Step into History: Hidden Baolis of Delhi
Long before the modern world woke up to the perils of depleting freshwater, our ancestors had already realized the importance of conservation and built ‘Baolis’ — for the hermits, the term ‘Baoli’ refers to man-made reservoir or water tanks that served as community water sources.
While baolis can be found throughout India, they’re particularly prominent in the dry northwestern regions like Gujarat and Rajasthan. These ingenious stepwells feature a series of steps that descend towards the water source, making it accessible even during dry periods when water levels recede.
more than just water sources, baolis were social hubs. Often located near temples and mosques, they facilitated religious rituals and provided designated areas for bathing and washing before prayer.
Of the many built, some baolis continue to survive in modern-day Delhi. Listed below are some of the hidden baolis of Delhi, take a look!
1. Anangtal Baoli
Nestled in Mehrauli — the Anangtal Baoli, dating back to the 10th century AD, was built by Tomar Dynasty Ruler, Anangpal II, the great-grandfather of the king Prithviraj Chauhanis. While its primary purpose was to provide water, the baoli likely played a more social role as well. The women of the royal family hosted an annual charity event at the baoli. Anangtal Baoli is a single-stage stepwell. While it may not boast the elaborate, multi-storied architecture typical of other baolis, its age and historical significance make it a treasure trove waiting to be explored.
Time hasn’t been kind to Anangtal Baoli. Once a bustling community hub, it now finds itself amidst a forest, sadly transformed into a local dumping ground. Sewage flowing into the structure further highlights its neglected state. Despite supposed care by the Delhi Development Authority (DDA), the Delhi High Court mandated the Yogmaya Mandir Welfare and Management Society to take over due to the DDA’s neglect. In June, 2022, the Delhi administration directed officials to redevelop the Baoli.
Where | Near Jogmaya Temple, Mehrauli
2. Gandhak ki Baoli
Once renowned for its restorative powers, the water in Mehrauli’s 800-year-old Gandhak ki Baoli now lies stagnant, a breeding ground for mosquitoes.
This largest baoli in the city was commissioned back in the 13th century by Sultan Iltutmish for Sufi saint Qutubbudin Bakhtiyar Kaki. Gandhak ki Baoli is a massive structure with 105 big stone steps leading to the water bed. The water in the well is rich in sulphur, thus the name Gandhak, and is known to heal skin diseases. Arcaded verandahs with rooms were constructed on the upper storey which was used by travellers during their visits to the city. Often locals can be seen dipping into the water despite the algae, garbage and mosquitos.
The site comes under the purview of the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) but lacks proper maintenance. Over the years, as silt accumulated, attempts was made to revive it by the ASI in 2004–05. The water was recharged, but it needed more cleaning, as it was not safe to drink. No arrangements were made to use the water though, leading to stagnancy.
Where | Lado Sarai, Mehrauli
3. Hazrat Nizamuddin ki Baoli
The baoli in the vicinity of Dargah Hazrat Nizamuddin Auliya is considered sacred since it was built under the supervision of the saint himself in 1321–22. It is surrounded by walls on three sides with steps leading to the water on the fourth. In July 2008, a section of the baoli collapsed, prompting scientific analysis and restoration efforts. For the first time in history, the Baoli was desilted to its original depth of 80 feet below ground level. Hazrat Nizamuddin Dargah Baoli was restored through a public-private partnership between the Archeological Survey of India (ASI) and the Aga Khan Trust for Culture.
For over seven centuries, this stepped well has quenched the thirst of millions and continues to do so even today. This is one of the few remaining baolis which despite its long history, actually has an active underground spring.
Where | Nizamuddin West
4. Rajon ki Baoli
It was built in the 16th century by Daulat Khan, a Governor during the rule of Sikander Lodi of the Lodhi dynasty. Located within the Mehrauli Archaeological Park, about 400 m away from the Gandhak ki Baoli, this is a three-storeyed step-well built during the Lodi period. The name of Rajon ki Baoli is derived from its functionality as the baoli (step-well) was used by masons (raj) for some time. The water in the baoli was meant for cooking and drinking purposes.
