Very Brief page. Stepwells are an integral and crucial part of India’s culture, traditions and actual survival.
Stepwells are a (usually) very deep water well. They’re almost always part of a broader water catchment and channeling system designed to catch every drop of precious water. Most water, especially in the north of India falls within a 2-3 month period. Outside the monsoon season, very little rain either falls, or worse channels to the water storeage systems.
The storeage itself usually consists of a deep well, tapering toward the bottom. The entire structure is built from the most water resistant rock in the region. These wells are constructed with steps from top all the way to the bottom, allowing a nice short climb after the rains as well as a safe, reliable path down to the stored water as the water is used throughout the dry season.
As the sign below details, this particular stepwell is roofed for a large portion, creating underground storeage.
This example is a small, unique well which was part of a greater network. It largely provides underground storeage.
