History underground: The forgotten Baolis or step-wells of Delhi!

A short film on the forgotten Baolis or step-wells of Old and New Delhi, India.
Nizamuddin Baoli:
Built in the 14th century by Hazrat Nizamuddin Auliya, this step well served as a water reservoir in olden days. Recently, after its 1st renovation in over 700 years it has become a popular hangout for the locals. Delhi houses numerous ancient structures including baolis or step-wells that are now a forgotten part of the city's urban sprawl. While Nizamuddin baoli still has some water in it the others have dried up or even vanished altogether. Those, which have survived the tides of time, are now waiting helplessly for restoration.
The popularity of the Nizamuddin baoli is also because of its proximity to the dargah bearing the same name. Although it is illegal and unsafe, many residents have built their houses sticking to the walls of the baoli. With air conditioners jutting out of worn-out walls it becomes more dangerous for the boys to jump in the pool.
Rajaon ki baoli:
Another magnificent baoli in the capital is the Rajaon ki baoli situated near Adam Khan's tomb in Mehrauli. Daulat Khan built this three-storied marvel in 1516 during the Lodhi reign; which showcases the brilliance of the ancient Indian architecture and engineering. With 12 pillars standing at its borders the baoli is a spectacular structure. The masons earlier used it for some time, which gave it, its name -- Rajaon ki Baoli!
What makes this baoli distinct is that its entire structure is subterranean. The outer structure is concealed and on approaching the entrance, only the top floor of the baoli is visible. Gradually, as one moves further, the lower levels come into view.
Gandhak ki baoli:
About one hundred meters south of the Adam Khan tomb lies another baoli in Mehrauli. It is Gandhak ki baoli, which owes its origin to Iltumish of the slave dynasty. The well gets its name from the sulphur: known as gandhak, in the water; which was known for its medicinal properties. Ranking as the largest in Delhi, the five-tiered Gandhak ki baoli is spread across expansively and has supplied water to the nearby areas for centuries. Also known as the diving well, it was earlier used by the locals for diving.
What was the pride of ancient rulers is now in immediate need of revival and restoration. Indian archeologists have tried to restore the water through other means but it has not been a success till now. With its fading charm it is in danger of being forgotten completely like so many other monuments.
Red fort Baoli:
Further away, the baoli of the famous Red Fort or the Laal Qilla of Delhi is lesser known. The distinct structure of the baoli has steps going down from two sides, which converge at a pit attached to the well. Unlike other step wells this one is fenced-in and locked. In comparison to the others this baoli does not have many visitors, as not many people know of its existence. Perhaps it is because this baoli is locked throughout the year but the one day when it is open to all is the 15th of August - the independence day of India.
Many say that it was built in the 14th century whereas the fort is a 17th century construction. The lonesome step well lies silently, witness to countless events of the past. Also, not many people know that the baoli was used as a prison. This is only evident when you visit the baoli as etched on stone are the names of the officers of the Indian National Army who were confined here in 1945 and 46 during the freedom movement.
Agrasen ki baoli:
In deep contrast to the silence of other baolis, Agrasen ki baoli lies amid business towers and a residential area. Although it is not certain but the credit for building this step-well goes to King Agrasen, which also gives the baoli its name. A 14th century construction, this baoli is lined on both sides with chambers and niches. The 104 steps of the well descend into the well's dried bottom, which has three levels.
Being in the middle of a residential area, this baoli has more visitors in comparison to others. 60 meters wide and 15 meters long, this baoli is also in desperate need of renovation like the others.
The ancient structures that are an integral part of our heritage need restoration and attention from us today.
This footage is part of the professionally-shot broadcast stock footage archive of Wilderness Films India Ltd., the largest collection of imagery from South Asia. The Wilderness Films India collection comprises of thousands of hours of high quality broadcast imagery, mostly shot on HDCAM 1080i High Definition, HDV and XDCAM. Write to us for licensing this footage on a broadcast format, for use in your production! We are happy to be commissioned to film for you or else provide you with broadcast crewing and production solutions across South Asia. We pride ourselves in bringing the best of India and South Asia to the world... Reach us at rupindang [at] gmail [dot] com and [e-mail]

[@WildFilmsIndia]

Thanks for viewing and appreciating our work! Please DO subscribe to our wildfilmsindia KZbin channel. Lots more to come. Already 8300 videos online as well... WFIL

[@WildFilmsIndia]

Since these are ancient structures, they are to be preserved, as is, and no modifications or changes can be made as per Archaeological Survey of India.

