A unique Kalyani Chalukya-era stepwell emerging from obscurity in Gadag

The Hindu

a day ago

An architectural gem belonging to the Kalyani Chalukya-era, and dated to the 10th-11th century CE, is emerging from obscurity and is set to bring the spotlight and tourist footfall to the remote village of Sudi in Gadag district of Karnataka.
The Nagakunda Pushkarani is a stepwell — similar in form and function to the more famous ones like Rani ki Vav or Adalaj in Gujarat — that is poised for revival thanks to the 'Adopt a Monument' scheme of the Department of Archaeology, Museums and Heritage (DAMH)
Sudi, which used to thrive as a pilgrimage destination and as a strategic centre of the Kalyani Chalukyas, preserves remarkable relics from the 10th and 11th centuries, of which the Nagakunda Pushkarani and the neighbouring Jodu Kalasadagudi temple are just two examples.
Located 35 km from the popular tourist site of Badami, it was under the administration of Akkadevi, sister of Chalukya monarch Jayasimha II. During her period, it emerged as a major centre of art, temple building, and learning.
Like the temples of the region, the stepwell is executed with great attention to detail. Over the centuries, the stepwell fell into disuse while its intricate sculptures slowly weathered under the elements, but is now expected to see better days.
'Restoration of Nagakunda — which is one of the grandest creations of the Kalyani Chalukyas — is not just a facelift but an example of sustainable heritage conservation, and will revive the community's engagement with traditional water systems,' said A. Devaraju, commissioner, DAMH.
Restoration works of the stepwell have been taken up by the Deccan Heritage Foundation India (DHFI), in collaboration with Heritage Matters, the Gandipet Welfare Society — a Hyderabad-based NGO working on zero waste — and the Water Literacy Foundation.
The current project aims to restore the architectural beauty of the stepwell and its functionality as a water storage body, and help the local community, according to conservation architect B. Sarath Chandra of Heritage Matters.
'In terms of architecture, this is a unique stepwell in this part of the country and is similar to the ones in Gujarat and Rajasthan,' said Mr. Chandra, pointing out that the interior walls of the stepwell have architectural features similar to the external facade of a temple making it unique.
The project entails documentation of the stepwell and mapping its condition; clearing of vegetation and weeds; removal of roots from the masonry; dredging and cleaning the well; stone resetting; pointing work, architectural conservation etc., apart from landscape development. A mantapa with a giant Ganesh idol, adjoining the stepwell, is also being restored.
Pratima Rao, project manager at DHFI, said it took three months for the restoration of pits and percolation tanks by the Water Literacy Foundation, and the water recharge should commence to fill up the stepwell in due course.
The timeline for completion is October/November 2025 and Rajashree Pinnamenni, founder of Gandipet Welfare Society, is funding the project, she added.
In the second phase, a pathway will link the stepwell to the Jodu Kalasadagudi temple, and the surroundings will be landscaped, developed, and preserved to enhance tourism in the region, said Ms. Rao.
Once completed, the restoration can set a strong example on conserving other lesser-known monuments and encourage wider participation in the adoption scheme.