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