ELI5: Explain Like I'm 5

History of stepwells in Gujarat

Stepwells are like staircases that go underground to a water source. They were built a long time ago in Gujarat, which is a state in India that has a lot of desert areas. People used to build stepwells so that they could get to clean water.

The oldest stepwells in Gujarat were built about a thousand years ago. They would dig really deep holes in the ground and then build steps going down to the water. Some stepwells were built like big wells with stairs going up and down, while others were built with rooms around the water.

People used stepwells for more than just getting water. They would also use them as gathering places, and some of them even had small temples or shrines built inside. Some of the stepwells were decorated with intricate carvings and statues, making them a beautiful sight to see.

Over the years, many stepwells were abandoned and became forgotten. But in recent years, people have started to appreciate them again and have worked to restore and preserve them. Some stepwells have also become popular tourist attractions, so people can learn more about the history of Gujarat and the importance of water in the region.