The Ancient Stepwells of India.

Caption: Over large parts of the parched north western part of India, civilization is only possible because the monsoon rainwater can be stored through the dry seasons to slake the thirst of crops, people and animals. Traditionally, even small villages had a tank well in which the monsoon's gifts were stored. Not surprisingly, these excavations, the sources of life, were architecturally celebrated by both Hindus and Muslims. Today (after standpiped water was Introduced in the nineteenth century by the British) most of the tanks have been abandoned or polluted. Many are in ruins. This is the one at Ambapur in Gujerat, seen through its elaborate pavilions, from Steps to Water, The Ancient Stepwells of India, by Mama Livingston. Princeton Architectural Press, New York, 2002. [pounds]35, a lovingly photographed and thoughtfully written survey of many of the best surviving examples or the type, with some inspired drawings by Michael McCabe.