The step well is one of the oldest in Rajasthan, this part of India, and dates back to the 8th and 9th centuries. The step well is exactly what it sounds like. It’s a reservoir for water in the dessert like part of the country.
Almost 20 meters deep there are steps on three sides of the well perfectly constructed, symmetrical and made in a safe way for as steep as it is.
Across the street is an ancient temple, small, with many stones from the original temple that was destroyed many years ago.
In the village we were able to visit three homes. The first was a very small home. I would guess it was about 10 x 30, painted pink, with a wooden shelves containing a TV, a suitcase (their closet) and some dishes. There were two rope cots, one with a sleeping two year old. There were two women and five children in the house with us. Or maybe not all of us actually made it inside.
The second home was of a potter. There were clay teacups outside, indies, in the kiln …everywhere. A man and a woman worked together with a wheel, producing cup after cup. The wheel was powered by a motor and was on the flor. Like so many jobs here, people squat (I am nominating Malasana as the yoga pose of India) to do their work. This home was bigger, had a bathroom and a cooking area.
The third home was where a man of 103 years of age lived with 17 other people. His hooka pipe was his greatest possession.
