Rashmi Ghosh is obsessed with Stepwells, which is probably a good thing- since there are thousands of these ancient beauties in India, and not much documentation of them. See how the Pune accountant got started, tour the most unique wells she visited, and find out which she dreams of seeing next.

Stepwells in the shapes of swords and keys; others that look like giant works of origami art basking in the sun... Rashmi Ghosh, a Chartered Accountant from Pune, has stepwells on her mind. 

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To read more: Well, well, well: Meet the artist documenting stepwells around India

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Step in Time - The New Indian Express, July 21, 2024

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Ghosh’s obsession led her to more than 40 stepwells in various states, engaging with guides, locals and archaeologists.

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"We do not choose our obsessions, they choose us,” expounds Rashmi Ghosh. In 2022, the 57-year-old artist visited a 17th century stepwell in Karad, Maharashtra, and was captivated by the pattern of its steps, columns and platforms that descended in harmonious order into the earth. It spurred her to document these unique medieval structures.

Ghosh’s obsession led her to more than 40 stepwells in various states, engaging with guides, locals and archaeologists. Her passionate peregrinations culminated in her solo art exhibition held in Pune, Mapping of Stepwells: A Visual Narrative which showcased 20 photographs and 28 in mixed media.

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To Read more: Step in Time

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Lessons in conservation from ancient stepwells

Nalini S Malaviya writes about an exhibition in Pune that documents stepwells in India through mixed media works, narratives and photographs

 

Water management, conservation strategies and access to clean drinking water are burning topics today. In such a scenario, Rashmi Ghosh’s solo exhibition at Monalisa Kalagram in Pune, which delves into stepwells of India, assumes greater import. The ...

Read more at: https://www.deccanherald.com/features/art-and-culture/lessons-in-conservation-from-ancient-stepwells-3066898

 

Why this Pune chartered accountant is in search of stepwells? 

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Ghosh has visited step wells across Maharashtra, from the 18th century Baramotichi Vihir in Satara to Gumtachi Vihir Stepwell in a private property in Talegaon Dhabad, to several in Gujarat, Delhi and Rajasthan, among others.

 

Barely two-and-a-half hours away from Pune, near Baramati, is the marvellous step well of Loni Bhapkar whose sculptures amazed Pune-based artist Rashmi Ghosh. “There is a beautiful Mallikarjun temple there and, though, it is broken, I managed to go inside with a priest,” she says.

Ghosh has visited step wells across Maharashtra, from the 18th century Baramotichi Vihir in Satara to Gumtachi Vihir Stepwell in a private property in Talegaon Dhabad, to several in Gujarat, Delhi and Rajasthan, among others.

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Read More: Why this Pune chartered accountant is in search of stepwells | Pune News - The Indian Express

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Exploring India’s Ancient Stepwells: A Journey Through Art In Pune 

An upcoming exhibition in Pune promises to shed new light on India’s ancient stepwells, showcasing their architectural grandeur and crucial role in water conservation amidst climate challenges. Renowned artist Rashmi Ghosh, a former chartered accountant, traces her fascination with these structures to a pivotal visit to Naktya Raviyachi Vihar in Karad back in 2022.

Read More: Exploring India’s Ancient Stepwells: A Journey Through Art In Pune - PUNE PULSE

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