Indians turn back to medieval stepwells as water runs low

NEW DELHI: Once a community gathering space, the Bansilalpet stepwell in Secunderabad had for decades been reduced to a neighborhood dumping ground. Only a few years ago, an urban restoration initiative revived its 18th-century glory, drawing attention to India’s traditional water systems and their possible use today. Stepwells are deep, open wells with steps, landings, and corridors descending to the water level. Popular in Indian cities between the 11th and 18th centuries, they allowed people to reach water as the level rose and fell with the seasons.

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