Chand Baori – Deepest and largest step-wells in India, Rajasthan

Chand Baori in Abhaneri close Jaipur, Rajasthan is among the biggest of the step wells. It is likewise may be the most outwardly astounding. Particularly  Chand Baori is a profound four-sided structure with a colossal sanctuary on one face. About 3,500  terraced steps walk down the other three sides 13 stories to a profundity of 100 feet. The development dates to the tenth century and is devoted to Harshat Mata, goddess of delight and joy.

Moreover,  step wells were solely intended to collect rainwater in a period of abundant downpours. safeguarded through rehashed dry seasons, and empower individuals to get to the water. Stepwells were hence intended to be a few stories profound, every story associated with the following through vertical flights of steps all around the inner boundary and connected on a level plane by pillared lobbies whose stone dividers were embellished with an abundance of models and friezes

The Chand Baori stepwell was made to meet the accompanying three goals: Above all its a water-reaping accumulation along with, To fill in as a subordinate to the sanctuary, as a question of sheer visual excellence, Lastly, to be a scene for the performing expressions.

Worked in a time when water was actually venerated as a nurturing asset, it is a case of how accumulations of water as waterways, lakes. This situation a water-reaping store – were high through building frivolity.  Blessed through religious ceremonies, and celebrated as spaces for social collaboration. It is an engineering wonder of cut and decorated internal dividers that are 13 stories profound, and convolutedly associated through several flights of steps, driving the distance down to the most minimal winning water level. Mixed in and around this astonishing structure are sanctuaries, figures of divine beings and goddesses, and execution stages.

Overview 

A step well-constructed thousands of years ago in a small village of Rajasthan named Abhaneri. One of the beautiful step well and amongst the largest step wells all over the world. Chand Baori is situated at the east of Rajasthan incredibly built by King Chanda around the 9^th century. It is one of the hidden secrets of India, not an easy place to find by visitors. The stepwells are also called “Baori” is very unique in itself. The stepwells are constructed on the sides of water collected at the bottom. The steps surrounded leads to the water. It comprises of 3500 narrow steps constructed in a symmetrical manner which goes 20m to the bottom of the Baori. It was built to provide reduce the scarcity of water which is the main problem in the region. The purpose is to provide water in the few scarcity zones of Rajasthan throughout the year.

Nowadays it is not used for the purpose of water supply, although its architecture attracts many foreigners and tourists. Chand Baori is about 64 feet deep and has 13 floors and also used for harvesting in the ancient era.  The Chand Baori has a defined geometrical arrangement, difficult to find in this era. The stepladder forms a magical maze and the resulting in a play of light and shadow on the structure gives it a charismatic look.

It has an encircled rectangular enclosure kind of structure. On entering you reach a jharokha (windows). Downward the stairs on the left, you can see the echoing Baori narrowing towards the bottom, crisscrossed with double flights of steps on three sides to reach the water surface down below.

Interesting Fact About Chand Baori, Rajasthan

One of the historical and most magnificent architectural structure. It was built by “King Chanda of the Nikumbha Dynasty” between 800 and 900 AD After completion of the structure, It was dedicated to Hashat Mata, Chand Baori is in front of the temple.

The layoutof Chand Baori was built to conserve as much water as possible. The air remains 5-6 degrees cooler than the surface at the bottom of the well. Chand Baori often used for community gathering place during the time of intense heat. One side of the well it has a pavilion and a  resting room for the royal people. Chand Baori located at Abhaneri village in the Dausa district of Rajasthan.

It is positioned at a distance of 95 km from Jaipur, on the Jaipur-Agra road. It is built opposite Harshat Mata Temple and was constructed in 800 AD. Chand Baori comprises of 3,500 narrow steps over 13 stories. It is approximately 100 ft into the ground making it one of the deepest and largest step wells in India.

Chand Baori is renowned amongst the filmmakers. Many movies have been shot at the place. Such as Bhoomi, Bhool Bhulaiyaa, The fall, and the Best Exotic Marigold Hotel. The Baori was also an inspiration for the “The pit prison” used in the movie Dark Night Rises. Also rumored many times to be filmed Hollywood movies. But they actually created a set at the United Kingdom, Cardington.

How to reach 

Map of Chand Baori