However, on the first website I looked upon I was awe-struck by this incredible structure. Situated in Abhaneri, Rajasthan, this 9th century step well is an incredible solution to a water shortage.
Legend tells us that the 100ft deep well was built in the space of one night by ghosts & that they designed their step well with some 3500 steps to prevent people from attempting to retrieve the coins from the base of the 13 storey well.
While the legend certainly holds much intrigue, the actual method of construction holds even greater appeal in my mind. This beautifully constructed well sits like an inverted pyramid in the landscape and is almost impossibly made even more spectacular by the inclusion of an ornately carved temple (built in honour of the Gods for protecting the sacred water source). It’s a fascinating thought to envision how it must have looked during its construction, the organisation for the massive excavation & just how they achieved an almost perfect symmetry.
Chand Baori is a perfect example of why historical Architecture fascinates me so much, its monumental proportions combine with delicately ornate decoration flawlessly to create a space that just overwhelms with emotion & intrigue.
In all of this great world I’m not sure if there are many spaces that could inspire quite as much as standing within Chand Baori. Who would have thought that there was a place that could make the humble wishing well so obsolete…
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