Rajaon ki baoli or step wells of Meharauli
WildFilmsIndia
2014-08-13
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Baolis or step-wells are simple yet ingenious systems of building wells below the ground level, with a series of steps for people to walk down and fetch water. It was a popular congregation spot for the Maharanis and women of the royal, a hot spot for local gossip. A baoli or step-well consists of two parts: a vertical shaft from which water is drawn and the surrounding inclined subterranean passageways, chambers and steps which provide access to the well. The galleries and chambers surrounding these wells were often carved profusely with elaborate detail, and became cool, quiet retreats during the hot summers.
Traditional step well systems that are indigenous to this region, the earliest baolis are set to predate even the Delhi-sultanate period. Rajaon ki Baoli in Mehrauli Park is one such baolis amongst the 26 found in Delhi. The Rajaon Ki Baoli in Mehrauli boasts of a grandiose layout created through an impressive feat of engineering wherein the dreaded loo (hot wind) was converted to cool air through intricate cooling systems. This magnificent three-storeyed stepwell is believed to have been built by Daulat Khan during the reign of Sikandar Lodi in 1516. The baoli was used by masons for some time. Hence, it got its name as Rajon Ki Baoli. The baoli is one of the highlights of Mehrauli Archaeological Park and a favourite with every visitor. Perhaps it is to do with manner in which it is revealed to the eye: the entire structure is subterranean, so as one approaches the entrance, one can only see the top-most storey. And each level of the baoli slowly reveals itself to the visitor as one walks towards its steps. The baoli-complex has a 12-pillared tomb and a mosque with some pretty plaster decoration on it. Some baolis found across in Delhi are the Firoze Shah Kotla Baoli, Agrasen Ki Baoli, Rajaon Ki Baoli and Ghandak Ki Baoli among others.
Mehrauli lies on the Aravallis in the Delhi region where Centuries ago, this landscape was filled with natural streams and rocky landscape perfect for habitation. There is evidence of prehistoric settlements. The neighbourhood of Mehrauli is located on the southern part of Delhi on the Aravallis and this is where the first cities of Delhi came up. The Mehrauli area is considered to be the oldest continuously inhabited area of the city (since AD 1060). A large number of unnamed tombs, ruined structures dot the park.
According to a write-up by Alokparna Das in The Indian Express:
Tourists almost always miss these two medieval stepwells, which once served as cool retreats in Delhi's scorching summer but now lie dried up
Its name suggests a strong smell of sulphur. But as one approaches Gandhak ki baoli from Mehrauli bus depot and past Adham Khan's tomb, the only strong smell one gets is that of freshly baked tandoori rotis from the adjacent Pehelwan Dhaba. The stepwell built by 13th-century Slave dynasty ruler Iltutmish is, in all probability, Delhi's oldest surviving baoli. Simple in its design, with slim pillars and narrow walkways at each of its five tiers that lead to the well and back, it has no trace of water. Local residents, however, say that till some years ago, this was also known as the 'diving well'.
Ironically, the baoli is hardly 250 metres away from South district's water emergency service station. The structure, though not dilapidated, does need repair and conservation, and, most importantly, a prominent signage. Located at walking distance from the Qutab Minar and on the road that leads to the dargah of Qutbuddin Bakhtiar Kaki and Gurdwara Banda Bahadur, it's definitely due to lack of awareness that tourists skip this medieval monument.
Behind Gandhak ki baoli is yet another stepwellÂbigger and much more ornate. The 16th-century Rajon ki baoli is so named because it was meant to be used by the rajmistries or masons. Located at one end of the Archaeological Park, the greenery and solitude gives the stepwell and the adjoining 12-pillared mosque a perfect ambience. The inscription on the mosque says that these monuments were built by Daulat Khan in 1506 during the reign of Sikandar Lodhi. Obviously, Daulat Khan had built this stepwell keeping in mind the welfare of local people and the mosque for his own spiritual well-being.
