A weathered stone stepwell in Maharashtra descending in symmetrical tiers, warm ochre and sandstone tones under soft afternoon light, with shallow water reflecting the stepped geometry below.

Maharashtra Stepwells Campaign

Documenting, preserving, and raising awareness about the stepwell heritage of Maharashtra through photography, sketches, drone surveys, exhibitions, and academic collaboration.

About the Campaign

The Maharashtra Stepwells campaign is a focused initiative to locate, document, and highlight the stepwells scattered across Maharashtra. Known locally as Barav, Vihir, and Kund, these structures represent centuries of water-conservation wisdom and architectural ingenuity.

Through original photography, measured drawings, sketches, and drone footage, the campaign builds a visual and archival record of each site. The work is shared via exhibitions, presentations in colleges and organizations, and collaborations with architectural colleges — engaging students and researchers in hands-on documentation.

Preservation and conservation advocacy runs alongside documentation: the campaign has been covered in news articles and continues to push for greater recognition of Maharashtra's stepwell heritage.

Campaign Pillars

A close-up of an architectural sketch of a stepwell, pencil lines on cream paper showing the cross-section of descending steps and arched niches.

Architectural Documentation

Measured drawings, sketches, and detailed site surveys capturing the structural and spatial character of each stepwell.

An aerial drone view of a stepwell nestled among trees, its geometric stepped pattern contrasting with the surrounding green landscape.

Drone Photography

Aerial perspectives revealing the full footprint and landscape context of stepwells, often hidden from ground-level view.

A small exhibition space with framed photographs of stepwells mounted on white walls, warm gallery lighting, and a few visitors browsing.

Photograph Exhibitions

Public exhibitions showcasing original photography to bring Maharashtra's stepwell heritage to wider audiences.

A college lecture hall with students seated, a projection screen showing a stepwell photograph, and a presenter standing at the front.

College Presentations

Presentations delivered in colleges and organizations to engage students and faculty with stepwell heritage and documentation methods.

Students with sketchbooks and measuring tapes working around an old stone stepwell, documenting its dimensions under bright daylight.

College Collaborations

Partnerships with architectural colleges for collaborative documentation, giving students hands-on heritage recording experience.

A newspaper clipping with a headline about Maharashtra stepwells, laid on a wooden table beside a cup of tea, soft morning light.

News & Advocacy

News articles covering the campaign and ongoing advocacy for preservation and conservation of stepwell sites.

Campaign Highlights

1
Architectural Documentation — Detailed measured drawings and sketches of Maharashtra stepwells, recording their unique design features and construction techniques.

2
Drone Surveys — Aerial drone shots capturing the scale and setting of stepwells, revealing patterns and relationships invisible from the ground.

3
Photograph Exhibitions — Public exhibitions held in October 2022, displaying original photography of Maharashtra's stepwell heritage.

4
Academic Engagement — Presentations delivered in colleges and organizations, plus collaborations with architectural colleges for student-led documentation projects.

5
Preservation & Conservation — Advocacy efforts and news coverage highlighting the need to protect and conserve Maharashtra's stepwells for future generations.