Delhi, despite being cradled by the Yamuna River, has historically grappled with water scarcity. The city’s medieval population, facing long, harsh summers exacerbated by the arid regions of Haryana and Rajasthan to the south and west, innovated various water conservation structures. Among these, the baolis, or step wells, stand out as remarkable feats of architecture and utility, designed to harvest and store water during the brief monsoon season for use throughout the year.
Baolis are characterized by deep, subterranean shafts accessed via wide staircases that descend to the water level. Opposite the staircase, a series of chambers and passages provided cool resting places for people. These structures not only served practical purposes—such as providing water for drinking, bathing, and irrigation—but also functioned as social hubs, offering respite from the intense heat.
Variations in baoli designs reflect the cultural influences of their patrons. For example, Islamic-era baolis are typically more austere, while Hindu-commissioned ones, like the Rani Ki Vav and Adalaj in Gujarat, are intricately detailed and often associated with religious practices. The grand Chand Baori in Rajasthan is another notable example, renowned for its sheer size and geometric precision. For those interested in seeing more examples of step-wells, click on this link to see all the examples I have thus far documented.
Right : Chand Baori in Rajasthan
Mehrauli, considered one of Delhi’s oldest inhabited regions, showcases a rich history of water conservation. The area’s natural rocky terrain is poor at retaining water, necessitating the construction of numerous baolis, dams, and reservoirs over centuries.
Constructed during the reign of Sultan Shamsuddin Iltutmish (AD 1296-1316) and considered the oldest such structure in Delhi, Gandhak ki Baoli is named after the sulphur-rich water it contains, believed to have therapeutic properties. According to legend, the baoli was swiftly commissioned by the Sultan upon learning that Hazrat Qutbuddin Bakhtiyar Kaki, a revered Sufi saint, lacked adequate water for bathing and ablutions, compelling him to remain unwashed. This gesture highlights the baoli’s importance not only as a practical water source but also as a site of spiritual and communal significance.
The structure of Gandhak ki Baoli is relatively simple, with five levels that narrow as they descend, a design choice likely intended to withstand increasing subterranean pressure. The baoli’s plain walls, constructed from rough rubble and stone, are devoid of the elaborate carvings seen in other baolis. The uppermost level features a rudimentary cloistered area supported by thin pillars reminiscent of those in the nearby Qutb complex.
Right : View of the well when dry in 2009
(Edited image credit : Varun Shiv Kapur, licensed under Creative Commons Attribution 2.0 Generic license via wikipedia)
Despite its historical and architectural value, Gandhak Ki Baoli faces significant challenges. The water, once a source of community activity, is now plagued by pollution and neglect, with blanket weed and rubbish marring its once-clear waters. In recent history, the baoli served as a recreational spot for local children, but this tradition has faded, reflecting broader neglect.
Urbanization pressures further threaten the baoli. The surrounding area, densely populated and encroached upon by unauthorized constructions, compromises the baoli’s integrity and heritage value. A large part of one wall collapsed in the 2003 monsoon but has since been repaired. Despite protective legislation, slums and commercial establishments have sprung up alarmingly close to the baoli. In 2014, the Delhi High Court reprimanded local authorities for failing to prevent these violations, yet the encroachment continues, underscoring a broader issue of heritage preservation amidst urban expansion.
Gandhak Ki Baoli, along with other baolis in Delhi, stands as a testament to the city’s historical ingenuity in water conservation and community architecture. However, the current neglect and encroachment threaten not only these structures but also the rich cultural heritage they represent. Preserving baolis like Gandhak Ki Baoli requires not only legal enforcement and urban planning but also a renewed public awareness of their historical and cultural significance. As Delhi continues to grow, balancing development with the preservation of its historical treasures will be crucial for maintaining the city’s unique identity.
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