The ASI protected stepwell has the appearance of a courtyard with many rooms on each floor which provided a cool shelter to travelers. With each step you take farther in, there are more verandahs at each level; each succeeding underground level is a lot cooler than the previous one. The well at the bottom which was used to ventilate the various study rooms in the summer, whilst providing water the rest of the year is now a rancid green and much more of its grandeur sadly lost.
Where | Mehrauli Archeological Park Trail
5. Feroz Shah Kotla Baoli
This 14th century construction was the heart of the city of Ferozabad, built by Feroz Shah Tughlaq. It is the only circular baoli in Delhi. The baoli of Feroz Shah Kotla measures 33 metres in diameter on the outside, and the water tank is around 9 metres. Area wise, this makes it the largest baoli in Delhi.
What adds to the uniqueness of this baoli is the fact that it is not like most other baolis of Delhi, where the well is separated from the tank by a wall. One can catch a view of the baoli by climbing the Pyramid of Cells that houses the Ashokan Pillar because the baoli is off limits to the public due to some past accidents where visitors fell in. A high fence encircles the entire well, and permission is required from the ASI office at the main gate of the citadel to obtain a closer look.
Where | Feroz Shah Kotla Fort,Vikram Nagar
6. Hindu Rao Baoli
What was built by Firuz Shah Tughlaq in 1351 AD probably as a part of his hunting palace called ‘Kushk-i-Shikar’ now sits next to an eye-sore in the name of heritage — swamped with muck and dried leaves. The baoli next to Pir Ghaib, the ancient place of ritual bathing, is not only hidden between residential complexes and the Hindu Rao hospital, but it is also serving as a makeshift washroom for people passing by. The walls of the baoli are made of random rubble masonry, mostly covered with vegetation now. This was the only source of water for the British officers and soldiers during the revolt of 1857.The Hindu Rao Baoli is a protected site under the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI). This Baoli, despite restoration attempts in 2014, 2017, and 2022, remains in a state of disrepair.
Where | Near Hindu Rao hospital
7. Lal Qila Baoli
Many of the baolis are now in a dilapidated state and the Lal Qila Baoli is one of them. What is interesting here is that this baoli apparently predates the Red Fort itself. It is believed to have been built during the Lodhi era, sometime in the 14th century. The Lal Qila and assorted buildings came up only in the 17th century. This generation gap is probably the reason why it is detached from the dazzle of the rest of the Fort complex bustling with tourists and shoppers.
The Baoli is distinctive because of its unique design. The main well is somewhat octagonal with multiple stories and two flights of stairs. There is still water there but it looks dark and decrepit considering ages of stagnation and lack of usage.
When the Red Fort was eventually built, Emperor Shah Jahan reportedly repaired the baoli according to his preferences and needs. According to some speculations, the upper chambers were even used as prisons during the later centuries. When the British were in India, Gurbaksh Singh, Shah Nawaz Khan, and Prem Kumar Sehgal, who were associates of Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose, were imprisoned in this baoli. The British also made some changes, such as filling in several small arches with bricks, installing bars, and adding a toilet.
After Independence, the baoli kept changing hands and eventually was given to the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI). But even after that, its fortunes did not really improve and it was mostly used as a dumping ground. Still, it survives but is off limits for the general public in order to preserve it, you can still take a look inside if the guard allows you.
Behind the bungalows and high-rise apartment complex, these archaeological treasures reveal themselves only to the determined seeker. The philosophy earlier was simple: if you take, you must put back. therefore, whenever they sank new wells, they also built new tanks, and it is imperative for us to draw wisdom from this.
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References
1.https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com
2.https://artsandculture.google.com/story/baolis-of-delhi
