Stepwells are wells or ponds in which the water is fetched by descending a set of steps to the water level. They are multi-storeyed stairwell. They are most common in western India particularly Rajasthan and Gujarat and are also found in the other more arid regions of the Indian subcontinent, extending into Pakistan. The construction of stepwells is mainly utilitarian, though they may include embellishments of architectural significance, and be temple tanks.
Stepwells are water storage and irrigation tanks that were developed in India, mainly to cope with seasonal fluctuations in water availability. A basic difference between stepwells on the one hand, and tanks and wells on the other, is that stepwells make it easier for people to reach the groundwater and to maintain and manage the well.
The stepwell builders dig deep trenches into earth for dependable, year-round groundwater. They lineup the walls with blocks of stone, without mortar, and create stairs leading down to the water. The majority of surviving stepwells originally served a leisure purpose as well as providing water. This was because the base of the well provided relief from the daytime heat.
Usually, women were more associated with these stepwells because they were the ones tasked to collect water. Also, it was they who prayed and offered gifts to the goddess of the well for her blessings. This led to the building of some significant ornamental and architectural features, often associated with dwellings and in urban areas. It also ensured their survival as monuments.
Stepwells usually consist of two parts: a vertical shaft from which water is drawn and the surrounding inclined subterranean passageways, chambers and steps which provide access to the well. The galleries and chambers surrounding these wells are often carved in elaborate detail and became cool, quiet retreats during the hot summers.
Stepwells also worked as air conditioning systems in palaces and forts. Also known as Baori or Baoli in local Rajasthani language, the base of stepwells of Rajasthan are generally 10 degrees cooler than surrounding areas. Â Rajasthan being arid region with desert in most parts always suffers from water shortages and these stepwells served as water storage points. The earliest stepwells were simple, however, over time their architecture and decoration were improved. Â Below is the list of some of the most famous stepwells of Rajasthan.
1. Chand Baori, Abhaneri
Chand Baori at Abhaneri, a village located at a distance of 94 km from Jaipur; is the most famous ancient stepwell of Rajasthan and it is most visited stepwell in Rajasthan. It is named after King Raja Chanda of the Nikumbh Empire. ChaStepwells of Rajasthannd Boari was built from 8th century onwards, opposite to Harshat Mata Temple.
Upper Palace portion was later build by Chauhan rulers, later upper arcade was build around 18th Century during Mughal Era. Mughals embellished the upper levels with pavilions and arcades, making it look more Islamic than Hindu. Its popular due to its unique architectural style which includes deep four-sided well with a large temple on the back face of the building.
The stepwell has 3500 narrow steps and astounding 13 storeys. Many tourists visit Chand Baori for its beautiful architecture. The deepest stepwell in India, it was built to serve as a source of water. The stepwell was used to socialise as it remained a lot cooler compared to its surroundings. Chand Baori has featured in a string of Bollywood song and dance numbers. The enormous central tank, arranged in an intricate criss-cross pattern incorporates facets of a cut diamond. The interlinked stairways, gives the baori a sense of impossible geometry.
2. Panna Meena ka Kund, Amer
The Panna Meena Ka Kund, apart from being a place for accessing, was a social meeting spot as well. This rustic stepwell makes an interesting tourist spot where people come to admire its breathtaking architecture. The symmetrical stairs go down up upto eight storeys in zigzag geometrical pattern.
One can catch view of the magnificent Amer fort and palace along with a stunning view of the mountains from the well. During monsoon and summer people can be seen diving into the kund making it a joyous sight. Among the several architectural marvels of pink city Jaipur, the ancient stepwell is the least explored.
Established in the 16th century, it was built to supply locals with water for drinking and other daily needs, especially during dry summers, as well as crop irrigation. It also served as a community centre for societies living around it.
3. Hadi Rani ki Baori, Tonk
Hadi Rani ki Baori is in Tonk district, 150 kms away from Jaipur. The three-storey stepwell is an architectural marvel that tourist can visit while exploring Rajasthan. A must visit spot for locals and tourists throughout year, the stepwell is very well-maintained with very clean water.
Originally built around 800-years old, and was built in the honour of Hadi Rani who as per legend was the wife of Ratan Chudawat, who was ordered by Mewar King to fight against Mughals. Ratan Chudawat was hesitant to go to war right after marriage. Hadi Rani to motivate her husband got her head severed. Ratan Chudawat ​​joined the war with her head around his neck and won that day. However, he eventually severed his own head because he didn’t want to live without his wife.
