Vijayapura bawadis were full of water

VIJAYAPURA: The many bawadis that dot the dry landscape of Vijayapura attest to the foresight of the rulers of the Adil Shahi dynasty, besides their elevated taste in architecture. These wells, constructed in the 16th and 17th centuries, today lie in a state of neglect, with most turning into dumpyards, and a few even being encroached upon.
These huge tanks could store enough water to fulfil the needs of the 10-lakh populace of Bijapur in the 17th century , sources said.The Adil Shahi kings constructed many such bawadis Taj Bawadi, Chand Bawadi, Masa Bawadi, Ilalkhan Bawadi, Nawab Bawadi being some of their prominent creations. Of these, Taj and Chand Bawadi are the most famous, and probably the biggest.
Built in 1620 on the orders of Ibrahim Adil Shah, in memory of his queen Taj Sultana, Taj Bawadi is flanked by two octagonal towers, and huge domes surround the squareshaped well.
“In 1981-82, attempts were made to desilt the tank and supply water to the residents from Taj Bawadi. But the project was dropped since the water in the well was not fit for drinking.The portion at the front is now used for parties,“ said HG Daddi, a historian.
Underground tunnels running between these wells ensured supply of water to all pockets of the city . Built by Ali Adil Shah in 1579 and named in the honour of his queen Chandbibi, one enters Chand Bawadi walking underneath a beautifully carved arch. Unlike Taj Bawadi, the premises of Chand Bawadi are better maintained.“If these bawadis are cleaned, and desilted, they would help solve the district's drinking water problem,“ said Krishna Kolharkulkarni, another historian.
The district administration has also identified 10 wells for renovation.