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The step wells were an important part of the urban fabric and often built with charitable bequests from women. The most impressive example being the Rani Wav (Queen's step well) in Gujarat. Many had gardens associated with them and provided respite from heat and dust. It is wonderful that Victoria Lautman has drawn attention to this crumbling legacy. How can we motivate civic society, municipal authorities and architectural schools to rise to the challenge of rescuing this important legacy? A good clean up and reinstating the gardens and drinking water for animal and bird life will transform the neighbourhood and bring life and money pouring back into the area.