Hyderabad architects take up restoration of Korutla stepwell
HYDERABAD: Telangana hosts numerous stepwells and the State government has been undertaking several restoration and conservation projects to preserve these structures. Now a team of seven architects and heritage enthusiasts based in Hyderabad is working towards restoring the 11th-century stepwell of Korutla located in Jagtial district. The stepwell is said to be one that was commissioned by the Polavasa rulers which subsequently was reduced to a dumping yard.
Korutla stepwell, apart from serving as a water source, was primarily intended for the purpose of serving as a retreat for travellers, which remains deeply ingrained in the collective memory of the local populace, particularly the older generation. It is connected to temples and various Vedapatashalas, stated Sandhya Manjulatha who is leading the team.
“Women used to fetch water from the stepwell for daily chores and also used to celebrate Bathukamma on the premises of the stepwell. By restoring the stepwell, we hope to bring back its grandeur and develop it into an important community space for celebrating festivals and gatherings,” she added.
In April, the team, Prathista, visited the site and documented the entire precinct with drones to capture the ancient construction technology used in 120 AD and the richness of the stepwell, and the need to restore it.
“The Korutla stepwell and its minute details reveal very unique lessons about history. The role of Polavasa rulers who were the jain patrons of the stepwell wasn’t part of the mainstream historical narratives. This historical erasure makes us consider and acknowledge the micro-histories and subordinate rulers of our regions,” Sandhya Manjulatha explained.
“Firstly the local municipality intervened, cleared the debris, and fenced the premises. We are beginning the redevelopment of the stepwell with restoring and cleaning the water resource followed by repair and reconstruction of the stone, broken columns, hidden steps and later focus on developing landscape,” she said.
“ The project is set to be completed within three months by August. The community around the stepwell is also very excited and enthusiastic as it will be a great value addition to the area. They have also offered to render their services and cooperate whenever there is a need. The local civic body officials and the Special MAUD Chief Secretary, Arvind Kumar, among others, are also providing support for the initiative,” she added.