A photographer is closely interested in forgotten wells in India

Photos: Grade wells in India

L’ India is full of architectural wonders, and is known for its famous Taj Mahal . Only, there is a category of architectures much less famous but equally fascinating as that of the traditional wells, known as “by degrees” (or Bâoli ).

The wells in India reflect a majestic architectural richness. Used as a water reserve, wells had both practical and religious utility. It is estimated that in the 19th century, countless wells were built across the country, in cities, villages and in some private gardens. Many of them would date from the Middle Ages as The Chand Baori made famous in one of the episodes of Batman, The Dark Knight Rises .

Their unique architecture allowed to store a large amount of water during monsoon periods thanks to a water recovery system between columns and bearings. So it was enough to descend the steps to find clean, fresh and preserved water to wash, cook or drink!

Fascinated by these practical and spiritual architectures, the American photographer Victoria Lautman is passionately interested in these wells to preserve them to the maximum.

Specialized in the history of art and archaeology, Lautman carries out a substantive work so that these wells are classified as the historical heritage of India. In the future, the Chicago-based photographer hopes to write a book on the history and use of these architectural masterpieces!

Today some of these wells are appointed to UNESCO World Heritage, but most of them have disappeared, are dried or are covered with waste for a ton of reasons. First, under the British Raj, these wells were considered unhealthy, considered to be areas of disease and bacteria proliferation, the wells were barricaded to be destroyed, for some. There is also today the use of modern plumbing that led the wells to disappear over time. Even though many of them are now left to abandon, these wells are no less than masterpieces of engineering and beauty...

Maybe they'll be part of your next trip to India?