[@sadenb]

This is nothing compared to the Stepwells in Gujrat and Rajasthan . Those are masterpieces in my opinion . There should be a revival of these architecture. Such craftsmanship

[@WildFilmsIndia]

Thanks for viewing, Sanch! Do subscribe to our channel wildfilmsindia on KZbin for a steady stream of videos from across India, as part of our ambitious 'Visual mapping of the Indian subcontinent' project. Also view our 'Best of India' video playlist on KZbin, and visit and enjoy your journey across India at clipahoy.com , India's first video-based social networking experience! Team WFIL

[@sadenb]

I would like you guys to have 4K videos and aerial footage of some of these sites.

[@WildFilmsIndia]

We have just filmed Chand Baori stepweel aerially in 4K. Watch our channel for these videos going up very soon!

[@sadenb]

Good . I would like you guys to document every temple of India and do a documentary of sorts. It can be helpful to your channel .

[@WildFilmsIndia]

We will continue to document all the temples of India. See thousands of clips here: kzbin.info?search_query=temple+wildfilmsindia

[@3873236]

Watch all your vids. I'm so glad you added an explanation to the vid. btw Thank You for the excellent views of India.

[@WildFilmsIndia]

Well, somewhat difficult to fulfill your request for one, I'm afraid! They are all over India, but the ones featured here are in Delhi city. Come and visit to see them! They are supposed to trap all water falling on and near the structure as well. They are dry because this was filmed in the summer (hence, pre monsoon) season and India had a particularly bad water shortage this year, before a relatively copious monsoon which made up for the shortfall, albeit in the latter portion of the season.

[@WildFilmsIndia]

Thanks so much! Please do subscribe to our wildfilmsindia channel! WFIL

[@janmller3536]

This is so beautiful love it

[@9795364409]

Beautifully done....:)...luved it..:)

[@WildFilmsIndia]

abhimanyu hamal Thanks for viewing, Abhimanyu! Do subscribe to our channel wildfilmsindia on KZbin for a steady stream of videos from across India, as part of our ambitious 'Visual mapping of the Indian subcontinent' project. Also view our 'Best of India' video playlist on KZbin, and visit and enjoy your journey across India at clipahoy.com , India's first video-based social networking experience! Team WFIL

[@SickaydaMars]

I am sure there is enough millionaires in India to take care of these issues, but the government owns them and the real care should start with the people of India like a pilgrimage 1 day out of the month just like a highway litter patrol, somebody needs to take care of it!

[@WildFilmsIndia]

+Sickayda Mars We wish that could happen! Thanks for viewing, Sickayda! Do subscribe to our channel wildfilmsindia on KZbin for a steady stream of videos from across India, as part of our ambitious 'Visual mapping of the Indian subcontinent' project. Also view our 'Best of India' video playlist on KZbin, and visit and enjoy your journey across India at clipahoy.com , India's first video-based social networking experience! Team WFIL

[@MediaFilter]

Suprisingly good narrator. She should be credited here by name.

[@ahmerbaig3077]

amazing work 😊 thanks a lot.

[@JEIWILBER]

Sweet Place !

[@tonytuthill]

They are beautiful. I want one. Are they all being drained? Were they not supposed to trap all water falling on the structure? If so why are they all so dry? Were not the lower layers supposed to contain/control/clean all water as it went down? If so, Could they be cleaned out, refilled with new gardens/earth, rock, etc. Add water heater and distiller systems on lowest layers for filling system with healing water. Ayurveda/Gerson Therapy.

[@mariosmanesis8376]

great videolist, thanks

[@user-me2fj6cm1g]

Καλησπέρες όμορφες Μαριε

[@CurveLearningNatures]

thank you

[@WildFilmsIndia]

Thanks for viewing! Do subscribe to our channel wildfilmsindia on KZbin for a steady stream of videos from across India, as part of our ambitious 'Visual mapping of the Indian subcontinent' project. Also view our 'Best of India' video playlist on KZbin, and visit and enjoy your journey across India at clipahoy.com , India's first video-based social networking experience! Team WFIL

[@vindeshkaushik]

Wonderful :)

[@WildFilmsIndia]

Thanks for viewing, Prateek! Do subscribe to our channel wildfilmsindia on KZbin for a steady stream of videos from across India. Also, visit and enjoy your journey across India at clipahoy.com , India's first video-based social networking experience! Team WFIL

[@lakshminarayanacharyuludit194]

wonderful

[@WildFilmsIndia]

lakshminarayanacharyulu dittakavi Thanks for viewing, Mr. Dittakavi! Do subscribe to our channel wildfilmsindia on KZbin for a steady stream of videos from across India. Also, visit and enjoy your journey across India at @ , India's first video-based social networking experience! Team WFIL

[@Official_drawing_channel]

amazing

[@WildFilmsIndia]

subhash parmar Thanks for viewing, Subhash! Do subscribe to our channel wildfilmsindia on KZbin for a steady stream of videos from across India. Also, visit and enjoy your journey across India at @ , India's first video-based social networking experience! Team WFIL

[@icaliver]

So how do they function? Do they fill up and receded with the season or is brought in like an aqua duct? And are those doors like a sewer system to allow water to flow in and out? I wish i could explore these so they must be very interesting to see in person.

