Chand Baori Step Well in Rajasthan, India
Chand Baori in Abhaneri village in eastern Rajasthan, India,
is one of the most overlooked landmarks in the country. It is one of the
oldest stepwell in Rajasthan, and is considered to be among the biggest
in the world. Chand Baori looks like anything but a well. This
incredible square structure is 13 stories deep, and lined along the
walls on three sides are double flight of steps. 3,500 narrow steps
arranged in perfect symmetry descends to the bottom of the well 20
meters deep to a murky green puddle of water. Built during the 8th and
9th century by King Chanda of Nikumbha Dynasty, provided the surrounding
areas with a dependable water source for centuries before modern water
delivery systems were introduced. As the green water at the base
attests, the well is no longer in use, but it makes for an interesting
stop-over to an architecturally impressive structure that is over 1000
years old. There’s also a temple adjoining the well for visitors to
explore.
Stepwells,
also called bawdi or baori, are unique to India. These wells have steps
built into the sides that can be descended to reach the water at the
bottom. Stepwells are generally larger than common wells and are often
of architectural significance, just like Chand Baori.
The
well’s sheer endlessly appearing geometric complexity made of stairs
and steps ensured that Rajput people had access to water at any time of
the year, and from all sides. The reasons behind building such an
elaborate step well is not fully clear. Some believe it was used as a
water harvesting site. Rajasthan is a dry place, and hence, every ounce
of water is precious. The large mouth of the well functioned as a rain
catching funnel that contributed to the water seeping in from the porous
rock at the bottom. In addition to conserving water, Chand baori also
became a community gathering place for the Abhaneri locals. The
townsfolk used to sit around the step well and cool off during the
summer days. At the bottom the well the air is always about 5-6 degrees
cooler than at the top.
The steps surround the well on three
sides while the fourth side has a set of pavilions built one atop
another. The side that has the pavilions have niches with beautiful
sculptures including religious carvings. There is even a royal residence
with rooms for the King and the Queen and a stage for the performing
arts.
Chand Baori was featured in the movie The Fall and also made a small appearance in Christopher Nolan’s blockbuster The Dark Knight Rises.
The well is now a treasure managed by the Archeological Survey of India.
