Scientific Investigation of the Ancient Water Bodies (Baravas) from Akkalkot Taluka, Solapur District, Maharashtra: Special Emphasis on Tirth and Jeur Region.

N. J. Sathe; Salvithal A. A.

Abstract

Ancient water bodies (Baravas), are the step wells of modern culture. These traditional and important structures are neglected by many researchers for water planning aspect. So, this study explores the architecture of stepwells (Baravas), built traditionally in the western Maharashtra for storing and utilizing the groundwater. Step-wells are the constructions up to 3 to 5 store down from ground level comprising a water-body, which majorly are attractively planned. Above stated step-wells accumulate water during the cyclic monsoons and in the deeper portion of the earth with glooms around, these waterbodies show slow evaporation. This study is an effort to know the architecture, building practice and spatial qualities through case studies of two step-wells occurring in Akkalkot taluka of Solapur District which were constructed in 12th century. The archeological data is gained through field investigations carried and the data is calibrated by the previous literatures available in the form of notes, drawings, maps, pictures and depictions. The result tells that step-wells (baravas) are location particular, obey the hydro-geological conditions of the site, and make the unseen groundwater evident to us. They excel their practical purpose and also aid as collaborating communal places. Geophysical method i.e., electrical resistivity comprising VES in the Deccan Trap basaltic region of Tirth and Jeur is used to decide the appropriateness of the process for sub-surface groundwater surveys. The VES technique by Wenner array is applied in four locations of Tirth and Jeur, which is considered to characterize the study area. The VES data adopted is then interpreted by use of IP2WIN 2-D software to designate the occurrence of groundwater and represent it in the figure form. This investigation shows that the groundwater reservoirs are mainly restricted to the regions where fractured basalt occurs below ground surface. The study highlights in its conclusion the need of evidence in the form of literature, recover and reclaim of stepwells, which will help the communities and the people to appropriately use the groundwater.

Abstract

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