This footage is part of the professionally-shot broadcast stock footage archive of Wilderness Films India Ltd., the largest collection of imagery from South Asia. The Wilderness Films India collection comprises of thousands of hours of high quality broadcast imagery, mostly shot on HDCAM 1080i High Definition, HDV and XDCAM. Write to us for licensing this footage on a broadcast format, for use in your production! We are happy to be commissioned to film for you or else provide you with broadcast crewing and production solutions across South Asia. We pride ourselves in bringing the best of India and South Asia to the world... Reach us at wfi @ vsnl.com and [email protected]
Traditional step well systems that are indigenous to this region, the earliest baolis are set to predate even the Delhi-sultanate period. Rajaon ki Baoli in Mehrauli Park is one such baolis amongst the 26 found in Delhi. The Rajaon Ki Baoli in Mehrauli boasts of a grandiose layout created through an impressive feat of engineering wherein the dreaded loo (hot wind) was converted to cool air through intricate cooling systems. This magnificent three-storeyed stepwell is believed to have been built by Daulat Khan during the reign of Sikandar Lodi in 1516. The baoli was used by masons for some time. Hence, it got its name as Rajon Ki Baoli. The baoli is one of the highlights of Mehrauli Archaeological Park and a favourite with every visitor. Perhaps it is to do with manner in which it is revealed to the eye: the entire structure is subterranean, so as one approaches the entrance, one can only see the top-most storey. And each level of the baoli slowly reveals itself to the visitor as one walks towards its steps. The baoli-complex has a 12-pillared tomb and a mosque with some pretty plaster decoration on it. Some baolis found across in Delhi are the Firoze Shah Kotla Baoli, Agrasen Ki Baoli, Rajaon Ki Baoli and Ghandak Ki Baoli among others.
Mehrauli lies on the Aravallis in the Delhi region where Centuries ago, this landscape was filled with natural streams and rocky landscape perfect for habitation. There is evidence of prehistoric settlements. The neighbourhood of Mehrauli is located on the southern part of Delhi on the Aravallis and this is where the first cities of Delhi came up. The Mehrauli area is considered to be the oldest continuously inhabited area of the city (since AD 1060). A large number of unnamed tombs, ruined structures dot the park.
According to a write-up by Alokparna Das in The Indian Express:
Tourists almost always miss these two medieval stepwells, which once served as cool retreats in Delhi's scorching summer but now lie dried up
Its name suggests a strong smell of sulphur. But as one approaches Gandhak ki baoli from Mehrauli bus depot and past Adham Khan's tomb, the only strong smell one gets is that of freshly baked tandoori rotis from the adjacent Pehelwan Dhaba. The stepwell built by 13th-century Slave dynasty ruler Iltutmish is, in all probability, Delhi's oldest surviving baoli. Simple in its design, with slim pillars and narrow walkways at each of its five tiers that lead to the well and back, it has no trace of water. Local residents, however, say that till some years ago, this was also known as the 'diving well'.
Ironically, the baoli is hardly 250 metres away from South district's water emergency service station. The structure, though not dilapidated, does need repair and conservation, and, most importantly, a prominent signage. Located at walking distance from the Qutab Minar and on the road that leads to the dargah of Qutbuddin Bakhtiar Kaki and Gurdwara Banda Bahadur, it's definitely due to lack of awareness that tourists skip this medieval monument.
Behind Gandhak ki baoli is yet another stepwellÂbigger and much more ornate. The 16th-century Rajon ki baoli is so named because it was meant to be used by the rajmistries or masons. Located at one end of the Archaeological Park, the greenery and solitude gives the stepwell and the adjoining 12-pillared mosque a perfect ambience. The inscription on the mosque says that these monuments were built by Daulat Khan in 1506 during the reign of Sikandar Lodhi. Obviously, Daulat Khan had built this stepwell keeping in mind the welfare of local people and the mosque for his own spiritual well-being.
This footage is part of the professionally-shot broadcast stock footage archive of Wilderness Films India Ltd., the largest collection of imagery from South Asia. The Wilderness Films India collection comprises of thousands of hours of high quality broadcast imagery, mostly shot on HDCAM 1080i High Definition, HDV and XDCAM. Write to us for licensing this footage on a broadcast format, for use in your production! We are happy to be commissioned to film for you or else provide you with broadcast crewing and production solutions across South Asia. We pride ourselves in bringing the best of India and South Asia to the world... Reach us at wfi @ vsnl.com and [email protected]
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