An open well is a simple hole dug into the ground to access groundwater at shallow depths. These wells are either lined with materials like bricks or left unlined and draw water from shallow water-bearing layers of soil or rock. Open wells were one of the first tools people invented to access groundwater, allowing communities to settle away from rivers by tapping into underground water sources.
Originally, open wells were mostly used for farming. Later, they came to be applied as an easy source of water for all other household requirements also. In India, these open wells have been good contributors in water conservation, especially during drought periods or water scarcity. Besides the utility, many ancient Indian wells were constructed so aesthetically that they became pieces of art.
India’s history with open wells goes back thousands of years, with some wells dating to the Indus Valley Civilization (3300–1700 BCE). During medieval times, many civilizations incorporated artistic designs and formed step wells which in Gujarat are called vavs while in Rajasthan they are called baoris. These wells were designed with great care, often showing local culture and legends in their structure. Other areas, such as the empire of the Vijayanagara, also built impressive open wells that symbolize the need to preserve water.
One famous example is the Rani-ki-vav step well in Patan, Gujarat. This multi-storey well which was built about 800 years ago by the Chalukyan dynasty was not only the source of water but also a place to socialize. People could tell whether it was a good or bad water year by just looking at the water level in the well. If the water level was low, that meant there was little water to waste and therefore people used it sparingly. When the levels were up, it was easy to tell that there was plenty of water that year. Rani-ki-vav was more than just a well; it was a community space and even acted as a natural "weather instrument".
Through open wells, communities not only accessed water but also learned to use it sensibly, keep it free from pollutants and maintain it for future use. Open wells became a symbol of sustainability, reminding people to value and protect their water resources.
Different regions in India have their own names for open wells. In Gujarat, they are called vavs; in Rajasthan, baoris; in Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh, baavi; in Kerala, kinar; and in West Bengal, bhala. These names reflect the strong connection between open wells and local traditions.
India’s open wells are not only sources of water but also part of a legacy of sustainable water use and conservation.