.A millennium ago, stepwells were fundamental to lifein the driest parts of India. Richard Cox travelled tonorth-western India to document these spectacularmonuments from a bygone era.During the sixth and seventh centuries, theinhabitants of the modern-day states of Gujarat andRajasthan in north-western India developed amethod of gaining access to clean, fresh groundwaterduring the dry season for drinking, bathing, wateringanimals and irrigation. However, the significance ofthis invention-the stepwell-goes beyond itsutilitarian application.(The function during the dry season)Unique to this region, stepwells are oftenarchitecturally complex and vary widely in size andshape. During their heyday, they were places ofgathering, of leisure and relaxation and of worshipfor villagers of all but the lowest classes. Moststepwells are found dotted round the desert areas ofGujarat (where they are called vav) and Rajasthan(where they are called baori), while a few also survivein Delhi. Some were located in or near villages aspublic spaces for the community others werepositioned beside roads as resting places fortravellers.(The function of Stepwell for diff people, where are they)As their name suggests, stepwells comprise a series ofstone steps descending from ground level to thewater source (normally an underground aquifer) as itrecedes following the rains. When the water level washigh, the user needed only to descend a few steps toreach it when it was low, several levels would haveto be negotiated.(Structure of Stepwells)Some wells are vast, open craters with hundreds ofsteps paving each sloping side, often in tiers. Othersare more elaborate, with long stepped passagesleading to the water via several storeys. Built fromstone and supported by pillars, they also includedpavilions that sheltered visitors from the relentlessheat. But perhaps the most impressive features arethe intricate decorative sculptures that embellishmany stepwells, showing activities from fighting anddancing to everyday acts such as women combingtheir hair or churning butter.(Description of different kind of stepwells)Down the centuries, thousands of wells wereconstructed throughout north-western India, but themajority have now fallen into disuse many arederelict and dry as groundwater has been divertedfor industrial use and the wells no longer reach thewater table. Their condition hasnt been helped byrecent dry spells southern Rajasthan suffered aneight-year drought between 1996 and 2004.(The reason for being derelict)However, some important sites in Gujarat haverecently undergone major restoration, and the stategovernment announced in June last year that it plansto restore the stepwells throughout the state.(Opposite Fact introduction of sites restoration)In Patan, the states ancient capital, the stepwell ofRani Ki Vav (Queens Stepwell) is perhaps the Finestcurrent example. It was built by Queen Udayamatiduring the late 11th century, but became silted upfollowing a Flood during the 13th century. But theArchaeological Survey of India began restoring it inthe 1960s, and today it is in pristine condition. At 65metres long, 20 metres wide and 27 metres deep, RaniKi Vav features 500 sculptures carved into nichesthroughout the monument. Incredibly in January2001, this ancient structure survived an earthquakethat measured 7. 6 on the Richter scale.(Restoration Example of Rani Ki Vav and its decription)Another example is the Surya Kund in Modhera,northern Gujarat, next to the Sun Temple, built byKing Bhima I in 1026 to honour the sun god Surya. Itactually resembles a tank (kund means reservoir orpond) rather than a well, but displays the hallmarksof stepwell architecture, including four sides of stepsthat descend to the bottom in a stunning geometricalformation. The terraces house 108 small, intricatelycarved shrines between the sets of steps.(Restoration Example of Surya Kund and its decription: includes comparison)Rajasthan also has a wealth of wells. The ancient cityof Bundi, 200 kilometres south of Jaipu is renownedfor its architecture, including its stepwells. One of thelarger examples is Ramji Ki Baori, which was built bythe queen of the region, Nathavatji, in 1699. At 46metres deep, 20 metres wide and 40 metres long theintricately carved monument is one of 21 baonscommissioned in the Bundi area by Nathavatji.(Example of Ramji Ki Baori and its decription)In the old ruined town of Abhaneri, about 95kilometres east of Jaipu is Chand Baori, one ofIndias oldest and deepest wells aesthetically itsperhaps one of the most dramatic. Built in around 850AD next to the temple of Harshat Mata, the baoricomprises hundreds of zigzagging steps that runalong three of its sides, steeply descending 11 storeys,resulting i