Known affectionately as “Paagal Saab” by the people of Jodhpur, 80-year-old Irish conservationist Caron Rawnsley has spent more than a decade restoring Rajasthan’s neglected baoris and jhalaras, preserving centuries-old water heritage through tireless grassroots action.
In the winding lanes of Jodhpur’s Blue City, where majestic forts and bustling bazaars often capture visitors’ attention, another story quietly unfolds beneath the surface.
Hidden among ancient neighbourhoods lie centuries-old baoris and jhalaras, remarkable water-harvesting structures that once sustained life in Rajasthan’s arid landscape. For years, many of these architectural marvels remained buried under garbage, debris, and neglect.
Determined to change that was Caron Rawnsley, an Irish heritage enthusiast whose unwavering commitment to restoring these forgotten water bodies has earned him the affectionate nickname “Paagal Saab” among locals. What began as a visit to Rajasthan evolved into a lifelong mission to preserve India’s traditional water wisdom, proving that heritage knows no borders and that one individual’s dedication can inspire an entire community.
From a Visitor to a Guardian of Heritage
Caron Rawnsley first arrived in Jodhpur as a visitor over a decade ago. While many tourists admired the city’s iconic Mehrangarh Fort and blue-painted streets, he found himself drawn to its neglected stepwells and reservoirs.
Instead of seeing abandoned structures, Rawnsley recognised extraordinary examples of traditional engineering that had once enabled communities to harvest and conserve every drop of rainwater in one of India’s driest regions. Disturbed by the sight of these historic water bodies overflowing with plastic waste, construction debris, weeds, and silt, he decided to take action rather than simply document their decline.
Armed with little more than basic tools and an unwavering sense of purpose, he began cleaning the stepwells himself, often working with his own hands long before volunteers joined the effort.
Understanding the Importance of Rajasthan’s Stepwells
For centuries, Rajasthan’s baoris and jhalaras formed the backbone of its water management system. These intricately designed structures collected rainwater, replenished groundwater, and served as community gathering spaces during periods of drought.
With the arrival of modern water supply systems and changing urban priorities, many of these heritage sites gradually fell into disuse. Over time, several became dumping grounds, while others disappeared beneath encroachments and overgrown vegetation.
Rawnsley saw their restoration as more than an act of cleaning. To him, reviving these structures meant preserving centuries of indigenous engineering, sustainable water management practices, and the cultural identity of the communities that built them.
Restoring Forgotten Water Heritage
Over the years, Caron Rawnsley has helped restore and revive more than ten historic water structures across Jodhpur. His conservation efforts have been associated with sites including Rambauri, Kriya Jhalara, Govinda Bawari, Chandpol Bawari, Mahamandir Bawari, Mahila Bagh Jhalara, Tapi Bawari, and Gulab Sagar Lake.
Working alongside local residents, volunteers, and heritage enthusiasts, he has removed tonnes of waste, cleared pathways, restored access to ancient stairways, and encouraged communities to reclaim these spaces as shared heritage.
Rather than relying solely on large-scale restoration projects, Rawnsley’s approach has centred on consistent grassroots action. By demonstrating what sustained individual effort can achieve, he has inspired many residents to participate in protecting the city’s historic water systems.
Why the Locals Call Him “Paagal Saab”
As the years passed, Rawnsley’s unusual routine became familiar across Jodhpur. Residents frequently saw the elderly Irishman cleaning neglected baoris under the scorching Rajasthan sun, often working without expectation of recognition or reward.
His unwavering dedication earned him the nickname “Paagal Saab,” literally translating to “Mad Sir.” Far from being an insult, the title reflects the admiration of local communities who view his commitment as extraordinary. Today, the name has become synonymous with selfless service and heritage conservation in the city.
Building Community Awareness Through Action
Beyond physical restoration, Rawnsley has worked tirelessly to raise awareness about Rajasthan’s traditional water systems and their continued relevance in an era of climate change and growing water scarcity.
His work has encouraged conversations around the importance of conserving heritage while recognising that these centuries-old structures represent practical solutions for sustainable water management. Through public engagement and volunteer participation, he has shown that conservation succeeds when communities become active custodians of their own heritage.
His efforts have also inspired younger generations to view historic stepwells not merely as monuments of the past but as living examples of environmental resilience and traditional ecological knowledge.
Recognition Beyond Rajasthan
Rawnsley’s dedication has attracted attention across India and internationally. His work has been featured by several media organisations, bringing renewed focus to Rajasthan’s forgotten water heritage.
In 2026, industrialist Anand Mahindra publicly praised his efforts, highlighting how an Irish conservationist had devoted years to preserving India’s historic stepwells. The recognition introduced Rawnsley’s story to a wider audience and underscored the impact that individual commitment can have on cultural preservation.
Despite growing recognition, Rawnsley has continued to live modestly in Jodhpur, dedicating much of his time to the restoration work that first brought him to the city.
A Legacy Rooted in Service
For Caron Rawnsley, restoring a stepwell has never been only about removing waste or cleaning stone staircases. It is about reviving forgotten stories, reconnecting communities with their heritage, and reminding people that sustainable solutions often lie in traditions passed down through generations.
His journey demonstrates that meaningful conservation is driven not by nationality or profession, but by a genuine commitment to protecting places that hold historical, cultural, and environmental significance.
The Logical Indian’s Perspective
Caron Rawnsley’s story is a powerful reminder that preserving heritage is a shared human responsibility. At a time when climate change and rapid urbanisation threaten both cultural landmarks and traditional water systems, his work illustrates how individual action can spark broader community participation.
By restoring Rajasthan’s historic baoris and jhalaras one stepwell at a time, Rawnsley has not only revived remarkable examples of indigenous water engineering but has also renewed appreciation for the wisdom embedded within them. His journey proves that sometimes, all it takes is one person’s unwavering dedication to bring forgotten histories back to life and inspire others to protect them for generations to come.
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