Step Wells

Stepwells are the hallmark of India’s architectural brilliance. The simple, utilitarian wells have been taken to another level so that they become architectural master pieces. Most of the stepwells in India are found in the western states like Gujarat, Rajasthan, some part of North Karnataka and Delhi. They are known by different names. In Gujarati they are known as ‘vav’ or ‘vavdi’, where as in Rajasthan they are called Baori or Bawdi. In Karnataka, they are known as Pushkarini.

Department of Posts is bringing 16 stamps on Stepwells of different parts of the country to commemorate the architectural heritage of India.

1. Chand Baori, Abhaneri:

This is an enormous stepwell located in the Abhaneri village of Rajasthan. It is believed to be built between AD 800 and 900. There are many balconies of Pavilion around the Chand Baori, and also the reminescent of a temple on it. Chand Baori stepwell consists of 3,500 narrow steps over 13 storeys.

2. Raniji Ki Baori, Bundi:

Raniji Ki Baori, also “Queen’s stepwell” is a noted stepwell situated in Bundi town in Rajasthan state in India. It was built in 1699 by Rani Nathavati Ji who was the younger queen of the ruling Rao Raja Anirudh Singh of Bundi. It is a 46 m deep stepwell with some superb carvings on its pillars and a high arched gate. The stepwell is multistoreyed and has places of worship on each floor. The stepwell has a narrow entrance marked by four pillars. Stone elephant statues that face each other stand in the corners.

3. Nagar Sagar Kund, Bundi:

The Nagar Sagar twin stepwells are identical stepwells crafted in pristine masonry next to each other quite close to Chogan Gate in the centre of Bundi. The stepwells were originally called Janana Sagar and Ganga Sagar – but are now jointly named as Nagar Sagar Kund. The stepwells were constructed by Maharani Chandrabhanu Kumari between 1871 and 1875 during the reign of Maharao Raja Ram Singh.

4. Neemrana Stepwell, Alwar:

The Neemrana stepwell in Alwar district of Rajasthan was constructed in 18th Century and it is as deep as 9 storey building. In the arid planes of Rajasthan, finding ground water was more difficult than finding gold. The stepwell is tribute for famine relief by the local Rajas.

5. Toor Ji Ka Jhalra, Jodhpur:

Toor Ji Ka Jhalra was built in 1740s by Maharaja Abhay Singh’s Queen Consort in keeping with the old age tradition of ladies of the Royal family building public water-works. Submerged in stagnant water for decades, its recent drainage, clean-up and restoration has uncovered over 200 feet of hand-carved treasures in Jodhpur’s famous red stone sandstones – including intricate carvings of dancing elephants, medieval Lions and Cow-shaped water spouts and water deities.

6. Panna Mian Ki Baori, Jaipur:

The Panna Mian Ki Baori is located near the fort in the ancient city of Amber. Situated in Rajasthan, the stepwell is known as “Panna Mian Ki Baori”, the beautiful stepwell with five diminishing stages was found during an excavation in 2018. It is notable for the octagonal structure and more symmetrical balance. The stepwell is perfectly geometrical, devoid of any elaborate carvings.

7. Pushkarini Stepwell, Hampi:

Pushkarini Stepwell was built during the Vijayanagara period in the Bellur district in Karnataka, the stepwells are known as “Pushkarini”. This is a hidden stepwell with five diminishing stages was found during an excavation in 1980. It is notable for the octagonal structure and more symmetrical balance. The stepwell is perfectly geometrical, devoid of any elaborate carvings.

8. Muskin Bhavi Stepwell, Lakkundi:

Muskin Bhavi Stepwell is situated in Lakkundi, a tiny town located near Hubballi city in Karnataka. Lakkundi Bhavi is a deep stepwell near the temple of Nanneshwara Temple. Nanneshwara is served by stone channel to the stepwell. The stepwell is of “U” shape. This stepwell is believed to be from 12th century A.D. and is the most beautiful stepwell in Karnataka.

9. Rani ki Vav, Patan:

Rani ki Vav (Queen’s stepwell) is situated at the town of Patan in Gujarat. This intricate stepwell was built around 1050AD by the Queen Udayamati in memory of her husband Bhimdev I of Solanki dynasty. It is 27m deep well with an intricate construction and beautiful carvings. Being one of the finest stepwells in India, this Stepwell is constructed in Maru-Gurjara architectural style. It is recognized by UNESCO as a World Heritage site.

10. Dada Harir Stepwell, Ahmedabad:

Dada Harir stepwell is an enormous stepwell constructed in 1485, by a woman named Dada Harir. She was a dependent of Sultan Mehmud Begada of Muzaffarid dynasty. This stepwell is built in the Solanki architectural style. From the top, it looks like an octagon and has five floors. The galleries around the edge are adorned with beautiful carvings and there are steps leading into the bottom of the well.

11. Adalaj Stepwell, Adalaj:

This stepwell is one of the most intricately carved stepwells from Gujarat. It was made in 15th century by the Sultan Mehmud Begada of Muzaffarid dynasty. It is a unique water building situated in the village of Adalaj near Ahmedabad.

12. Surya Kund, Modhera:

This beautiful stepwell is situated near the Sun temple complex in Modhera which is a small city located in the Mehsana district of Gujarat. The temple is quite ancient, built during 1026-27 AD by the King Bhimdev of Solanki dynasty. It is a large rectangular stepped water tank known as finest example of geometry. Leading to the stepwell, there is a beautifully carved oxhead gargoyle known as “Kirti-Torana”.

13. Shahi Baori, Lucknow:

Shahi Baori was built by fourth Nawab of Awadh. When the Bara Imambara was constructed, it was a necessity to store the water. It was around this large water storage that the Shahi Baori was built by Nawab Asaf-ud-Daula. The front of the Shahi Baori was specially designed by an expert designer from Delhi.

14. Chaus Ali Shah Baori, Farrukh Nagar:

Chaus Ali Shah Baori, a sandhupped stepwell located in Farrukh Nagar close to Gurgaon, Haryana, it was built by a local ruler named Ghaus Ali Shah under the patronage of Mughal King Farrukhsiyar. It was built during the 18th Century. This stepwell is built out of stone, lime and bricks. The water tank in the centre is surrounded by a verandah with well-framed arches on all sides.

15. Agrasen Ki Baori, Delhi:

Agrasen ki Baori (also known as Ugrasen ki Baori), designated as a protected monument by the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) under The Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Sites and Remains Act of 1958, is a 60-meter long and 15-meter wide historical stepwell on Hailey Road near Connaught Place, Jantar Mantar in New Delhi. It is believed that it was originally built by the legendary King Agrasen, and rebuilt in the 14th Century by the Agrawal community which traces its origin to Maharaja Agrasen. This stepwell is built in 3 levels of 103 steps made of red stone and each level has arched rooms on both sides.

16. Rajon Ki Baori, Delhi

This ancient stepwell complex is located in the Mehrauli Archaeological Park in Delhi. It is believed to be built in 1506 AD, and was under the patronage of Sikandar Lodi. Its name Rajon Ki Baori, as it was used by the royal masons or Raj Mistries. All three sides of this stepwell are covered with enclosed arched recesses. This stepwell has four diminishing levels.