epa05925407 An Indian boy dives into a baoli or a step-well at
the Nizamuddin Dargah in New Delhi, India, 21 April 2017 (issued
24 April 2017). The structure, which was built by Sufi saint
Hazrat Nizamuddin Auliya in the years 1321-22, taps into
underground springs and its water is considered sacred.
Stepwells were originally built to create access to deep water
levels in arid parts of India during the 2nd and 4th centuries.
Many are complex feats of engineering, with features such as
ornate carvings, passageways, arches and depths of up to 30
meters underground. When modern plumbing was installed, many
were neglected or boarded up completely. In recent years, many
stepwells have been restored and their unique architectural
beauty rediscovered. EPA/RAJAT GUPTA