An evocative photography exhibition titled 'Stepping Back Into a Stepwell' was held some time ago at the Centre Atrium of the India Habitat Centre, New Delhi. The visitors explored the intricate beauty and cultural significance of India's ancient stepwells through the lens of American photographer and visual artist Claudio Cambon. This exhibition was supported by the National Foundation of India as a parallel event to the Harvard University conference on climate change and its implications for India's development vision, Viksit Bharat 2047.
A journey through time and architecture
The exhibition featured a curated selection of images from Cambon's book, To Reach the Source: The Stepwells of India, which comprises 48 photographs accompanied by historical context and architectural drawings. These visuals not only document the physical attributes of the stepwells but also evoke the sensory experiences they offer—coolness, tranquility, and a profound sense of connection to the natural world. Cambon showcased photographs of stepwells from various Indian states, including Gujarat, Andhra Pradesh, Maharashtra, and Delhi.
Stepwells in India date back to the time of the Harappan and Mohenjo-Daro civilizations—around 2500 BCE, nearly 4,500 years ago. Even back then, people built square wells with steps and surrounding rooms where visitors could rest. Fast forward about 3,500 years, and stepwells had become even more advanced. They were built much deeper and often featured room-like structures on one or both sides. These spaces served as resting spots for travellers, especially since the temperature inside stepwells was typically about 5 degrees cooler than the outside heat.
Stepwells, known locally as baolis or vavs, are subterranean structures that historically served as water reservoirs, social hubs, and spiritual sanctuaries. Cambon captures the essence of these multifaceted spaces, highlighting their architectural grandeur and the role they played in community life.
Claudio Cambon's fascination with stepwells stems from their unique ability to connect the subterranean with the celestial. His work invites viewers to contemplate the spiritual and environmental narratives embedded within these ancient structures. He expresses how stepwells descend into the ground rather than ascending into the sky.
The author hopes to evoke an emotional and sensory experience of these structures. Despite being underground, these areas nevertheless have a strong connection to light, the sky, and life, which creates a spiritual and spatial paradox. Descending into a stepwell becomes a metaphor for going inward, reconnecting with the essentials of life, without fully leaving the surface behind.
Cultural and environmental significance
Beyond their architectural splendour, stepwells embody sustainable practices and communal values. Cambon's exploration sheds light on how these structures facilitated water conservation and social interaction, serving as early examples of environmentally conscious design.
By bringing attention to these often-overlooked monuments, the book, 'To Reach the Source: The Stepwells of India', encourages a re-evaluation of traditional knowledge systems in addressing contemporary ecological challenges. The exhibition not only celebrated the architectural ingenuity of India's past but also served as a poignant reminder of the enduring relevance of sustainable practices and communal spaces in our modern world.
The text is intentionally minimal, serving only to contextualise the images. It includes brief descriptions and a few architectural drawings but always keeps the focus on the visual experience. The author also points to the neglect and abandonment of stepwells today. By showcasing their beauty and meaning, the book becomes a quiet call to remember and preserve these forgotten spaces. According to Claudio, The book isn’t just about architecture—it’s about reflecting on our connection to earth, water, light, and the act of slowing down.