Chand Baori

Travel to India > Abhaneri > Chand Baori

Step wells are wells in which you can reach the water by descending the steps. This kind of well is also called as Bawdi or Baoli. These wells have architectural importance and include beautiful embellishments. These are very commonly found in Rajasthan. The wells of this kind are deep and square and are found all over the country, especially in the western region where water is scarce. These wells are protected and covered many a times. These wells can be multi storied and a bullock wheel turns the water wheel. This way the water can be brought to different floors very easily.

These wells were also used as cool places of resort in the past. These functioned as water reservoirs in the parched days. This is the unique invention of the natives used for rainwater harvesting. These wells provide you with relief from the scorching sun and can be used as resting places. This is why many step wells are covered or have some architectural and ornamental features. This beautification also ensured their survival as monuments.

Chand Baori is a very famous step well located in the Abhaneri near Jaipur in Rajasthan. It is one of the deepest and largest step wells in the country. This well was built in the 9th century by Raja Chand hence the name. As the legend goes ghosts built it in one night. It is possible that the legend was created to protect the precious source of water from thieves.

This well is located near the Harshat Mata temple. Since it is located near the temple, it may have some religious connection in the past. It is a ritual even today to wash hands and feet before entering the temple. Harshat Mata is the goddess of happiness and brings cheer and joy in the whole village.

There are steps leading down from all sides of the well and water can be drawn from any level. The well is 35 m on each side and has a depth of 100 feet. It has 3500 narrow steps and it is 13 storied. It is impossible to retrieve a coin once you drop it in the well.

This well has some very delicate carvings and it is delightful to see those. The engineering design of this well is amazing and it is a wonder to imagine it build it in the 9th century. People all over come to this place to take a look at this architectural wonder and a most amazing piece of art.

You should make it a point to visit this place during your trip to Rajasthan. The perfect symmetry and the platforms connecting the two set of steps are amazing. This step well in Abhaneri is featured in the movie The Fall (2008). The actors and dancers danced on each platform connecting the sets of steps.