Hidden Heritage Under Threat: Stepped Wells of Naga Kunda

Sudi, Gadag District of Karnataka, India

Naga Kunda - Stepped wells (view from the bottom) by Shalimi DasguptaICOMOS - International Council on Monuments and Sites

Location

Located in the historic town of Sudi, in close proximity to the twin temples of Mallikarjuna and Jodukalasadagudi and currently separated by the recent housing developments in the vicinity. 

Naga Kunda - Stepped wells entrance by Shalimi DasguptaICOMOS - International Council on Monuments and Sites

Naga Kunda by Shalimi DasguptaICOMOS - International Council on Monuments and Sites

History

Once a famous pilgrim centre and an important stronghold of Kalyani Chalukya 11th CE this small-town houses important temples from the 10th and 11th CE. The Temples of Mallikarjuna and Jodukalasadagudi (twin towered temple) are representatives of transformation of earlier the Rastrakuta phase to Kalyani Chalukyas or western Chalukyas of Karnataka dravida stream. The Stepped well of Nagakunda (Sacred Cobra pond) is perhaps a unique experimental exploration of subterranean architecture and represents the knowledge system of geology and water management systems from the early 10th century. 

Naga Kunda - Intense detailing in sandstone by Shalimi DasguptaICOMOS - International Council on Monuments and Sites

Naga Kunda - Isometric section of the stepped wells (2016-09-10) by Shalimi DasguptaICOMOS - International Council on Monuments and Sites

Naga Kunda - Stepped wells weathered by Shalimi DasguptaICOMOS - International Council on Monuments and Sites

Significance

The widespread belief is that the majority of stepped wells (broadly classified) are only located in the western part of India primarily in states of Gujarat and Rajasthan. But there are many structures spread in the southern part of India, like this structure, which haven’t got their due recognition. This may partly be due to the scale of these water works in comparison with their northern counterparts. 

Naga Kunda - Detail of the wells by Shalimi DasguptaICOMOS - International Council on Monuments and Sites

These are unique in their own scale and intense detailing in sandstone and are of greater significance with respect to understanding of geological, religious significance apart from unique architecture.

Naga Kunda - Documenting weathering by a team of ICOMOS experts by Shalimi DasguptaICOMOS - International Council on Monuments and Sites

Why is it under threat?

Although the building is declared as a protected monument by a state agency, there is hardly any attempt to systematically document and maintain it. The roots of overgrown vegetation have started widening gaps in the structure and many parts of it under severe lateral pressures. Subterranean masonry structures bear a lot of lateral thrust and any minor damage in its walls can exert huge thrust and can result in irreparable damage. The neglect and lack of concern of the monument is resulting into dumping of trash, garbage and even vandalism.

Naga Kunda - Intense detailing in sandstone by Shalimi DasguptaICOMOS - International Council on Monuments and Sites

Credits: Story

Author Shalimi Dasgupta
References: Dr Kailash rao M, Professor, Faculty of Architecture, MIT, Manipal University
Photos, drawings, 3D mesh credits: Dr Kailash rao M

Credits: All media
The story featured may in some cases have been created by an independent third party and may not always represent the views of the institutions, listed below, who have supplied the content.
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