The fascinating history of the step wells in India is essential for water and social life. From the grandeur of Rani ki Vav to the intricate Chand Baori, explore their architectural diversity and cultural significance. Learn about Adalaj, Agrasen ki Baoli, and others, each with unique stories and designs.
India’s step wells are a significant element of its history and architecture. Essentially, knowledge about them is limited, they are thought to have first appeared during the second and fourth centuries. In addition to providing water from the country’s deep water tables, they offered shade and served as temples, communal centers, and layovers along trade routes.
The majority of stepwells are situated in northern India’s hot, arid regions, including Gujarat, Rajasthan, and Haryana. Several thousand people lived in India before the arrival of the British. However, as plumbing and taps were added, they lost their utility, and many were destroyed.
The step wells, called vavs in Gujarat and baolis (or baoris) elsewhere in northern India, are renowned for their construction and design. Each is unique, with varying shapes (round, square, octagonal, and L-shaped) and several openings based on its surroundings.
Rani ki Vav, Patan, Gujarat
Rani ki Vav (the Queen’s Step Well) is perhaps India’s most amazing step well—and this UNESCO World Heritage monument was just officially found. The step well was built in the 11th century, during the reign of the Solanki dynasty, in remembrance of monarch Bhimdev I by his widowed wife. Until the late 1980s, the adjacent Saraswati River overflowed and sank. When the Archeological Survey of India unearthed it, the sculptures were in perfect condition.
The complex and ostentatious step well, constructed like an upside-down temple, contains around 500 main sculptures and 1,000 lesser ones on its panels. Surprisingly, no stone remains uncarved! The galleries dedicated to Lord Vishnu are particularly impressive, with hundreds of detailed miniatures illustrating his ten transformations. They are joined by stunning sculptures of other Hindu gods, heavenly creatures, geometric designs, and flowers.
There was also an escape passage for the royal family on the lowest level of the step well, which was claimed to go to the Sun Temple in Modhera.
Chand Baori, Abhaneri, Rajasthan
Off the main path, the gorgeous yet creepy Chand Baori (Moon Step Well) is India’s deepest step well. It stretches around 100 feet into the ground, with 3,500 steps and 13 floors.
King Chanda of the Nikumbh Rajput dynasty erected this square step well between the eighth and ninth centuries. However, locals will tell you a worse myth about it being built in one night by spirits!
On the north side of the well, there are numerous rows of regal pavilions with sitting chambers for the king and queen stacked on top of one another. They are flanked by zigzag stairs on the other three sides. There is also a partially-destroyed shrine, dedicated to Harshat Mata (the goddess of happiness), adjacent to the step well.
Beginning in September, Abhaneri will host a two-day event to promote rural tourism against the dramatic background of Chand Baori. It includes cultural performances from several parts of India, Rajasthani music and dances, puppet shows, camel cart rides, and a fairground.
Adalaj Step Well, Gujarat
The exquisite five-story step well at Adalaj in Ahmedabad, Gujarat, was erected in 1499 when Muslims established Ahmedabad as their first Indian capital. Its history is regrettably riddled with tragedy.
Rana Veer Singh, of the Vaghela dynasty of Dandai Desh, began building the step well in 1498 for his lovely bride, Rani Roopba. However, he was killed in battle by invading King Muhammad Begda (a Muslim monarch of an adjacent country), leaving the well completed. King Muḥammad convinced the widowed Rani Roopba to marry him on the condition that he complete the well. After it was completed, she committed herself by jumping into it.
The step well’s magnificent Indo-Islamic construction combines Islamic floral designs with Hindu gods and iconography. Elephants, mythical images, people doing daily tasks, dancers, and musicians are all carved into the walls. Attractions include the Ami Khumbor (pot bearing the water of life) and Kalp Vriksha (tree of life), both built on a single stone slab.
Dada Hari Step Well, Ahmedabad, Gujarat
Dada Hari has an identical construction to the more famous Adalaj Step Well. Sultan Bai Harir (locally known as Dada Hari), Muḥammad Begda’s harem overseer, finished it in Ahmedabad a year later, in 1500.
The step well’s spiral stairwell descends seven floors, past magnificent columns and arches, and the sculptures improve in preservation whenever you go downward. Both Sanskrit and Arabic writings on the walls are still visible.
Agrasen ki Baoli, Delhi
Agrasen ki Baoli, also known as Ugrasen ki Baoli, is an ancient time capsule located in the middle of Delhi. This elaborate stepwell, which was formerly a water reservoir, is an outstanding instance of spectacular design and old technical abilities.
There is no clear historical record as to when or who erected the majestic Agrasen ki Baoli. Some historians think it was constructed during the Mahabharata period by none other than the legendary ruler of Agroha, Maharaja Agrasen. It was later reconstructed in the 14th century by the Agrawal community, who claim to be Maharaja Agrasen’s ancestors.
Agrasen ki Baoli, Delhi’s most popular step well, is surrounded by high-rises and located in the unexpected center of the city in Connaught Place. It serves as a hangout for college students (as well as bats and pigeons) rather than a tourist attraction.
The restoration process has also been done in recent years to ensure that the step remains in good condition. The step well’s 100-plus stairs were previously buried in water. It is now fully dry, and you may go down past the chambers and tunnels to the lowest point.
Toorji ka Jhalra, Jodhpur, Rajasthan
Toorji ka Jhalra is located in Jodhpur’s Old City and is a popular tourist destination. This sandstone step well was created in the early 18th century by Maharaja Abhay Singh’s wife, but it was unfortunately neglected (submerged and filled with particles) until recently when it was restored as part of the JDH Urban Regeneration Project.
The project was spearheaded by the proprietors of the adjoining RAAS boutique heritage hotel, and the step well’s restoration is hailed as a shining example of urban regeneration.
The area around the step well is currently known as Step Well Square. It has modern cafés and stores situated in historic structures. Step Well Cafe has the same proprietors as RAAS and offers an excellent view of the step well for those who cannot afford the Step Well Suite.
Nahargarh Step Well, Jaipur, Rajasthan
Jaipur’s Nahargarh Fort contains two step wells: one inside the fort and one outside but within its walls. Unlike most step wells, they are asymmetrical and follow the hill’s natural terrain.
They are part of an enormous catchment system created in 1734 by Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh II (the founder of Jaipur) to give water to the fort. The catchment system includes a network of tiny canals in the surrounding hills that collect rainwater and direct it to the step well. The largest and most magnificent step well, located outside the fort, has been featured in films, most notably the 2006 Bollywood blockbuster Rang De Basanti.
Shahi Baoli, Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh
The majestic Bada Imambara complex, which includes Shahi Baoli, the royal step well, dates from the 18th century. Asaf-ud-Daula, the Nawab of Awadh, erected the edifice as a ceremonial Muslim prayer hall. It was created by a Mughal architect in Delhi.
The step well is connected to the Gompti River and is said to have been built as a reservoir to supply water during the complex’s protracted construction. It was eventually transformed into a royal guesthouse and residential quarters, complete with fountains and marble flooring. According to folklore, an employee who held the keys to the Nawab’s house of treasure fell into the well to avoid the British and prevent them from plundering the riches.
The stepwell’s unusual construction gave guests a secret view as they entered through the main gate since their reflections were visible in the well’s water. The geometry of the well’s recurring arches is also remarkable.
