User:Sanjeev Tulsian

Tulsian Bawri
Stepwell in Jhunjhunu, Rajasthan, India

About Stepwells
The stunning grand step wells are one of the exclusive architectural pieces of India. In Rajasthan, these step wells are commonly known as Baori or Bawdi and are excellent source for water harvesting and ground water recharging.

Construction of these stepwells was not at all easy. it required a great engineering feat to build those bawaris and it is indeed surprising how the workmen of those days made such careful calculations and carried out the work with precision.

It first required careful placement of stone lined trenches, which would later allow steps to be embedded. This required the wells to be wider at the top and narrower are at the bottom. Fluctuating water levels were another problem to tackle. In monsoon, the water level often touched the surface while in summer one had to negotiate more than hundred steps to reach the water deep inside the earth.

Demography
Jhunjhunu lies in the semi arid region known as Shekhawati where the amount is rainfall is limited to few monsoon months only and that too scarce between 40 to 60 cms. Scorching summer heat one may experience the mercury to touch 50 deg. celcius. Amidst these adversities and scarcity of potable water there were very few visionaries who explored possibilities of rainwater harvesting, ground water recharge and at the same time making water available for masses in this famine stuck region in the 18th century. Metaniji, the widow of the ruler of this province Sardul Singh built The Mertani Baori in 1783, to the north of Badalgarh fort.

Vision of one person
This visionary from the Tulsian Family, who belonged to a noble business family explored such possibilities. Huge investment to build a step well in the downtown of Jhunjhunu did not hinder his vision. The wells in the neighborhood had dried and the masses were miserable in search of water.

This vision for welfare was implemented of what is known as the Tulsian Bawri. The localites and travellers were relieved and the most precios water was available for thousands of commoners through centuries, in this drought stuck, arid city of Jhunjhunu in the Shekhawati province (now Rajasthan).

The inhabitants of Jhunjhunu quenched the requirement of water for almost two centuries from this step well.

Since then the descendants of this family are still known by the local folk as Bawriwalas.

History of the Tulsian Bawri
The Tulsian Bawri grand heritage stepwell in Jhunjhunu was contructed in the 18th century by the Tulsian family for welfare of the local community in this arid region where water was scarcely available. It served the local inhabitants for over 200 years till the time of independence era, when water started to be supplied by pipelines.

The Tulsian family migrated from Jhunjhunu in the decade of 1930s to bigger cities Kanpur, Varanasi located on river banks. Contrary to owners of other Bawris they left this one open for welfare of the common masses of Jhunjhunu.

The Tulsian family are descendants of Seth Sundar Mal Tulsian, who also constructed the ancient Sundarmal Tulsian Haveli, located in close vicinity of the Tulsian Bawri. The family is now spread across continents and within the country.

Social injustice of dumping garbage in the Tulsian Bawri
It is highly unfortunate and of social injustice that the ignorant local inhabitants are dumping garbage in the heritage Tulsian Bawri in Jhunjunu, not only this, they have resorted to the cruel act of demolition of parts of this heritage structure for their own narrow benefits.

Descendants of the Tulsian Family, none of whom live in Jhunjhunu, are now communicating with local authorities to draw their attention to this social injustice, encroachment and illegal demolition.

Importance to conserve waterbodies and value them
India is endowed with extraordinarily diverse and distinctive traditional waterbodies which play an important role in maintaining and restoring the ecological balance. They act as sources of drinking water, recharge groundwater, control floods, support biodiversity, and provide livelihood opportunities to a large number of people.

Currently, a major water crisis is being faced by India, where 100 million people are on the frontlines of a nationwide water crisis and many major cities facing an acute water shortage. The situation will worsen as United Nations and Niti Ayog reports say that the demand for water will reach twice the available supply, and 40 per cent of India’s population will not have access to clean drinking water by 2030.

Above are excerpts from blog DownToEarth by Mahreen Matto, Programme Manager, Water Management at the Centre for Science and Environment, Delhi

Why is revival of the Tulsian Bawri - need of the hour
Water harvesting and ground water recharge

Depleting water resources, receeding water levels poses grave threat of extinction of potable water by 2030. When this Tulsian Bawri is revived it will serve the dual purpose of rain water harvesting as well as ground water recharge and save a lot of people from the misery of missing water.

Tourism

Shekhawati region of Rajasthan is known as the open air gallery of ancient architecture. Global tourists have been visiting this region in large numbers and are dismayed by the centuries old marvels of arhitecture. They have shown keen interest in visiting these Bawris, and even the western world is amazed by the precision and planning of artisans centuries ago. Revival of the Tulsian Bawri will be a feather in the cap of this region, resulting in more and more tourists.

These stepwells have been a fascination for Bollywood and regional movies. Most popular amongst these has been the Bollywood movie Paheli starring Shahrukh Khan and Rani Mukharji in 2005. Recently Kriti Sanon has kick-started the first schedule of shooting in Rajasthan for her upcoming film Mimi of which some major scenes have been shot at the Mertani Bawri in Jhunjhunu.

This could well increase commerce activities in this area.

Swachh Bharat

Clean India, Green India has been the vision of our leaders and this mission is taken up by our governments for the welfare of the citizens of India. Dumping of garbage in a densely populated residential area has been a big cause of concern by the locals (who areresponsible, for this themselves). Due to the dumped garbage the population of mosquitoes has increased immensely which poses threat of many dreadly deseases and requires tobe curbed. The Public Health Department needs to take quick action on this and get the stepwell cleared of all garbage on an urgent basis.

Action Required
Action needs to be taken as a part of the Jal Shakti Abhiyan, a mission-mode water conservation campaign initiated by the Jal Shakti ministry. Heritage Conservation and Tourism Development are other agendas of the government which require to be actioned upon in context to saving the Tulsian Bawri in Jhunjhunu which is facing a grave threat of extinction. Swachh Bharat mission is required to be implemented on urgent basis.

Media Reports
Jhunjhunu Editions of Dainik Bhaskar, Rajasthan Patrika which are widely circulated in the region have been highlighting the grave situation of the Tulsian Bawri in Jhunjhunu. However, little has been the impact of this news support as the localites and authorities have not heeded to the voice of media.

Links of Media Coverage on Tulsian Bawri

http://epaper.patrika.com/c/45682305

https://www.bhaskar.com/rajasthan/sikar/news/latest-news-060503-1513244.html

https://www.bhaskar.com/amp/news/RAJ-JHUN-MAT-latest-jhunjhunu-news-050506-428340-NOR.html

https://www.bhaskar.com/amp/news/RAJ-JHUN-MAT-latest-jhunjhunu-news-045503-2218-NOR.html