Chand Baori
India is full of surprising places and beautiful structures built by ancient kings and emperors. One of the most stunning examples of magnificent architecture can be seen in Rajasthan where a step-well known as Chand Baori doesn’t fail to captivate onlookers. This step well that descends about a hundred feet from ground level is the deepest structure of its kind and was built as long back as the 9th century by King Chanda of Nikumbha Dynasty.
The characteristic feature of this well is the hundreds of double sided stairways that run all the way down till where the water can be reached. This unique geometric construction makes the well look extremely beautiful yet frightening at the same time. There are in total about 3,500 individual steps spread across 13 stories lining the insides of the well that will lead you to the green water at the base. The structure also has multiple canopies and ornate windows for people to enjoy this visual treat without actually stepping inside the well.
Water is very precious for the people of Rajasthan and this well enabled them to get to it with ease. It was also a gathering place for locals during times of intense summers or for community meeting in general as the air temperature near the base of the well is always 5 or 6 degrees cooler than the surface. This is one of the many advantages of a step well and the reason why the drier western regions of the country preferred to build them.
The well was built in honour of the Goddess of Joy and Happiness, Harshat Mata, and is located near a temple in a place called Abhaneri near Jaipur in the state of Rajasthan. This famous architectural marvel has attracted movie makers and glimpses of it can be seen in movies such as The Dark Knight Rises and The Fall.
