HomeArchitectureRaniji ki Baori, artistic step well (1699 AD), Rajasthan
Raniji ki Baori, artistic step well (1699 AD), Rajasthan
Navrang India January 19, 2016
Raniji Ki Baori - Bundi, Rajasthan..www.mouthshut.com
Step wells are deep wells or water storage tanks from which the water may be accessed through descending set of steps. Often referred to as Baoris in local language, they may be covered and protected and often exhibit an architectural geometric patterns. Such wells may have a ramp (for cattle to move down and up)) and water wheels (rehat) to gather water with the help of bullocks from deeper part to higher levels. Such wells are also irrigation tanks to manage erratic seasons and paucity of water in certain period. The eye-catching wells are commonly found in the desert state of Rajasthan, Western India where the temperature goes up way high during the summer season.
Rani Ji Ki Baori, Bundi, Hadoti Region, Rajasthan, India | by pavangupta.www.flickr.com
In Bundi Raniji ki Baori (step well), which is 46 meter deep, displays a remarkable architectural style. Also called "Queen's step well, it is a multi- storied structure with places of worship on each floor. It has a narrow entrance marked by four pillars with small carved stone images of elephants facing each other at four corners.. The steps leading down in the well are relatively wider.
Raniji ki Baori, built in 1699 by Rani Nathavati, the youngest queen of the ruling Rao Raja Anirudh Singh of Bundi is an ornate, stone carved deep step well of artistic beauty - a remarkable architectural style of the Rajputs. Rani Nathavati, it is believed, had built 21 wells at her initiative. This step well was built during the period of her son Maharao Raja Budh Singh who ruled Bundi from 1695 AD to 1729 AD. The step wells may be utilitarian, but many of them exhibit significant architectural embellishments.
Rani Ji Ki Baori, Bundi, Hadoti Region, Rajasthan, India | by pavangupta
Bundi is a small town in the Hadoti region of Rajasthan state in northwest India. It is known for well decorated forts, palaces, and step well reservoirs. It is the administrative headquarters of Bundi District. Baoris played an important role during medieval India, and they were counted as vital social structures and were sources of water in that region where village folks used to gather and collect water deep down in the well in the cool shadows of dry Rajasthan desert and indulge in village gossip and fun. In the olden days centuries ago in the medieval period in Rajasthan, there were many step wells in Bundi where people from near by places after a long walk in the hot sun came here to draw water. Accessing water in the step well was easier and after a brief break, women folks would resume their return journey back to their place. The advantage of step wells is in the deeper parts the structure the air is cooler and chances of water evaporation due to heat are greatly reduced. Such wells can be maintained easily.
In and around Bundi more than fifty baoris exist and are a marvel of craftsmanship
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Raniji_ki_Baori
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