Page 6 - Jan-Mar 2015

Water Marvels of the Past DID YOU KNOW?

In ancient times in
Water architecture in India can be traced back to the earliest times. It has played an Tamil Nadu, Chola kings
important role in the culture of India. Stepwells were first used as an art form by the Hindus promoted rainwater
and then popularized under the Muslim rule. harvesting.
P. Harshini, VII B, Revoor Padmanabha Chetty’s Matric Hr. Sec. School, Chennai

ADALAJ vAv BAN GANGA TANk

The adalaj Vav is a stepwell The Ban ganga
located in the village of tank is attached
adalaj near ahmedabad. to the walkeshwar
This stepwell was built by Temple Complex
Muhammad begra. The in Malabar hill
adalaj Vav is built in the area of Mumbai.
solanki style of architecture. it is one of the oldest surviving structures. it is a stepped-
The stepwell also consists of a temple. The adalaj step well is well tank. The water of the tank is believed to have healing
known for its intricate wall carvings, depicting scenes from properties and is visited by devotees. according to a popular
mythology along with everyday life like women churning legend, it is believed that lord rama had halted at this place,
buttermilk, dancers accompanied by musicians, women while he was on his way to rescue his wife sita. Distressed
adorning themselves with jewellery among others. with weariness and fatigue, lord rama asked his brother
Shreyasee Das, IX E, and T. Pranavi, IX A, Bharatiya Vidya Bhavans lakshmana to bring water for him. he shot an arrow into the
Public School, Jubilee Hills, Hyderabad; Mrill D’silva, VI, Global Indian ground. Therefore it came to be known as ‘ ban ganga’.
International School, Ahmedabad
rishabh Mediratta, VII H, dPS Mathura road, New delhi; Keerat Singh,
VI a, Modern School, Vasant Vihar, New delhi

PARTHASARTHY TEMPLE TANk
The holy Parthasarthy Temple Tank at Trivalikenni is STORY OF SATPULA
considered very sacred. it is associated with goddess Satpula (meaning seven bridges) was constructed during the
Mahalakshmi who is supposed to have been born as reign of sultan Muhammad shah Tughlaq. it is a remarkable
Vedavalli to a sage in this tank. it is said that lily flowers water-harvesting dam of the medieval times and is located
bloomed at this tank once upon a time. For the devotees, about 800 metres east of Khirki Masjid that was integral to
the water from this tank is the most sacred. the compound wall of the fourth city of Jahanpanah, in Delhi
during the rule of Tughlaq dynasty.
Swetha S., VII, Calibre International School, Chennai
Yogita Bharadwaj,VIII B, Ajanta Public School, Sec. 31, Gurgaon

cHAND BAWDI kAPILESWARAR TEMPLE
The temple tank at the
Chand Bawdi is an ancient Kapileswarar Temple is
stepwell in the state of believed to have been built
rajasthan. it is located in the by Mayilai Muthaiappa
abhaneri region.The bawdi Mudaliar in the 16 century.
th
was built by King Chanda The steps were added during
between 8 -9 centuries the early 20 century. On the
th
th
th
and was dedicated to western bank of the tank,
harshat Mata-the goddess Illustration by: Dimple Bansibar, Saints Sr. there is an image of Jyeshta
of joy and happiness. Secondary School, Ajmer
devi. The Theppa Thiruviza Float Festival takes place in the
Dimple Bansibar, X B, All Saints Senior Sec. School, Ajmer; Mahek Jain, VII month of January in this temple every year.
B, Angappa Educational Trust Sr. Sec. School, Coimbatore S. Santhosh, VI, Calibre Academy International School, Chennai

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