Stepwells Reading Answers with IELTS Passage

Stepwells Reading Answers provides students with crucial insight into India’s most remarkable ancient engineering feats, the stepwell. These step wells originated from the regions of Gujarat and Rajasthan. Stepwells were designed not only as practical water sources but also as architectural marvels and social hubs.

These structures showcase intricate designs, multi-level staircases, and detailed sculptures that reflect the cultural and religious life of the communities. Understanding stepwells involves appreciating their historical context, architectural complexity, and cultural significance. This stepwells Reading Answers passage and its answers aim to assist IELTS candidates in mastering comprehension skills while learning about this unique heritage.

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Stepwells Reading Answers Passage

Covered here is the  Stepwells Reading Answers Passage that candidates can refer to practice for the IELTS Academic Reading Test. This passage provides comprehensive information about the historical, architectural, and cultural aspects of stepwells, helping learners develop effective reading strategies and improve their overall test performance.

Stepwells Reading Answer Passage

Section A

During the sixth and seventh centuries, the inhabitants of the modern-day states of Gujarat and Rajasthan in North-western India developed a method of gaining access to clean, fresh groundwater during the dry season for drinking, bathing, watering animals and irrigation. However, the significance of this invention – the stepwell – goes beyond its utilitarian application.

Section B

Unique to the region, stepwells are often architecturally complex and vary widely in size and shape. During their heyday, they were places of gathering, of leisure, of relaxation and of worship for villagers of all but the lowest castes. Most stepwells are found dotted around the desert areas of Gujarat (where they are called vav) and Rajasthan (where they are known as baori), while a few also survive in Delhi. Some were located in or near villages as public spaces for the community; others were positioned beside roads as resting places for travellers.

Section C

As their name suggests, stepwells comprise a series of stone steps descending from ground level to the water source (normally an underground aquifer) as it recedes following the rains. When the water level was high, the user needed only to descend a few steps to reach it; when it was low, several levels would have to be negotiated.

Some wells are vast, open craters with hundreds of steps paving each sloping side, often in tiers. Others are more elaborate, with long stepped passages leading to the water via several storeys built from stone and supported by pillars, they also included pavilions that sheltered visitors from the relentless heat. But perhaps the most impressive features are the intricate decorative sculptures that embellish many stepwells, showing activities from fighting and dancing to everyday acts such as women combing their hair and churning butter.

Section D

Down the centuries, thousands of wells were constructed throughout northwestern India, but the majority have now fallen into disuse; many are derelict and dry, as groundwater has been diverted for industrial use and the wells no longer reach the water table. Their condition hasn’t been helped by recent dry spells: southern Rajasthan suffered an eight-year drought between 1996 and 2004.

However, some important sites in Gujarat have recently undergone major restoration, and the state government announced in June last year that it plans to restore the stepwells throughout the state.

Section E

In Patan, the state’s ancient capital, the stepwell of Rani Ki Vav (Queen’s Stepwell) is perhaps the finest current example. It was built by Queen Udayamati during the late 11th century, but became silted up following a flood during the 13th century. But the Archaeological Survey of India began restoring it in the 1960s, and today it’s in pristine condition. At 65 metres long, 20 metres wide and 27 metres deep, Rani Ki Vav features 500 distinct sculptures carved into niches throughout the monument, depicting gods such as Vishnu and Parvati in various incarnations. Incredibly, in January 2001, this ancient structure survived a devastating earthquake that measured 7.6 on the Richter scale.

Another example is the Surya Kund in Modhera, northern Gujarat, next to the Sun Temple, built by King Bhima I in 1026 to honour the sun god Surya. It’s actually a tank (kund means reservoir or pond) rather than a well, but displays the hallmarks of stepwell architecture, including four sides of steps that descend to the bottom in a stunning geometrical formation. The terraces house 108 small, intricately carved shrines between the sets of steps.

Rajasthan also has a wealth of wells. The ancient city of Bundi, 200 kilometres south of Jaipur, is renowned for its architecture, including its stepwells. One of the larger examples is Raniji Ki Baori, which was built by the queen of the region, Nathavatji, in 1699. At 46 metres deep, 20 metres wide and 40 metres long, the intricately carved monument is one of 21 baoris commissioned in the Bundi area by Nathavatji.

In the old ruined town of Abhaneri, about 95 kilometres east of Jaipur, is Chand Baori, one of India’s oldest and deepest wells; aesthetically, it’s perhaps one of the most dramatic. Built in around 850 AD next to the temple of Harshat Mata, the baori comprises hundreds of zigzagging steps that run along three of its sides, steeply descending 11 storeys, resulting in a striking geometric pattern when seen from afar. On the fourth side, covered verandas supported by ornate pillars overlook the steps.

Still in public use is Neemrana Ki Baori, located just off the Jaipur–Dehli highway. Constructed in around 1700, it’s nine storeys deep, with the last two levels underwater. At ground level, there are 86 collonaded openings from where the visitor descends 170 steps to the deepest water source.

Today, following years of neglect, many of these monuments to medieval engineering have been saved by the Archaeological Survey of India, which has recognised the importance of preserving them as part of the country’s rich history. Tourists flock to wells in far-flung corners of northwestern India to gaze in wonder at these architectural marvels from 1,000 years ago, which serve as a reminder of both the ingenuity and artistry of ancient civilisations and of the value of water to human existence.

Stepwells Reading Answers Sample Questions

To effectively prepare for the IELTS exam, it is crucial to practice with questions based on passages like those about stepwells. The following sample questions focus on critical reading skills such as detail recognition, inference, and understanding complex information within the context of stepwells’ history and architecture. Provided here is the question that students can practice for IELTS Stepwells Reading Answers:

Stepwells Reading Answers Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs)

1. What was the primary function of stepwells in ancient India?

A) Religious ceremonies

B) Access to fresh groundwater during dry seasons

C) Agricultural storage

D) Trade and commerce

2. Which states are most associated with the construction of stepwells?

A) Maharashtra and Goa

B) Gujarat and Rajasthan

C) Punjab and Haryana

D) Kerala and Tamil Nadu

3. What architectural feature is common in many stepwells?

A) Open-air amphitheatres

B) Multi-storey passages supported by pillars

C) Domed ceilings

D) Underground tunnels for animals

Stepwells Reading Answers True / False / Not Given Questions

Write True, False, or Not Given for the following statements:

4. Stepwells were used by people of all caste groups including the lowest.

5. Rani Ki Vav survived a major earthquake in 2001.

6. Neemrana Ki Baori is no longer in public use.

7. Chand Baori’s steps form a zigzag pattern on all four sides.

8. The state government of Gujarat has plans to restore stepwells.

Stepwells Reading Answers Sentence Completion Questions

Complete the sentences using NO MORE THAN THREE WORDS from the passage:

9. Stepwells allowed access to groundwater during the __________ season.

10. The stepwell in Patan known as __________ was built by Queen Udayamati.

11. Surya Kund is located next to the __________ Temple.

12. Nathavatji commissioned 21 __________ in the Bundi area.

13. The last two levels of Neemrana Ki Baori are __________.

Stepwells Reading Answers Matching Information Questions

Match the following stepwells with their descriptions:

Stepwell Description

14. Rani Ki Vav A) Features 500 sculptures and survived a 7.6 Richter earthquake

15. Chand Baori B) Known for hundreds of zigzagging steps and geometric pattern

16. Surya Kund C) A tank near the Sun Temple with terraces housing shrines

17. Neemrana Ki Baori D) Nine storeys deep, still in public use

18. Raniji Ki Baori E) Built by Queen Nathavatji in Bundi

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