Stepwells as Living Heritage of India: Insights from Two Step-Wells in Ahmedabad

Culture and heritage remain important to Ahmedabad, which has an infinite sense of value for the two aspects. Ahmedabad has a set of interesting historical and cultural landmarks, which are known as stepwells. However, as time goes by, the idea of stepwells has seen its purist identity and purpose erode by the hands of contemporary society. Of the 45 stepwells in Ahmedabad, only 7 are protected by the ASI or the GAD and abandonments of the stepwells highlight the need for a fresh management strategy. The research intends to study how the concept of the Living Heritage Approach, which focus on the society’s participation in the maintenance and development of heritage, could be implemented to restore the stepwells in Ahmedabad. The study also entails methodology that is emphasized on, one as an initial study, Adalaj-ni-vav and the other as the primary study, Mata Bhavani Stepwell. It has been done in the form of recording current status of these stepwells along with evaluating the evidences of historical, social and cultural importance. In doing so, this research seeks to evaluate the tamgible and intangible value of heritage within these structures, in terms of the current condition of these structures and the society’s interaction with them. In the given results, it is seen that while inherence is an important part of stepwells, the lack of care and attention being paid currently makes it challenging to preserve them. Based on the finding of the Living Heritage Approach, it is possible to suggest the following methods for reactivation of these places, focusing on the participation of locals and the use of traditions. Apart from physical conservation of stepwells, this strategy also supports the cultural aspect of the stepwells and ensures their sustenance and development for future generations.