon.

Rajon Ki Baoli, Mehrauli Archeological Park, Delhi

Rajon Ki Baoli

Mehrauli Archeological Park, Delhi

Also see: Monuments of Mehrauli

Monsoon in India has a very short duration and moreover it has always been very unpredictable, this gave rise to the necessity of water conservation.

Rajon Ki Baoli, Mehrauli Archaeological Park, Mehrauli, Delhi

Over the centuries Indians have constructed artificial lakes and dug wells to hold the water supplied by the monsoon rains.