7th December 2018.
Stepwell are common in Gujarat, Rajasthan, Uthraparadesh, Hampi in Karnataka. The wells are dug up to 100 to 120 feet and steps are constructed in various designs to reach the bottom. The water may be used for many purposes like, drinking, agriculture, bathing etc,. Some of the wells are dug in memory of some persons. In some cases walls are constructed with multi stories with rooms. The walls will also have gods images, floral designs etc,.
There are stepwell in Tamil Nadu too. A Swasthik well at Thiruvellarai, A well with mandapa called Nadai vavi near Kanchipuram ( Sri Varadja Perumal used to visit this well mandapa and Uthukuli. In addition to this had seen a well near Narasamangala, Chamraj Nagar, in Karnataka state during our recent visit.
A STEPWELL AT UTHUKULI
The well was dug in a rectangular shape. Steps are provided from south side. To decrease the length of the flight, the steps are constructed in L shape up to a depth of about 15 feet from the ground level. The wall are constructed with granite stone from bottom to parapet wall. Four Nandhis are installed on all the corners of the well and 2 elephants are also installed at the entrance of the step. Stones are kept projected in side the well, which serves as a step for maintenance. A platform is also constructed on the opposite side of the steps to draw water from the well. The platform is supported by two carved pillars ( like temple pillars ).
Based on the reliefs and construction, this stepped well may belongs to 17th to 18th century. The purpose of the well is not known. Since this well is little away from the Village might have been used for funeral ceremonial purposes. The sad part of the well is the people do funeral rituals near this place and dump the banana leaves, pindams, garland, flowers in to the well. In the recent years, A group called Iyalvakai, taking care of this well by providing fence around the well.
Stone water tub
A WELL AT NARASAMANGALA.
Happened to see this square well without steps, about 5 KM from before Narasamangala, near Chamrajnagar in Karnataka. All the 4 sides of the well are constructed with stone. This well was dug purely for drawing water for the cattle. A stone tub also kept near the well for the cattle to drink water. The well is being protected by erecting stone pillars around the well to avoid falling of animals accidentally. This may belong 18th to 19th Century.
---OM SHIVAYA NAMA---
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