4. Raniji Ki Baori, Bundi
Build in the year 1699 by Late Rani Nathavati Ji, Raniji ki Baori is a famous stepwell situated in Bundi town. The stepwell has a total of 50 stairs, and a meeting place for locals. An architectural marvel, the stepwell has a sleek entrance with structures facing towards each other. The main entrance also has beautiful pillars and a massive arched gate. The baoli has a narrow gateway lined with four sturdy pillars and slender arched on the high roof. A flight of stairs descend into a part well, part temple and part palace with limited water reserves. There is a place of worship on every floor.
According to legend, Rani Nathavati Ji devoted her life towards the well-being of common people and hence began the construction of the baori. Bundi is also known as the city of stepwells, which shows importance of these water storage tanks for water conservation in the arid region of Rajasthan. There are around 50 tanks or Baoris in Bundi. Queen Nathwati herself is credited with building 21 of those tanks. Raniji Ki Baoli was built by Rajputs and boasted of striking architecture. Raniji Ki Baoli is an important heritage monument of the city.
5. Toorji ka Jhalra, Jodhpur
Toorji Ka Jhalra built in the year 1740, showcases intricate designs that mirror the lifestyle of the region. Important for water management of Jodhpur, the stepwell is a must-visit tourist attraction. Built with the popular red sandstone, the stepwell is 200-feet deep.
Toorji Ka Jhalra was once decorated with elaborate carvings of lions, elephants, and waterspouts. The stepwell is visited by locals for games and to get some respite from the hot summer weather of Jodhpur. Recently restored the stepwell has served as a source of water for local population. The stepwell is considered one of the finest in the country.
6. Jachcha ki Baori, Hindaun
Jachcha ki Baori in the city of Hindaun, Rajasthan is the largest stepwell in India. It is believed to be built in the 14th century by Lakkhi Banjara. It has many legends associated with it; one is that the water of the baori is so pure that one doesn’t require any soap, etc. to clean one’s clothes. The baori is an essential traditional water structure and measures have been taken by the government to restore it.
7. Bhooton ki Baoli. Ransi
Rajasthan has relied mostly on man-made lakes and baoli (stepwells) for water supply to tackle water shortage. There are several stepwells and lakes made by the kings of Rajasthan that has legends associated with it. Legends has it that one such stepwell was made by ghosts, and is aptly named Bhooton ki baoli.
Located in Ramsi Village 90 km from Jodhpur. It has legend that says a man named Thakur Jai Singh riding on his horse to visit a famous fair got separated from his entourage and stopped by at a lake to quench thirst of his horse. When he touched the lake water, a ghost appeared and implored him to satiate his thirst as he couldn’t.
When Jai Singh offered water to thirsty ghost, ghost was pleased and satiated. It asked Jai Singh to seek a wish, which he promised to fulfil. Jai Singh requested the ghost to build a beautiful palace for himself and beautify the town where he lived.
The ghost to fulfil a boon but on two conditions. The first was that the construction work done by Jai Singh’s workers would be extended by 100 times by the ghost. Secondly, the ghost asked Jai Singh to keep whole deal to himself and refrain from divulging it to anyone or else he would stop the work mid-way and depart. Jai Singh accepted both the conditions.
The following day, Jai Singh asked his men to start the construction work along with a baoli. The men did some work during the day before retiring for the night, but were amazed to see a half-built baoli next day. Jai Singh’s wife forced him to unveil secret behind this. She refused to eat for days until Jai Singh was left with no choice but to tell her about the ghost. The ghost broke off the pact he made with Jai Singh.
The locals believe that the palace was designed to be spread across seven floors but the ghost stopped his work after just two floors. Even the baoli was left unfinished with 174 steps and 200 ft depth. Nonetheless, the technique by which it has been made is said to be highly advanced. Today, it remains a spooky site especially at night, and some people claim to hear sound of construction work in progress after sundown.
There are numerous other baori/bawri spread across Rajasthan these include Tapi Bawri in downtown Jodhpur, Van Talab Baoli in Jaipur, Three Taragarh Fort Baolis in Bundi, Sarai Bawari Baoli in Jaipur, Jadechi Ka Jhalra in Jodhpur, Talab Gaon Baoli in Bundi, Raghunath Ji Ki Baoli in Jodhpur, Amagarh Fort Baoli in Jaipur, Three Gulab Bagh Baoli in Udaipur, Five Amar Sagar Jain Temple in Jaisalmer, Naku Baori and Chhilla Baoli in Amber.
Each stepwell/baoli/bawri in Rajasthan has a unique tale to narrate that lets gives a peek into the history behind its construction. The intriguing architecture of these stepwells attracts several tourists to Rajasthan, many trying to jump into the water. This further highlights the fact that it is an architectural concoction like no other and still functional after centuries.
