PRIMORDIAL STEPWELLS IN INDIA
India's stepwells, also commonly known
as baolis, as the name suggests, are wells with steps descending into
them. Stepwells were a common phenomenon in India between the 2nd and 4th
centuries, especially in western India, and the Indus Valley Civilization can
still be traced in these stepwells. Apart from being a source of water, these
famous stepwells of India are also wonderful piece of architecture which was
built by the kings at different times.
India's magnificent stepwells remain
an important part of Indian tourism today, which has become the center of
attraction for a large number of Indian and foreign tourists due to its amazing
workmanship and beautiful architecture. If you are also fond of traveling and
are a lover of ancient art, then you must visit these stepwells. Even today
there are about 2000 stepwells in India that have maintained their water but,
in this article, we are going to tell you the most famous and historical
stepwells of India which are really worth visiting.
1. AGRASEN STEPWELL, DELHI
One of India's most famous stepwells, Agrasen
Ki baoli is situated in the heart of the city, close to Connaught Place
in Delhi. This stepwell is a three storey well and has 108 stairs. Based on the
architecture of the baoli, it is believed to belong to the reign of the Tughlaq or Lodi dynasty. Legend has it that it was built by King Agrasen during
the Mahabharata period and then later rebuilt in the 14th century by the
Agrawal community, who are the descendants of the king. You must include this
in your to-do list whenever you visit Delhi.
2. CHAND STEPWELL, RAJASTHAN
Chand baoli is a major tourist
attraction site in Abhaneri village of Rajasthan which belongs to the 10th-century monuments. Chand Baori is a wonderful step well that has steps on
three sides, which work to store water. This step well is more than 13 storeys
deep, in which more than 3500 steps are made. Despite being more than 1000
years old, this step well is still in existence today. Let us tell you that
many films have also been shot here, including Bhool Bhulaiyaa, The Fall, The
Dark Knight Rises, and Best Exotic Hotel Marigold.
3. NEEMRANA STEPWELL, RAJASTHAN
Neemrana ki baoli, located in
Neemrana, is a very old and magnificent multi-storied structure. Which is one
of the main tourist places of Neemrana, and remains full of sightseers
throughout the year. This stepwell is located near Neemrana Mahal. Neemrana's baoli
is a 9-storey building, whose height of each floor is about 20 feet. It has 170
steps, and the building gets smaller as we go down. Neemrana stepwell reflects
the beauty of old architecture, in which the excellence of old construction
art can be seen. This stepwell, with its used for both water and irrigation.
4. DADA HARI STEPWELL, AHMEDABAD
Dada Hari baoli is located in
Asarwa, 15 km from Ahmedabad, which was initially known as Bal Harir Stepwell,
and is one of the two famous step-wells in the region. Dada Hari baoli
was built in 1499 AD by a lady from the harem of Sultan Begra. This ancient
structure depicts the architecture of the bygone era. The Dada Hari baoli
is a seven-storey structure that can accommodate a lot of tourists at a time,
and this baoli serves as a respite for tourists as well as locals during
summer.
5. PUSHKARANI STEPWELL, HAMPI
Pushkarani stepwell is a magnificent
structure located next to the temples at Hampi in Karnataka which was built
during the Vijayanagara Empire. In ancient times, apart from water sources,
they were also considered places of worship. Even the annual water festival
in the temples of Hampi was organized in these steps. Even though these
stepwells are in dilapidated condition today, these baolis are still
very capable of attracting tourists. You all must visit once and try to
understand the amazing architecture and extensive history of these stepwells.
6. SHAHI STEPWELL, LUCKNOW
Built-in Indo-Islamic architectural
designs, the Shahi baoli is one of the most magnificent structures in
India. The Shahi baoli was built by Nawab Asaf-ud-Daula of Awadh which
is also used as a prayer hall by Muslims. Shahi baoli was designed by
the Mughal architects of Delhi and the unique architecture of this step well
provides an incognito view to the visitors. This stepwell was a huge
five-storied building, three of which have now completely disappeared into the
water. At present, only two floors of one part of it are left. Baoli
was used to conserve water so that this conserved water could be used in
adverse conditions.
You may like post
GHOSTLY DESTINATIONS IN ASIA
Unveil the eerie charm of Asia as you journey through its spookiest destinations this Halloween!
FLAVORFUL VARIATIONS OF RAMEN
Ramen isn’t just comfort food; it’s a flavorful journey—explore our guide for diverse recipes, techniques, and tasty twists that will elevate every bowl!