Under the Mahua Tree

A basalt‑stone plunge pool, set beneath an old mahua tree, re‑imagines the Indian stepwell at garden scale. Fed by gravity from a nearby pond and drained into an adjacent well, the kund turns daily bathing into a living water cycle while reviving local stone‑craft traditions.

Form & Material
Steps tumble down in basalt quarried a few kilometers away; the rim is warm red sandstone for barefoot comfort. A carved spout echoes farm tubewells, letting visitors hear the pond water arrive.

Craft & Community
Grinding‑stone artisans were invited to shape the circular landings, embedding their signature grooves in the design. Their involvement roots the pool in living heritage rather than nostalgia.

Hydrology
Inflow: pond > spout | Outflow: kund > overflow channel > well. The closed loop keeps the pool fresh without pumps or chemicals.

Atmosphere
Filtered mahua shade dapples the water; evenings glow amber under oil lamps set into stone recesses.