Bawadis of Vijayapura (Bijapur), Karnataka: A Model of Premodern Water Management and Rain-harvesting,

Navrang India January 30, 2026

 The historic city of Vijayapura (formerly Bijapur) in Karnataka stands as a remarkable example of pre-modern urban water management in a semi-arid landscape. During the 16th and 17th centuries, the rulers of the Adil Shahi dynasty (1490–1686) demonstrated exceptional foresight in addressing chronic water scarcity by constructing an extensive network of bhawadis—large open wells, some with steps and others stepless. These structures ensured a reliable supply of potable water for both daily life and agriculture in a region frequently afflicted by drought.

Taj Bawadi, Vijayapura Bijapur
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Taj Bawadi, Bijapur Alamy

Taj bawadi Vijayapura,KA.thehindu.com

Unlike rain-fed regions that depended on tanks and canals, Vijayapura relied on deep groundwater harvesting. According to historians, the city and its surroundings once contained hundreds of bhawadis and open wells, ingeniously positioned to tap underground aquifers. Many of these wells were interconnected through subterranean tunnels, allowing water to circulate and replenish across different parts of the city. This system supplied drinking water to the population for centuries, validating the rulers’ long-term vision.

Vijapura (Bijapur) map. Maps of India

Architecturally, the Bawadis (or Bhavadis) of Vijayapura are notable for their monumental scale and Islamic-Deccan aesthetic. Among them, Taj Bawadi, built in 1620 by Ibrahim Adil Shah II in memory of his queen Taj Sultana, is the largest and most striking. Square in plan, it is flanked by octagonal towers, crowned with large domes, and plunges nearly 100 feet deep. Other notable examples include Chand Bawadi, Masa Bawadi, Ilalkhan Bawadi, and Nawab Bawadi. Chand Bawadi, built earlier by Ali Adil Shah in 1579 in memory of Queen Chand Bibi, is comparatively better preserved. The robust stone masonry, symmetry, and controlled access points highlight both functional efficiency and architectural grandeur.

Over time, following the decline of the Adil Shahi kingdom, these bawadis fell into neglect. Many were reduced to garbage dumps and polluted cesspools, rendering them unusable. However, a significant revival effort began in the late 2010s under the Vijayapura district administration. With dedicated funding, desilting and restoration of over 20 major bawadis—including Taj Bawadi—was undertaken. Once restored, these wells revealed hundreds of natural springs, yielding clean, potable water.

In 1981-82, attempts were made to desilt the tank and supply water to the residents from Taj Bawadi. Unfortunately, the project did not see the light since the water in the well was not fit for drinking.
 There are underground tunnels built between these wells  and they ensured  steady supply of water to all pockets of the city.  Built by Ali Adil Shah in 1579 and named in memory of  his queen Chand Bibi, Chand bawadi  is  yet another famous  open well.  Unlike Taj Bawadi, the premises of Chand Bawadi are better taken care of. "If these bawadis are cleaned, and desilted, they would help solve the district's drinking water problem," said Krishna Kolhar Kulkarni, another historian.

Today, revived bawadis contribute modestly to the city’s water needs and hold immense promise. While Vijayapura requires around 65 million litres per day, the restored bawadis could collectively supply several million litres. Beyond their practical value, these bawadis stand as enduring symbols of sustainable water engineering, architectural excellence, and the environmental wisdom of Deccan rulers—lessons that remain profoundly relevant in an era of growing water stress.

https://navrangindia.blogspot.com/2017/07/bawadis-of-vijayapura-bijapur.html


K. N. Jayaraman