Stepwell at Uthukuli and Narasamangala – A Kongu and Karnataka Heritage Visit.

7^th December 2018.

Stepwells are common in  Gujarat, Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, and 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 God images, floral designs, etc,.

There are stepwells in Tamil Nadu too. A Swastik well at Thiruvellarai, A well with mandapa called Nadai Vavi near Kanchipuram ( Sri Varadaraja Perumal used to visit this well mandapa and Uthukuli. In addition to this, we saw 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 the 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 walls are constructed with granite stone from the bottom to the 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. Rectangular Stones are kept projected inside 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 stepwell may belong to the 17^th to 18^th century. The purpose of the well is not known. Since this well is a 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, pindam, garlands, and flowers into the well.  In recent years, A group called Iyalvakai has taken care of this well by providing a fence around the well.

LOCATION OF THE STEPWELL: CLICK HERE

Stone water tub

A WELL AT NARASAMANGALA.

Happened to see this square well without steps, about 5 KM from before Narasamangala, near Chamarajanagar in Karnataka. All the 4 sides of the well are constructed with stone. This well was dug purely to draw water for the cattle. A stone tub was 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 animals accidentally.  This may belong 18^th to 19^th Century.

---OM SHIVAYA NAMA---