Recent photographs of forgotten Lodi era baoli (stepwell) which was discovered in 2011 at Dwarka Subcity, South-West District of Delhi where currently excavation and restoration work is going on. While south and central Delhi are dotted with historical monuments and ancient structures, a little known and largely undiscovered ancient baoli (stepwell) in Dwarkas sector 12 area could soon become the pride of southwest Delhi. Hidden from view by a large group of trees and almost completely covered by vegetation and undergrowth, a little-known baoli located on the main road dividing Sector-4 and Sector-12,on a vacant plot in a barren stretch of land, between Dwarka International School and a residential society, is one of the few stepwells that has survived the ravages of time despite getting little to no attention from conservation societies or the state government. Experts say this baoli dates back to the Lodi era with its prominent arches, but very little else is known about the structure. The depth of the baoli also remains unclear as it has filled up with muck and vegetation over the years. But one can easily see the opening of the baoli, some steps leading inside it as well as the rubble masonry used in its construction. Historians say that while there were over a hundred baolis in Delhi towards the start of the 20th century, today only about 10-15 of them have survived urbanization. Many baolis were lost or filled in completely due to the pressures of development and large scale construction. Apart from the biggers baolis like Ugrasen ki baoli or Rajon ki baoli etc, there were many smaller baolis from the Lodi and Mughal times that were used extensively as a source of water by locals. Unfortunately, only a fraction of them have survived. The surviving baoli in Dwarka has been hemmed in by construction on one side but conservationists say it is still salvageable and should be taken up for protection and conservation on priority basis by the government or Archaeological Survey of India (ASI). Although the area is heavily populated, very few residents of Dwarka would even know about the existence of this baoli or its historical significance. Experts point out that with its location being next to a school, this would be a good opportunity for students to get a first-hand look at one of Delhis forgotten monuments. While the baoli is one of the few monuments that does not find mention in INTACHs list, it figures in the 1910 listing of Zafar Hasan. The Zafar Hasan listing mentions the existence of the baoli in village Loharehri and highlights that the monument is a one-of-its-kind structure as there is no evidence of any other structure in the area. After Dwarka started coming up as a prominent residential sub-city in the late 1980s, many of the old villages which existed in southwest Delhi disappeared as did their names. Right now, there is still hope we can salvage this baoli although it is in a very dilapidated and neglected state. The stepwell is filled in with earth but the 1910 listing states that it is not very deep and should have about 22 steps. It stands on a barren piece of land so access to it is easier. The government should take steps to acquire the structure and preserve it. The architecture is typical of the Lodi dynasty with a well located at one end of the baoli and strong arches near the steps, said a conservation architect.
Posted on: Tue, 26 Aug 2014 12:50:19 +0000
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