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Stepwells were built to provide access to groundwater during dry seasons for drinking, irrigation, and bathing.
Where are most stepwells found in India?
Most stepwells are located in Gujarat and Rajasthan, with a few surviving in Delhi.
What makes the architecture of stepwells unique?
Their architecture includes multiple descending steps, multi-storey pavilions, and intricate stone carvings depicting religious and daily life scenes.
Why are stepwells important to India cultural heritage?
They represent ancient engineering marvels, artistic expression, and community social spaces that have endured for centuries.
Stepwells Reading Answers with IELTS Passage
Shruti Kumari16 Aug, 2025
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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.
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.
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:
This section provides comprehensive answers to questions related to the IELTS reading passage on stepwells. It helps candidates understand the historical significance, architectural features, and social role of stepwells, enhancing their comprehension skills for better performance in the IELTS reading section.
IELTS Stepwells Reading Answers
Question No.
Question Type
Answer
1
MCQ
B) Access to fresh groundwater during dry seasons
2
MCQ
B) Gujarat and Rajasthan
3
MCQ
B) Multi-storey passages supported by pillars
4
True/False/Not Given
False (Used by all but the lowest castes)
5
True/False/Not Given
TRUE
6
True/False/Not Given
False (Still in public use)
7
True/False/Not Given
False (Zigzag on three sides only)
8
True/False/Not Given
TRUE
9
Sentence Completion
dry
10
Sentence Completion
Rani Ki Vav
11
Sentence Completion
Sun
12
Sentence Completion
baoris
13
Sentence Completion
underwater
14
Matching Information
A) Features 500 sculptures and survived a 7.6 Richter earthquake
15
Matching Information
B) Known for hundreds of zigzagging steps and geometric pattern
16
Matching Information
C) A tank near the Sun Temple with terraces housing shrines
17
Matching Information
D) Nine storeys deep, still in public use
18
Matching Information
E) Built by Queen Nathavatji in Bundi
Importance of Stepwells Cultural Heritage Reading Answers
Stepwells are vital cultural heritage sites that reflect ancient India’s engineering brilliance and social traditions. This section explores their significance in water management, architecture, and community life, emphasizing the need to preserve these monuments as enduring symbols of India’s rich historical and cultural legacy.
Stepwells showcase ancient India’s innovative engineering techniques for sustainable water management in arid regions.
Their intricate architecture and sculptures reflect the artistic and cultural values of the societies that built them.
Stepwells served as important social and religious gathering spaces, strengthening community bonds.
Preservation efforts highlight the role of stepwells in educating future generations about India’s historical heritage.
Protecting stepwells ensures the survival of unique monuments that symbolize the fusion of utility, art, and spirituality.
