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Abhaneri Stepwell, Jaipur Overview

Located at an approximate distance of 20 km from Jaipur, Abhaneri Stepwell is one of the most intricate pieces of architecture in Rajasthan, India. Also, known as Chand Baori, the Stepwell is one of the largest stepwells in the entirety of Rajasthan. When it was built, the well not only helped the villagers and the tradesmen to draw water in the time of thirst but also conserved groundwater.

Stepwells are very common structures that you will see in Rajasthan because of the State’s arid climate and scarcity of water. Dedicated to Harshat Mata, the deity of Happiness and Joy, the Chand Baori or the Abhaneri Stepwell is not only one of the grand constructions of Rajasthan, but also a beautiful one. The most stunning factor about these massive structures is that they have remained intact for more than 10 centuries.

History of the Stepwell

The Chand Baori Stepwell, also known as the Abhaneri Step Well for its location in the village of Abhaneri in Rajasthan, was built over a thousand years ago. The stepwell is believed to be constructed by King Chanda near 9th Century AD. The King was a ruler from the Gujara Pratihara clan of the Pratihara Dynasty, who ruled at their peak between 6th Century and 10th Century AD. King Chanda built this step well to eliminate the problem of water scarcity in his Kingdom.

The step well or the baori was once attached to the Harshat Mata temple, where there used to be a ritual to wash hands and feet at the well before visiting the temple. The temple was razed during the 10th century, but its remains still boast architectural and sculptural styles of ancient India. Later when the Mughals arrived, they added some galleries and a compound wall around the well. Today, it houses the remains of exquisite carvings, which were either in the temple or in the various rooms of the baoli itself.

Architecture of the Stepwell

The Geometry of Abhaneri Step Well is mesmerizing. That is why it is frequented by both Indian and foreign tourists. Today, the Abhaneri Step well has lost its usage as water supplying well, but its architecture will surely cast a magical spell on you.

The Step Well is deep with 3,500 steps going down to nearly 20 meters to the base and the initial depth (with the water bed at a depth of 64 meters). It has 13 floors in between and has been provided with double flights of steps on each of its ten landings on the three sides. The baori or the stepwell is also protected by a high raised wall. The stairs of the stepwell encircle the water on the three sides while the fourth side boasts of a pavilion with three storeys with beautifully carved jharokhas, galleries supported on pillars and two projecting balconies which have some beautifully carved out sculptures.

How To Reach Abhaneri Stepwell

The capital of Rajasthan, Jaipur, is nearly at a 100 kilometers away from the Abhaneri step well. You will have to book a car or a taxi from the travel agents in order to visit the place. Bandikui is the nearest town to the Abhaneri Step Well, at a distance of not more than 7 kilometers. If you are visiting Sariska National Park, which is more than 80 kilometers away, then also you can come here by road as it is connected by the State Highway 25. You have to come to Sikandra from Jaipur and take a jeep or taxi to Abhaneri which may cost you around 250 rupees for a round trip.