Chand Baori

Chand Baori, in the village of Abhaneri near Bandikui, Rajasthan.
Abhaneri, located in the Dausa district of Rajasthan, is a baori or a step-well traditionally used to conserve and store water and for public baths.

Chand Baori is a stepwell situated in the village of Abhaneri in the Indian state of Rajasthan.

Overview

Abhaneri is a village in the Dausa district of Rajasthan state in India. It is situated at a distance of 95 km from Jaipur, on the Jaipur-Agra road.

Abhaneri was originally named Abha Nagri, which means "city of brightness," but due to mispronunciation, the name was changed. The city is now in ruins, but it attracts tourists from across the globe. It is located opposite Harshat Mata Temple and was constructed in AD 800.[1][2] Chand Baori consists of 3,500 narrow steps over 13 stories. It extends approximately 30 m (100 ft) into the ground making it one of the deepest and largest stepwells in India.

History

Chand Baori is one of the oldest and most attractive landmarks in Rajasthan.[3] It was built by King Chanda of the Nikumbh dynasty between 800 CE and 900 CE,[3] and was dedicated to Hashat Mata, Goddess of Joy and Happiness upon completion.[4]

The state of Rajasthan is extremely arid, and the design and final structure of Chand Baori was intended to conserve as much water as possible. At the bottom of the well, the air remains 5-6 degrees cooler than at the surface, and Chand Baori was used as a community gathering place for locals during periods of intense heat.[4] One side of the well has a pavilion and resting room for the royals.[5]

In media

Chand Baori has been used as a filming location for a number of films such as Bhoomi, The Fall, Bhool Bhulaiyaa,The Dark Knight Rises, and The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel.

References

  1. Livingston, Morna (2002). Steps to Water: The Ancient Stepwells of India. Princeton Architectural Press. ISBN 1568983247. Retrieved 2012-01-07.
  2. panther pink?. "Chand Baori, Abhaneri, Rajasthan". Flickr. Retrieved 2012-01-07.
  3. 1 2 http://www.amusingplanet.com/2012/10/chand-baori-step-well-in-rajasthan-india.html
  4. 1 2 http://www.atlasobscura.com/places/ancient-stepwells-india
  5. http://netdost.com/profiles/blogs/chand-baori-rajasthan-beautiful-step-well-architecture

Coordinates: 27°00′26″N 76°36′24″E / 27.0072°N 76.6068°E / 27.0072; 76.6068

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