Priyanshi Pareek reports on the Chand Baori stepwell..
Chand Baori, one of the oldest and most popular attraction of Rajasthan
Chand Baori is a stepwell situated in the village of Abhaneri, Rajasthan. Rajasthan being a dry state, construction of stepwell is common here to preserve water. It is about 64 feet deep and is India’s largest and deepest stepwells with 13 floors. Many tourists come here to see chand baori. In fact, it is that spot which attracts foreign tourists more than domestic tourists.
History
Chand Baori is said to be built by Chanda King of Nikumbh Dynasty in the 8th-9th century. According to Morna Livingston in Steps to Water: The Ancient Stepwells of India, Chand Baori is one of the few stepwells that has “two classical periods of water building in a single setting”.
Near the Boari there is a beautifully sculptured, Harshat Mata Temple, which was built between 7th-8th century. The temple was destroyed by Ghazni. Today, there are some sculptures and carvings which are said to be in the temple or various rooms.
These stepwells, including Chand Baori, play a significant role in religious and ceremonial activities.
Architecture
Chand Baori is a deep four-sided well with a large temple located in the back side. On three sides, it has 3500 steps and a massive tank at the bottom. This baori has been constructed in an upside-down pyramid-style.
It has the sculptures of lord Ganesha and has an image of Mahishasuramardini. The Ganesha is crowned with chaitya having a female dancer. There are many other dancing figures and attendants carved around this structure. On the upper section, carvings depicting Uma-Maheshwara and Simhavahini Durga can be seen.