Reports of a new performance venue in the southern Indian city of Hyderabad drew my attention to the abandoned 17th-century Bansilalpet Stepwell, which had recently reopened as a tourist attraction. Hyderabad holds many happy childhood memories for me, and I was particularly intrigued that despite dozens of visits to the city, I hadn't noticed -- nor even heard of -- this monument.
My oversight might have something to do with the fact that this ancient water reservoir had been entirely filled with more than 2,000 tons of garbage and debris. It lay forgotten and neglected until a group of local conservationists and architects launched a project to revive the stepwells of the region. Now, the beautifully renovated complex contains a cafe, an amphitheater and three galleries illustrating its history, purpose and extensive renovation.
