World Water Day – Locating the Five Historic Wells of the Former British Residency, Hyderabad
On the World Water Day, we present the findings of an important study on the historic water systems of the more than 200-year-old Former British Residency complex, Hyderabad located on the northern banks of the River Musi, currently occupied by the Veeranari Chakali Ilamma Women’s University
Led by Vasanta Sobha Turaga, Conservation Architect – Urban Planner, Vasaamaha Consultants, Hyderabad; architect Bhavyatha Reddy, Environment specialist and researcher from Italy and Conservation Architect Bindu Bhargavi Ch from Studio Samskara, Hyderabad for many years now have been involved in the research that aids the restoration of British Residency.
The research includes mapping of water drainage systems around the more than 200-year-old Former British Residency complex in Hyderabad located on the northern banks of the River Musi, currently occupied by the Veeranari Chakali Ilamma Women’s University.
The important findings from the study, especially related to five historic wells, mentioned in official Residency record, provide significant insights into water conservation and management knowledge systems as applicable today.
Background of Research work on water systems:
The British Residency was listed by the World Monuments Fund in 2002 and 2004 as one of the Hundred Most Endangered Monuments, leading to the restoration of the Durbar Hall building subsequently. Between 2001 and 2005, as consultants to Osmania University, Vasaamaha conducted Condition Assessment studies, inspections, investigations of the historic buildings and submitted the Initial Project Reports to the World Monuments Watch for funds sanction. Dampness and moisture was found in all the historic structures, which is also one of the major root causes for damage and deterioration of the buildings. The anticipated causes are attributed to the site’s positioning along the Musi River bank and the presence of clogged or dysfunctional drainage systems. A site drainage study has been incorporated into Phase I of the restoration efforts, which are being financed by the WMF.
During the preliminary assessments conducted between 2001 and 2002, it was generally observed that nearly all historic buildings exhibited issues related to rising dampness at both the basement and ground floor levels. Numerous locations revealed the presence of old surface drains and wells, which were discovered to be in a state of disrepair, clogged and broken. The documentation of water and drainage systems, along with various excavation and cleaning efforts, took place around the historic core of the site between 2003 and 2005.
From the research conducted during 2001-2005, and further surveys conducted by the team during 2019-2020 on different projects and academic theses, here we are presenting interesting information of the Five historic wells mentioned in the archival records and our experience of locating them in the present-day situations.
Locating the Five Historic Wells of Hyderabad Residency
Our research started from Hyderabad Residency Records of 1806 that said ‘Five wells were excavated during the construction of the Residency from 1803 to 1806’. We have attempted to find the exact location of these five wells, corelating historical maps from 1857 and 1915, google earth images, geo-references and field surveys.
Historically, the Residency campus wall was added after 1857 and was bifurcated between the Osmania Women’s college and the Osmania Medical College after 1947. When the five identified wells are mapped, two of these wells are situated outside the Women’s college campus boundaries, while three are located within its boundaries.
An interesting finding, but without a well: A stone tablet bearing the inscription ‘This Well dug and faced by James Achilles Kirkpatrick in 1802’ is found on the ground in front of the ‘Model’ in Rang Mahal Gardens. Recent restoration works have dug up a tank near-by, but well is yet to be found.
Present Location of Five Wells – Two Wells outside Women’s College campus
According to the 1857 Archival Map, two wells were identified. Upon analysis through scaling and geo-coordinates, it has been determined that these wells are situated beyond the current limits of Women’s College and Medical College campus.
Putli Bowli and the other well: The region surrounding the Medical College is referred to as ‘Putli Bowli’, could be the ‘Bowli’ (Well) associated with the British Residency. The second well, located outside the Women’s College compound, found its place on the Main Road, buried under Koti main road. Over time, urban development led to the disappearance of such wells in Hyderabad, including the one in Putlibowli. Despite the well’s absence, the area retains its historical name and its important that we reinforce public memory and preserving the name as a testament to its rich cultural heritage
Location of Three Wells inside Women’s College campus
The Three Wells are situated within the Women’s College campus, in proximity to the Physics and Chemistry blocks, as well as the now-demolished Canteen building, as shown in the map.
The step-well, but steps detached from the well:
The most magnificent well, is the underground hidden well with beautiful circular steps built adjacent to the well. From their construction materials and technology, these elaborate historic structures seem to have been built in the 19th Century, to co-exist as functional units for pumping or filtration or any other purpose. Located on the north of the Empress gate, this well and the water pumping systems are still in use and the garden staff are familiar with. In the last few years, efforts are put in to clean up the well and water systems, hopefully restored fully soon.
Location and operation of wells on the river banks in the present and historic context needs to be studied and deciphered. Additional investigation is essential to determine the true purpose and operation of this historic well and its related structures.
Vasantha Sobha’s comment reaffirms the importance of such research that has greater relevance in modern times. “Our research on site drainage and water systems on the campus of the Former British Residency has proved that the monument is not just an architectural marvel of international historical significance but also a case study for various historical methods and technologies built with deep understanding of nature and building connections. It is most important that we conduct documentation and research and explore to find answers for modern day environmental problems through traditional methods and practices.”
On the ocassion of the World Water Day as we revisit the study hopefully Government allocates a substantial grant for research and restoration of historic water systems from the recently announced grants for development of infrastructure of the Veeranari Chakali Ilamma Women’s University.
