Stepwells are wells from which people used to fetch water by descending a set of steps. They are most commonly found in the arid states of Rajasthan, Gujarat and other arid regions of the Indian subcontinent. Stepwells were built for the purpose of water storage and irrigation; thereby cope with seasonal fluctuations in availability of water. Difference between stepwells, wells, and tank is that stepwells make it easy for people to reach the groundwater as well as maintain it.
A majority of surviving stepwells in India, provided relief from the scorching heat during daytime. Usually, women folk are more associated with these stepwells, because it is they who collected water. Also, it was they who prayed and offered gifts to the goddess of the stepwell seeking her blessings. This led to addition of some significant ornamental and architectural features to the stepwells; ensuring their survival as monuments to this day.
The subterranean passageways, galleries and chambers surrounding these stepwells are known for their elaborate detailing. The stepwells’ design makes it a cool, quiet retreats during the hot summer days. During old times stepwells were used as air conditioning systems for forts and palaces. Also known as ‘baori’ or ‘baoli’ in local Rajasthani language, the base of stepwells are generally 10 degrees cooler than surrounding areas.
One such stepwell is the Raniji ki Baori (or Queen’s stepwell). It was built in 1699 by Rani Nathavati Ji, who was the younger queen of Rao Raja Anirudh Singh of Bundi. It was built during the reign of her son, Maharao Raja Budh Singh, who ruled Bundi between 1695 AD to 1729 AD. Raniji ki Baori is a 46 mtrs deep stepped well with some superb carvings on its pillars and a high arched gate. The most famous stepwell of Bundi town; it has 50 stairs across 3 floors, and acted as a meeting place for locals.
An architectural marvel, the entrance to the stepwell is on the second floor and has beautiful structures facing towards each other. Stone elephant statues stand in the corners. The main narrow entrance of the stepwell is marked by four beautiful pillars and a massive arched gate. A multistorey structure, there is a place of worship on every floor. Legend says, Rani Nathavati Ji devoted her life for well-being of common people of Bundi; after she was forced to handover her son to elder queen who couldn’t bear a child. Bundi is also known as ‘city of stepwells’, which shows importance of these water storage tanks for water conservation. There are around 50 tanks or baoris of various sizes in Bundi alone.
Queen Nathwati is credited with building 21 baoris across the city. Raniji Ki Baoli is the most significant of them all, and is known for its striking architecture. The baoli has a slender arch with high roof. Stairs descend into this part stepwell, and part temple. Raniji Ki Baoli is an important heritage monument for Bundi, Rajasthan. Ogee brackets decorate the entire archways of Raniji ki Baori, reportedly the largest baori ever to be built in Bundi. Like other baoris, this baori too played significant role in social engagement in medieval times, since the stepwells were used as assembly area for the townsfolk.
The nearest airport to Bundi is Jaipur 206 kms away. Tourists can also reach Bundi by train till Kota railway station and then take a taxi or a bus from there to reach Bundi. Raniji Ki Baori only 35 kms away from Kota railway station. The stepwell is open for tourist visits from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM daily except on Sundays. Entry ticket is INR 50 for one and INR 75 for couples for Indians; while for foreigners, entry ticket INR 200 for one and INR 350 for couples. Also, entry ticket for Indian students is INR 5 and foreign students is INR 20. Interested tourists can buy a combo ticket for INR 75 per head to explore not just Rani Ji Ki Baori, but also the nearby buildings like the 84 Pillared Cenotaph and the Sukh Mahal. Charges for camera is INR 100 per head.
A historically significant structure, the baori situated next to a garden, is being currently maintained by the Archaeological Survey of India. recently the Government of India released postage stamps commemorating historic structures of India including Rani Ji Ki Baori. The best time to visit the baori, which is still in use, is in the winter season from October to March, however interested tourist can till visit the stepwell during summer time, when the water levels drop significantly.
