7 Most popular & Amazing Stepwells in India
by Indiator
The regional kings, Rajputs and Mughals initially built stepwells for the purpose of harvesting rain water and bathing themselves. However, now these pond shaped structures attract tourists who want to absorb in their minds the remnants of the past or who would like to sit and chat for a while.
1. Rani Ji Ki Baori
Location: Bundi, Rajasthan
Built by Rani Nathavati in the year 1699, this one is one of the oldest and the most remarkable stepwells in the entire country. This iconic place in Bundi has multiple tiers and storeys and an opening in the high ceiling, which is conveniently dome shaped.
Each of the pillars contains extraordinary specimens of the carving art depicting the traditional artistic practices of the Hindus while there are many sites of prayer and worship on the different floors. You will also find stepwell that is 46-meter-deep.
2. Imambara Stepwell
Location: Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh
One of the major tourist attractions of the city of Lucknow, the complex and step well of Bara Imambara are grand and beautiful, to say the least. The ‘Bara’ stands for ‘big’ and ‘Imambara’ means a ‘shrine’ that is constructed by the Shia clan of Muslims.
The entire building was inspired by the architectural style of the Mughals and consists of a step well that has running water within it, a bhulbhulayah and a huge Asfi mosque. The step well with its gushing source of water is of particular importance as it was utilized by the queen and the subjects in the king’s courtyard.
3. Adalaj Stepwell
Location: Ahmedabad
Even though the Adalajstepwell was built under the patronage of Queen Rudabai in the year 1499, still it shows the influence of Islamic style of architecture. Made to be of use during rituals and festivals, the carvings range from geometrical patterns to scenes of nature in the form of fishes, birds, flowers, and leaves and attracts a large number of tourists every year.
4. Lakkundi Stepwell
Location: Hampi
The village of Lakkundi in Hampi boasts of numerous step-wells and temples which are imbued with a traditional value and historical inscriptions.
Once you go there, the step-wells of Musukinabavi, Kannebavi, and Chateerbavi are the must-see attractions during the tourist peak season. However, don’t miss out on the stepped well at Manikesvara temple as it is a sight to behold.
5. Agrasen Ki Baoli
Location: New Delhi
Situated in the famous Connaught Place in the capital city of India, New Delhi, this place has a stepwell that is 15-meter-wide and 60 meters long.
The site is so majestic that many Bollywood films have also been shot here, the most recent one being the Aamir Khan film, ‘PK.’ There are an over 100 steps in this stepwell and each one is constructed out of red stone. The stepwell of AgrasenkiBaoli is known to be one of the most haunted places in India even though it is protected by the Archeological Survey of India.
6. Chand Baori
Location: Rajasthan
Chand Baori is another major step well in Rajasthan which has 13-storeys and over three thousand exquisite steps. It is not only one of the largest but also one of the deepest step-wells in the country. It is a tragedy that tourists often overlook this place on their visit to the desert land.
7. Modhera Stepwell
Location: Gujarat
Another stepwell under the custody of the Archeological Survey of India, the ModheraStepwell is situated right beside the banks of the Pushpavati River.
Even though the origin of this stepwell is not quite clear, yet it is championed as being one of the greatest gems of Indian architecture when it comes to geometrical carvings.
There are a large number of shrines and each of them has an idol of a deity gracing its interior. Once you step inside a tank, you would feel transported to a different era as it would begin to seem like a universe in itself.
As a visitor, you would be required to walk from terrace to terrace in case you want to reach the base. Of special mention is the rectangular shaped stepped water tank of Surya Kund. Also, keep an eye out for the shrine which is the image of Lord Vishnu lying down on a coiled snake.
The horizon of Indian architecture shines more brightly when we include the historical step-wells that are not only beautiful but also speak of the scientific knowledge of the people in ancient India.
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