Date   : 19 November

Time   : 5-6:30 pm

Venue : 10 Stephens Hall/ Institute of South Asian Studies

Architect Anu Mridul’s practice has been focused on reviving and modernizing traditional water architecture, especially stepwells and step-ponds, to address the growing freshwater challenges in the region.

Stepwells, or Bawaris and Vavs, were crucial to Indian communities from the 2nd century until the late 19th century. However, they were largely replaced by canals and piped water systems and fell into disuse.

Today, it is essential to revisit and update these ancient water systems.

Mridul and his team are working on restoring old, neglected water bodies and designing new structures like the Birkha Bawari, a stepwell-inspired underground reservoir in Jodhpur that can hold over 17.5 million liters of rainwater. Constructed from local sandstone, it demonstrates that large water-saving structures are both feasible and cost-effective.

Join us as he talks about his efforts to revive traditional water systems using the Birkha Bawari as a model for innovative and sustainable water management.

Event moderated by Sugata Ray, Associate Professor, South and Southeast Asian Art, History of Art Department at UC Berkeley.  

SPEAKER BIO

Anu Mridul is a Jodhpur-based architect whose practice emphasizes integrating cultural heritage, contemporizing traditional practices to make them timeless and relevant to current generations. He is passionate about the ancient water heritage of India and has been campaigning for its regeneration, mainstreaming and replication.