Suranga Bawadi, Details, Inclusion, World Monuments Watch

Suranga Bawadi is a historic stepwell located in Karnataka. It was built during the medieval period and is known for its unique underground structure. The Bawadi was mainly used for water storage and supply. It reflects the advanced water management system and architectural skills of that time.

Suranga Bawadi Details

• Suranga Bawadi is a historic underground stepwell located in Vijayapura (Bijapur), Karnataka. It was constructed in the 16th century by Adil Shah I of the Adil Shahi dynasty. The structure was built as part of the ancient Karez system, which carried water through underground tunnels to supply water to the city.
• Suranga Bawadi has been included in the World Monuments Watch List 2020 under the category “Ancient Water System of the Deccan Plateau” by the World Monuments Fund. This recognition highlights its historical and architectural importance.

Significance of Inclusion

• This recognition is important because it will help the monument receive financial support for its repair and conservation in the coming years. 
• The World Monuments Fund will also work with government authorities and other agencies to restore the structure and spread awareness among people about its historical and cultural value.

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World Monuments Watch (WMW)

• The World Monuments Watch is a global programme that identifies cultural heritage sites which are in danger and need protection. It was started in 1995 by the World Monuments Fund. The programme selects such sites every two years (biennial basis).
• Its main aim is to highlight historically important places that are at risk and to provide them with financial and technical support for conservation. It also focuses on involving local communities, promoting social inclusion and strengthening skills in heritage conservation.
• Anyone, including individuals, community groups, NGOs, government bodies or educational institutions, can nominate a site for the Watch list.
• The historic buildings located along the Musi River in Hyderabad and the traditional water structures of Bhuj have been included in the 2025 World Monuments Watch list. This inclusion shows that these heritage sites are under threat due to environmental problems and rapid urban development.

World Monuments Fund (WMF)

The World Monuments Fund (WMF) is a private, non-profit international organisation founded in 1965 and headquartered in New York, USA. It works to protect and preserve historic buildings and cultural heritage sites around the world through research, advocacy, funding support, training and conservation projects.

Karez System

• The Karez system is an old method of collecting and supplying water. In this system, underground water is brought to the surface through a network of tunnels. It works without using any machines or pumps. Water flows naturally with the help of gravity from higher ground to lower areas.
• This technique first developed in ancient Persia (present-day Iran) and later spread to many other regions during the medieval period. Today, Karez systems are found in around 38 countries, mainly in the Middle East.