Abhaneri Stepwell

Water in India is either scarce or plentiful… this makes it a challenge to find water for not only agriculture, but people as well. This isn't a new problem in India, it is centuries old and they have found ways to help find, control, and utilize their water sources to the max… Abhaneri Stepwell is just one example…




Before the Mongolian's (Mongols) invaded and began ruling over India, the local, but powerful ruling families often had problems with water scarcity. Water was collected when it rained and stored below ground or wells were dug, although technology wasn't what it is today and as a result, there are numerous stories of capital cities being abandoned or left because the local water source was unreliable.

During one time, the Abhaneri Stepwell was built so that there was enough water to meet the needs of a ruling families court as well as the local farmers. The well is HUGE, with walls that slant inwards to also help gather rain water during the monsoon time. There is also a mini palace for the family to enjoy on the hot HOT Indian summers (dry season).

And where there is a well, there is also a temple – this is true all over India which, again, shows just how precious water is to the local people… The temple however, was destroyed by the Mongol invaders who then used the same stone to built their mosques. At this site, the mosque was taken down, but it is basically a pile of rubble that once belonged to an elaborate temple with so many missing pieces I doubt that it'll ever be 'restored'.

Temple
(We can tell that it is active because of the red flags)

Lining up the pieces

Defaced Budda Carving (Apparently the Lotus Flower he is sitting on is the clue)