Our India is home to diverse and unique structures. Even in the forts and palaces, even the wells have the signatures of India’s artists and thousands of hardworking people. These are places that every Indian should visit at least once in his lifetime.
Among them, the giant wells built centuries ago to combat the dry summers are a sight to behold. Among these, one structure praised by historians and travelers is the Chand Biori step well in Rajasthan. Located in Abhaneri village near Jaipur, this stepwell has a history of more than a thousand years. It is a reservoir that holds the glorious remnants of the glory days.
Chand Biori is a deep well with thirteen tiers of triangular steps. This well was built by Chand Raja Maharaja of the Gurjara-Pratihara dynasty between the 8th and 9th century to quench the thirst of the people of the country. The geometric pattern of this well is about 3500 steps and 19.5 meters deep, which is beyond comprehension for the modern generation. Steep triangular stairs are made to climb up and down only at an incline. This means that it is not possible to go straight up or down. This model has been adopted keeping in mind security.
There are steps on three sides of the well and three-story corridors on the fourth side. The sculptural beauty of 9th century India can be seen in the pillars of the corridors. Built before the Khajuraho Temples and the Taj Mahal, this well stands proudly even today. Even with new technologies, such constructions are difficult to complete. It goes without saying that such a beautiful structure was amazing at that time with the lack of technology. It shows the greatness of India’s manufacturing skills.