In the small Indian city of Abaneri, which is almost a hundred kilometers from Jaipur in the state of Rajasthan, there is a well that is very unusual from the point of view of ordinary Europeans. Its depth is more than 30 meters, and in order to descend to its very bottom, it will be necessary to overcome 91 steps. This is one of the deepest wells not only in India, but in the whole world. But who built this ancient architectural structure is a mystery.
According to the official version, Chand Baori was built between the 9th and 11th centuries. Other researchers believe that the well appeared a little earlier: around the 8th - 9th century. It was built by King Chanda of the Nikumba dynasty, who decided to provide his subjects with drinking water for long periods of drought. Indeed, in India, due to the specific climate, first there are heavy tropical rains for three months, and then dry weather sets in for six months.
However, there is another version about the appearance of this amazing well, which is more like a local legend. According to her, Chand Baori appeared much earlier - long before the onset of our era. And it was built in just one day. Well, the builders were, of course, demons. And, by the way, almost all residents of Abaneri believe in this legend.
The well at the top is in the shape of a square, which tapers downward. Thus, the reservoir is shaped like a truncated inverted pyramid. The three walls of this structure consist of many steps, the total number of which is 3500. These steps have almost no fences. Therefore, there used to be many cases when someone who wanted to freshen up in the summer heat fell into the well. Even now, tourists are very reluctant to be admitted to the steps. Especially it is not advised to descend during the rains, when the steps become wet and slippery.
A separate story with water, for which, in fact, this monumental well was built. The water was really collecting here. Only in its drinking qualities, even in those distant times, one can doubt. Firstly, it was not cleaned at all, and under the hot Indian sun, naturally, bacteria multiplied very quickly there. Secondly, among the pilgrims there is a firm conviction that you can enter the local temple only after washing your hands and feet in the water of the well. But for the local population, it was considered drinking. Therefore, outbreaks of infectious diseases constantly occurred in the city, which also spread further throughout India. Unsurprisingly, in the 19th century, the British imposed a ban on drinking water from Chand Baori.
Promotional video:
In one of the walls of the well there is a temple, to which pilgrims have come to perform religious rituals since ancient times. In general, people came here not only to get drinking water: they prayed, meditated, asked the gods to fulfill their desires. This is evidenced by the paintings on the walls of the well, which depict various religious subjects.
In general, there are several such stepped wells in India. But, surprisingly, few of the travelers who go around Indian attractions visit these unique reservoirs. But they represent a separate category of ancient architecture. And each well has its own unique shape.