We must have visited historical forts and palaces in order to gain a time travelling experience. India is dynamic when it comes to its culture and heritage. One such part of it are the step wells which were created by our ancestors and are now a place of tourism for us. They are nothing but large wells built as a water resource system by the royals who ruled during that period. They are locally known as vavs or baolis. It is difficult to imagine the immense hard work and creativity that went into the creation of such gorgeous masterpieces. To give you a closer look we take you through the 10 most amazing step wells in India.
This step well was built over a thousand years ago in the Abhaneri village of Rajasthan. It is one of the largest step wells in the world which was constructed by King Chanda in the 9th century. It has around 3,500 narrow steps which are aligned perfectly with great precision. The well is about 64 ft deep and has 13 floors beneath.
Chand Baori
Picture credits: retrip.jp |
The Adalaj Vav has served as a resting spot for many pilgrims and caravans over the years. It was built by Queen Rudabai in the year 1499. It is a five- storey well with great amount of detailing. It is located 19 km from Ahmedabad, Gujarat.
Adalaj Vav
Picture credits: indiatopia.com |
It is a five-storey deep octagonal pool also built by Queen Rudabai. It consists of 3 seperate entrances and is elaborately decorated with a notable interior.
Rudabai
Picture credits: Dr. Maulik Vyas / Wikipedia |
It is situated in the Gadag District of Karnataka. It is nothing but a village on the way to Hampi. The well was built in the Chalukya style and has intricate historic inscriptions.
Lakkundi
Picture credits: chalukyandynasty.blogspot.com |
The Sun Temple, Modhera is located at Gujarat and is dedicated to Lord Surya. It rests on the bank of River Pushpavati and is under the supervision of Archaelogical Survey of India. The temple was built in 1026 AD by King Bhimdev. The Surya Kund is a step well here which is an apt example of exquisite geometry.
Modhera
Picture credits: dhdwallpapers.blogspot.com |
Another monument protected by Archaelogical Survey of India is this 60 m long and 15 m wide historical step well on Hailey Road in New Delhi. It is believed to be built during the Mahabharat by King Agrasen and rebuilt in the 14th century by the Agrawal community. However more than its historical significance the place is infamous for haunted activities. It also got its share of fame in the movie PK starring Aamir Khan.
Agrasen Ki Baoli
Picture credits: socksstudio.com |
This stunning step well is an artistic mention in the list of UNESCO’s World Heritage Sites. It is situated in the town of Patan in Gujarat. It was built in the 11th century as a form of water resource and storage system. The step well has more than 500 principle sculptures, which is a lot to define its amazing skilled architecture.
Rani Ki Vava
Picture credits: www.indiatoursandtravel.co.uk |
It is situated in the neighbourhood of Asarwa village, Ahmedabad, Gujarat. The step well is layered with beautiful shafts and a deep cascade of stairs going below. It was built by Sultan Bai Harir and served as an access to permanent source of water.
Dada Harir Vav
Picture credits: cybertravelinc.wordpress.com |
This flamboyant structure was built in 1760s by the Rajas of Neemrana for famine relief. It is situated 125 km from Delhi and is in close proximity to Neemrana Fort-Palace.
Neemrana Baoli
Picture credits: www.mygola.com |
The Bara Imambara complex in Lucknow is famous for its gigantic layout of courtyards, mosque, gateways and a step well known as ‘bawali’. The sanctum of this place contains the tomb of Asaf-ud-Daula.
Imambara
Picture credits: tectonicablog.com |
Free Press Journal requests its readers to take an initiative to keep these historical monuments clean.
If you have any of your travel experiences to share, send them to us at webeditor@fpj.co.in