[@sharathmudalamane8026]

Very professionally done, with good information. I am motivated to visit Agrasen ki Baoli!! The board at the venue says "Ugrasen ki Baoli" though.

[@WildFilmsIndia]

Sharath Mudalamane We feel successful if that is the case! Wonderful to hear...Your comments keep us going and motivate our team...Thanks!Team WFIL

[@WildFilmsIndia]

Sharath Mudalamane Thanks for viewing, Sharath! Do subscribe to our channel wildfilmsindia on KZbin for a steady stream of videos from across India, as part of our ambitious 'Visual mapping of the Indian subcontinent' project. Also view our 'Best of India' video playlist on KZbin, and visit and enjoy your journey across India at clipahoy.com , India's first video-based social networking experience! Team WFIL

[@WildFilmsIndia]

Sharath Mudalamane It's actually spelled both ways! Did you get to visit yet?

[@sharathmudalamane8026]

Not yet! Surely will!

[@TR-rx5ej]

Save these beauties

[@preciousreading1934]

few hundred years old is not a ancient thing ,however these structures need to be preserved for future ancient time.

[@sadenb]

The oldest in 2th century to 4th century.. But there is one of 8th century which is just fantastic and way ahead of these structure

[@WildFilmsIndia]

See all those Gujarat and Rajasthan stepwells here: kzbin.info?search_query=stepwell+wildfilmsindia

[@goerizal1]

there seems to be sewer openings into the wells but the thought that they are swimming in sewer water is a little gruesome to thing about - each to his own i suppose - not much different of the sewer canals of venice.

[@dibyendudasd4694]

such rich history such pathetic neglect.People who don't care for their history and heritage are doomed to loose it forever.Its all collective heritage not to be categorized.Each n everything belongs to India.

[@chandnikumarov4459]

are you out of your mind...India had taken care of some many of it's structures, , it is amazing...that is why there is so much to see in India...but the people of India should not have to take care of their historical places for the rest of the world to descend upon them like vultures with a lot of money in hand, to come and see India...the people of the world should be able to see or not see the beauty in their own back-yards...

[@mohithkumar5]

This my old house

[@yankumar5280]

thanks for sharing WildFilmsIndia

[@WildFilmsIndia]

yan kumar Thanks for viewing, Yan! Do subscribe to our channel wildfilmsindia on KZbin for a steady stream of videos from across India. Also, visit and enjoy your journey across India at clipahoy.com , India's first video-based social networking experience! Team WFIL

[@rahulbhaskar6790]

Isn't this the place where one of the scenes of Rang de basanti is shot?? These are heritage sites. What's the govt of India doing. Delhi is the most beautiful place in India. These sites should be encouraged for tourism.

[@WildFilmsIndia]

Thanks for your support for conservation! Do subscribe to wildfilmsindia channel on KZbin for a steady stream of travel and conservation videos from across India, among much else! Team WFIL

[@NarinderSinghHere]

No, that's Nahargarh fort in Jaipur.

[@rahulbhaskar6790]

Narinder Singh But the movie shows that as Delhi...right?

[@NarinderSinghHere]

Yes, movie is shot mostly in Delhi, but as youngsters, they keep travelling to cities. They didn't care to mention the site's name though, which is okay as it was not an educational film.

[@ArvindYadav-tn6zb]

This is Muslim temple I studied about it

[@rahulwagh7332]

I love you meri jaan

[@india9266]

Isn't it will be better to show Rani ki Vav(Queen's Step-well) and Chand Baoli instead of these filthy baolis as tourist spots? I am sorry to say but such videos effects negatively to India's tourism industry. Such videos reflect some kind of lack of great places in India, when India has so many great places for tourism, and so many great things to do, than any country can offer.

[@WildFilmsIndia]

India We have shown Chand Baori as well, on our channel! Do search for it or view:kzbin.info?search_query=baori+wildfilmsindiaWe show India as it is, beautiful or ugly, warts and all! People have to see through the smoke-screen to find the real India, like all of us tend to do. We are not a publicity machinery. We love our country and are aware of its limitations, but also hope that tourists can look beyond and see the depth of India's beauty and cultural offerings, despite all the obvious discouragements...We are not a tourism mouthpiece of the Government of India! Most people have appreciated these baolis in India, and having seen the video, many have actually visited India just to see the baolis of Delhi. Our job is done!

[@CarlosLopez-ew5uv]

Sickening culture

[@ShaunakHub]

Could be.. but still way much more richer than yours. At least we have a culture and heritage, which you seriously lack.

[@chandnikumarov4459]

i think Carlos is jealous...