Synergies between Stepwells and Art
A look into the artistic extravagance of India’s most interesting architecture.
“India’s stepwells, a rare mix of functionality and aesthetic, have in their mix an old reverence for visual extravagance steeped, quite innocuously, into everyday life.” ~ Suzanne McNeill
Stepwells, vavs, baolis — what are these structures? In the most prosaic form, stepwells are subterranean water architectures constructed to serve as water storage units. These were created between the 3rd and 19th centuries throughout India, but primarily in water-scarce regions of Gujarat and Rajasthan. These structures were built mainly as sites for drinking, washing and bathing and by the early 11th century became meeting grounds for celebrating festivals and conducting sacred rituals.
The transition from them being predominantly used for functionality to a place of gatherings also resulted in the stepwells becoming an extravagant mosaic of varying Indian iconographic forms.
The most common of these subterranean water architectures were made of three main parts, the well or Kupa, the stepped corridor leading to the well and the pavilion towers or kutas. A typical stepwell is several storeys deep to tap into the groundwater reserves, and they have intricate lattice-work on walls, carved columns, decorated towers, and symbolic sculpture work. Overall, their architectural features are an exceptional example of India’s artistic grandeur.
Before we step deeper into the world of stepwells, it is important to note that these were not the only type of subterranean structures that were built in arid regions. Many fulfilled the needs of the land, but the engineering of these wells is what sets them apart from the rest. It is their engineering that made it possible for these buildings to become favoured yesterday and today. The inclusion of steps made it a lot easier for people to access the water supply and also help with their upkeep. They also became harbours for travellers to escape the heat during the day and rest stops for the night.
The stepwells have been an integral part of Indian cultural heritage for centuries. The reason for this is that they were spaces that connected nature to man. They were spaces that were made in consideration of the piety of water. Commissioning these structures was considered a sure-shot way to get moral credits! Consequently, these elaborate marvels were often commissioned by royalty, or other wealthy and powerful patrons. The richer the patron the more elaborate the stepwells turned out to be. Replete with motifs, religious symbolism, pilasters, and cornices, the stepwells soon became active places for worship.
Stepwells and their descent into the splendour
Stepwells are a story unto themselves. Their walls, cornices and even pilasters are carved with tales that document the times. They are a series of contrasts, ancient and modern, shadow and light, and one that disorientates yet directs the individual stepping into their cavern.
It was from the 11th century onwards that the stepwells hit their peak. They evolved into stunning works of art, built with locally available sandstones, that were polished till they were reflected in the pools as the water level rose and fell with the change in seasons. By the 16th century, the artists were carving sculptures and friezes that depicted devs and devis, surasundaris and yakshas, heroes from Hindu epics alongside resplendent scenes from daily life. With the advent of Muslim rulers, the decorative elements veered away from human figures to those floral, geometrical and animal motifs. Subsequently, we find many stepwells synthesised in both the Hindu and Islamic styles.
Not one cornice or wall was left devoid, each area of the stepwells was a canvas for the artists to portray their desires, imagination and love for art. The quintessence example of a stunning stepwell is the Rani-ki-Vav in Patan, commissioned by Queen Udayamati. Built on the bygone Saraswati River between 1022 and 1063 CE, this piece of history was designed as an inverted temple, that descended 23 metres through a stepped and tapering corridor to the tank. It is a hallmark in Indian engineering and artistic tradition divided into seven terraced levels, each decorated with multiple, pillared pavilions adorned with sculptures.
Today, these subterranean water buildings have fascinated many people, including artists, authors and travellers. The art and architecture of the stepwells have captured the imagination of many who are now actively documenting the stepwells not only for their artist marvel but also because they represent that time in history when water was sacred and revered. Today, water has become scarce and once again, its importance is being felt. I believe that it becomes imperative on our part to understand the workings of these structures and readapt them for the future.
References:
- Bhatt, Purnima M. Her Space, Her Story: Exploring the Stepwells of Gujarat. Zubaan, 2014.
- Jain-Neubauer, Jutta. The stepwells of Gujarat in art: Historical perspective. Abhinav Publications, 1981.
- Lautman, Victoria. The Vanishing Stepwells of India. Merrell Publishers Limited, 2020.
- Livingston, Morna, and Milo Beach. Steps to Water: The Ancient Stepwells of India. Princeton Architectural Press, 2002.
- McNeill, Suzanne. “All is Well — AI.” Arts Illustrated, 28 May 2020, https://www.artsillustrated.in/art-heritage/all-is-well/. Accessed 9 December 2022.
- Mishra, Anupam. Aaj bhi khare hai talab. New Delhi, Gandhi Peace Foundation, 1995. India Water Portal, http://www.indiawaterportal.org/sites/indiawaterportal.org/files/aaj_bhi_khare_hain_talaab_anupam_mishra.pdf. Accessed 9 Dec 2022.
- “Rani-ki-Vav (the Queen’s Stepwell) at Patan, Gujarat.” UNESCO World Heritage Centre, http://whc.unesco.org/en/list/922/documents/. Accessed 9 December 2022.
