A Guided Walk in Jodhpur's Old City

Join Caron Rawnsley for a guided walk from Gulab Sagar to Toor Ji Ka Jhalra. Explore the rich heritage of the old city by delving into traditional water resources. Gain insight into the historical significance and environmental impact of these resources, and discover methods to ensure their sustainability. Capture the beauty of these sites with your camera and learn about their importance.

In Jodhpur's historic city, water structures like bawdis (stepwells), jhalaras (square stepwells), beras (wells), and kunds (reservoirs) are built along natural water pathways. The water system relies on seepage, percolation, and the water-holding capacity of the rock strata. Water flows from the hills and higher regions into these reservoirs, aided by the natural gradient. Consequently, Jodhpur developed downstream to capture this water. This is why a network of interconnected water bodies was constructed. These water structures which are scrattered across Jodhpur were not only repositioes of water but were also hubs for communal life and social engagement.

About the Creative Arts Education Programme and the Teaching Fellowship:

“Jal Dharohar” is an initiative devised by a group of five Teaching Fellows who have been involved in our pilot Creative Arts Education Programme over the last year. Celebrating the diverse and culturally rich heritage, folklore, handicrafts and musical traditions of Jodhpur, the group have developed three community programmes which will take place across public venues in the city.

Their main emphasis focuses on fostering empowerment, nurturing cultural pride, and encouraging active community engagement. The purpose of this initiative includes the preservation and promotion of Jodhpur's unique heritage, the empowerment of local communities, increased public awareness and appreciation of the cultural wealth, and fostering community engagement through artist interactions and workshops aimed at fostering a deeper connection with the artistic expressions of the region.

The project also explores traditional water resources to understand their cultural and ecological significance and to cultivate an appreciation for this historical heritage. This project aims to showcase and preserve a community that is at risk of disappearing in the coming years, while helping the audience to understand and value local art.

About Caron Rawnsley: 

Caron Rawnsley, a French-born Irishman, who has spent almost a decade cleaning Jodhpur’s famed stepwells, locally known ‘bawaris’ or ‘jhalaras’ (square-shaped open stepwells with steps on three or all four sides). He has taken up the initiative to clean Jodhpur’s water reservoirs like Ram bawari, Kriya jhalara, Govinda bawari, Chandpol bawari, Mahamandir bawari, Mahila Bagh jhalara, Tapi bawari and the Gulab Sagar lake.