Agrasen ki Baoli (also known as Agrasen ki Baodi), designated a protected monument by the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) under the Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Sites and Remains Act of 1958, is a 60-meter long and 15-meter wide historical step well on Hailey Road near Connaught Place, Jantar Mantar in New Delhi, India. Although there are no known historical records to prove who built Agrasen ki Baoli, it is believed that it was originally built by the legendary king Agrasen, and rebuilt in the 14th century by the Agrawal community which traces its origin to Maharaja Agrasen. It is a popular tourist destination and hangout in New Delhi
Baoli or bawdi, also referred to as baori or bauri, is a Hindi word. In Rajasthan and Gujarat the words for step well include baoli, bavadi, vav, vavdi and vavadi . Water temples and temple step wells were built in ancient India.
This Baoli, with 108 steps, is among a few of its kind in Delhi. The visible parts of this historical step well consist of three levels. Each level is lined with arched niches on both sides. From an architectural perspective, this step well was probably rebuilt during the Tughlaq period. However, the oldest existing Baoli in Delhi, the Anangtal Baoli located in Mehrauli, which was also known as Yoginipura, was built in the 10th century by the Rajput King Anang Pal II of Tomara dynasty. Anang Tal literally means reservoir provided by Anang Pal of the House of Tomar.
Regarding the name Agrasen Ki Baoli it should be stated that, in 1132 CE, an Agrawal poet named Vibudh Shridhar mentions, in his work Pasanahacariu, a wealthy and influential Agrawal merchant of Dhilli named Nattal Sahu, who was also a minister in the court of King Anang Pal III. Rebuilding the old Agrasen Ki Baoli would have been within the means of a well established and wealthy Agrawal community during the 14th century
Agrasen ki Baoli is unique in its structure as its shape is quite different from the traditional round shape of reservoirs that existed in Delhi during that time. Built over a series of 103 steps, the baoli gradually descends into the ground. These steps are built over three levels, each of which serves as a landing where people can rest and relax. These levels are in turn akin to arched stone carvings that lie in beautiful symmetry to each other. The style of its architecture indicates that it was rebuilt during the Tughlaq period.
This water reservoir is believed to be an important community place where women used to congregate and spend time away from the heat of the summers. The alcoves of the Baoli were also used for rituals and religious ceremonies
