Baoris in Bundi

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Step wells are wells in which you have to reach the water by descending the steps. This kind of well is also called as Bawdi or Baoli. These wells are of architectural importance and include beautiful embellishments and carvings. These are very commonly found in Rajasthan. The wells are deep and square and are found all over the country, especially in the western region where water is scarce. Many a times these wells are protected and covered. These wells can be multi storied and a bullock wheel is used to turn 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 in the desert. This is the unique invention of the natives for rainwater harvesting. These wells provide you with relief from the scorching sun and can you can use them 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.

Bundi is very famous for its Baoris or step wells. There are in all 50-step wells in Bundi and only a few can be seen till date. The most prominent and important one is the Raniji ki Baori, Nagar Sagar Kund and Nawal Sagar. Raniji Ki Baori is well known for its exquisite carvings. The step well was built in the year 1699 by Rani Nathavatji. The structure of the well is very impressive and you may just stare and admire the beauty of it. The well is 46 meters deep and is used as a water reservoir. Water can be collected even if the water level is very low as there are several steps on the side of this well.

There is a high arched gate at the entrance of this well. The pillars are carved exquisitely and are a marvel. The emblematic is of superior quality and every one who sees it admires it. There are ornate and excellent carvings of elephants with their trunks turned inward. These carvings give you a feeling that the elephants have water in their trunks and are quenching their thirst. As you go downwards, there are statues of Ganesh, Saraswati and ten incarnations of Lord Vishnu like the Matsya, Varaha and others.

Other Baori worth visiting is the Dhabaiji Ka Kund. Dhabaiji Raj of Bundi well constructed this step in 1911 AD. The well is 50 feet deep and there are two rooms with beautiful Jharokas (windows)