A baoli is a reservoir to collect water and utilise ground water resources. In the many cities that existed before New Delhi, nobles and saints built countless stepwells or baolis to preserve water for cooking and drinking, and often to provide respite to travellers and vagrants. They were often attached to temples or mosques, and typically consisted of steps leading to a water tank at the bottom.
Of the many built, some baolis continue to survive in modern-day Delhi, while a few are still in use. Listed below are some of the existing baolis of Delhi, take a look!
1. Gandhak ki Baoli
Located in Mehrauli, this is one of the oldest Baolis of Delhi. The word ‘Gandhak’ means sulphur and refers to the sulphur-life smell of its water. The baoli was commissioned back in the 13th century by Sultan Iltutmish for Sufi saint Qutubbudin Bakhtiyar Kaki. It has five stages or floors and features ornate pillared passages.
2. Rajon ki Baoli
Also located in Mehrauli, Rajon ki Baoli gets its name from the masons (rajmistri) who utilised it for some time. It was built in the 16th century by Daulat Khan, a Governor during the rule of Sikander Lodi of the Lodhi dynasty. The stepwell has the appearance of a courtyard with many rooms on each floor which provided a cool shelter to travellers.
3. Agrasen ki Baoli
Legend traces the origin of this baoli to ancient king Agrasen (also knows as Ugrasen). It was rebuilt in the fourteenth century by the Agarwal community, which is believed to have descended from King Agrasen. The baoli forms a part of Lutyen’s Delhi in Connaught Place and is protected by the Archaeological Survey of India.
4. Nizamuddin 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. It is surrounded by walls on three sides with steps leading to the water on the fourth. It was earlier known as Chashma Dilkusha (heart uplifting spring) and its water is said to have curative properties.
5. Firoz Shah Kotla Baoli
Dating back to the fourteenth century, the stepwell at Firoz Shah Kotla stands apart due to its circular structure. It is restricted for public due to past accidents where visitors fell in it and is therefore encircled by a high fence. One can catch a view of the baoli by climbing the Pyramid of Cells that houses the Ashokan Pillar.
6. Purana Qila Baoli
One of the oldest baolis of Delhi, this one is an interesting example of medieval-era water management. Eighty-nine steps lead down to the stepwell, typically fed by rainwater. It lies near Sher Mandal in Purana Qila and is almost entirely made of quartzite stone. Although it is now closed to visitors, one can catch a glimpse of the stagnant water from behind the fence.
