Step Well in Rajasthan

This Step Well in Rajasthan is 13 stories deep and keeps the water 5-6 degrees cooler than water at the surface

The Chand Baori step well in Abhaneri village in eastern Rajasthan, India is over 1000 years old. It is one of the oldest step wells in India and also one of the biggest in the world.

Looking at it, the first thing that comes to mind is certainly not ‘well’. This incredibly beautiful structure is thirteen stories deep. What lend to its aesthetic beauty are the 3500 narrow steps arranged in a perfectly symmetrical pattern descending down into the well. They line it on three sides and were used to climb down into the well to fetch water. The fourth side has a set of pavilions. niches with beautiful sculptures and religious carvings.

The well was built during the 8th and 9th century by King Chanda of Nikumbha Dynasty and supplied the surrounding areas with water for many centuries, until modern systems were introduced. The air at the bottom of the steps is about 5-6 degrees cooler than at the top.

The well’s geometric complexity of stairs and steps made it possible for the people in the area to have access to the water at all times. Step wells are unique to India. They are much larger than common wells and are of great architectural significance.