The Amazing Indian Step-Well!

The Amazing Indian Step-Well!

Step-Wells are wells or ponds in which the water may be reached by descending a set of steps.  Chand Baori is a famous step well situated in the village of Abhaneri near Jaipur in the Indian state of Rajasthan. It is located opposite Harshat Mata Temple and was constructed in 800 c. Its 3500 narrow steps in 13 stories extend 100 feet into the ground, making it one of the deepest (and largest) step wells in India.It has served as a location for films such as The Fall and The Dark Knight Rises.

They may be covered and protected and are often of architectural significance. They also may be multi-storied having a bullock which turns the water wheel ("rehat") to raise the water in the well to the first or second floor.

They are most common in western India. They may be also found in the other more arid regions of the subcontinent, extending into Pakistan.

The construction may be utilitarian, but sometimes includes significant architectural embellishments.

In addition, they also serve as religious, spiritual and even social locations, and many ceremonis and large social gatherings may take place there.