Every region in the Indian sub-continent developed unique water conservation traditions and structures in tune with their geographical needs and embodying their myriad cultural idiosyncrasies. Ranging from the still functional Grand Anicut (Kallanai dam) built of the river Cauvery in the 2nd century to the thirteen story deep subterranean Abhaneri stepwell in Rajasthan built in the 8th century, these systems helped the population cope with regional fluctuations of water availability throughout the year. Below are the four main types of water structures commonly found in Northern Gujarat:
Talav (Lake or Ponds):
Talav were reservoirs that could be natural or manmade, varying from small ponds to large lakes. The smaller ones were called talavadis in Gujarat but names vary from region to region. Water from talavs and talavdis was used for by locals for animal husbandry, washing clothes and other activities. Many of the man-made talavs had well carved supply sluices, a water purification system and punctured openings between the buttresses for inflow of water. These lakes were built with central islands replete with gardens, a summer palace and a bridge that connected it to the bank. One such example is the Kankaria lake (formerly Hauj-e-Qutb) in Ahmedabad city which has a radius of 1.4 miles and was completed in 1451 by Sultan Ahmad Shah II.
The Sarkhej Roza (originally called Ahmed Sar) was designed by Azzam and Muzzam Khan and commissioned by Muzaffar II in 1514. This mosque and tomb complex alongside a massive reservoir forms its own sub-category because of its religious milieu and royal connection. The complex integrates a pavilion, connecting portico, tombs and palaces alongside a gargantuan tank with inlets, sluices, filters and complex water control systems to handle its enormous storage capacity. Four ramps on the east and west side allow for drawing water and the circular sluice is an exemplary water structure in itself. The tomb is believed to be the largest of its type and the palace contains numerous pleasure pavilions, projecting balconies and landings that served as viewing platforms for royals to enjoy a scenic view of the water.
Kund (Stepped Pond) -
Kund is used in Gujarat to refer to the stepped ponds mottled across its parched expanse. These ceremonial ponds were commonly found adjacent to temples. Kunds are typically square or rectangular-shaped ponds with tiered steps to access the water. The four walls of kunds are made exclusively from short stairs that meet at intersections or landings and continue downward. Two flat stairs placed back-to-back form triangles parallel to the wall and this zigzag pattern loops as they descend at a steep angle with no sight line interrupted. Shrines are often carved in to the triangles that face the water. Besides the stunning visual effect this creates, the serrated lateral stairs form countless pathways to access the pond. This complex geometrical design allows it to engage with and accommodate multiple people performing activities like bathing and worshiping simultaneously, without hindering each other. In the absence of columns or covered spaces, kunds are well lit and their narrowed depth deterred water evaporation in harsh summers. Their affiliation to temples ensured elaborate budgets and cleaner water since they were used for religious rituals and royal ceremonies and not day to day activities. The 11th century Suryakund at the Modhera Sun Temple (Mehsana) and the smaller and simpler version of it at Kapadwanj (Kheda) built in the 12th century are prime examples of these types of structures in Gujarat.
Vaav (Stepwell) -
In a stepwell or a ‘vaav’, the vertical well shaft (also present in ordinary draw wells) is approached on one side by a long-stepped corridor which leads one from the ground level down to the water. This stepped corridor is engulfed between two parallel linear walls. At the surface of the earth, which defines the ground level, all that is visible is an unassuming entrance pavilion but as one descends the stairs the increasing complexity of its architecture unfolds.
While many stepwells are simple and utilitarian, a handful of them commissioned by patrons display significant embellishments and architectural features in varying degrees of complexity. Stepwells flourished under the Hindu kings of the Solanki era in the 11th century and continued to evolve as a type under Muslim rule of the Gujarat Sultanate from the 15th century onwards. The most recent construction can be traced back to the 19th century in Ahmedabad. Though some stepwells had shrines for Goddesses and religious depictions in their sculptures, they had no direct association to religion. Apart from providing potable groundwater year-round, the other functions of a stepwell included serving as a place for social gathering (especially for women who came there to fetch water), celebrating festivals and as a resting place for locals and travelers by providing relief in hot weather.