Narayan Das Khare Ki Baoli

Location

Most visitors to Orchha wouldn't know about this place - nor would most of the locals. I stumbled on this place in the thesis Building Traditions In Bundelkhand.

The entire structure is made of bricks and circular in plan. The upper part possesses stone facing to strengthen fringe of the structure. The arched entrance of well-monument exists in the north. In the south a brick pillar from the base upto the mouth of well was constructed. The water was lifted from here and probably used for drinking and irrigation. Lateral stairs start just below the arched entrance. These stairs with one kut go upto the pillar in the south which are sixteen in numbers and the size of each stair is .55X.75 mt. Then stairs of second story start in opposite direction which are fourteen in size of the same size. They start from the south and reach at the water level. The diameter of well is 7.75 mts. Undoubtedly it is a beautiful brick structure whose water was used for god and state officer.

- from the above mentioned thesis.

Really sad that such a beautiful and unique stepwell has been 'restored' (by the ASI?, MPT?) to look like any other well. Pics of the stepwell today and in 2011 below.

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