RAJAON-KI-BAOLI

Rajaon-ki-Baoli

Mehrauli Archaeological Park, New Delhi

Rajaon ki Baoli has stood along a complex stepwell, and a masjid with chattri since 1506. The chattri features a dome that springs from 16-sided drum and was the earliest of 3 structures. An amir of the court of Sikander Lodhi – Daulat Khan, in year 1516 built the detailed, elaborate and extensive baoli which was Rajaon ki Baoli. The baoli for masons as it was used by those for their daily chores. The U-shaped baoli with its natural spring as source of water is an Indo-Islamic design. It is located in the Mehrauli Archaeological Park, around 400m south of Adham Khan's Tomb.

The stepwell consists of four levels and has arched colonnades on the east and west walls and steps on the southern side which lead to the water. The northern side has a well and also consists of arches. The site is rectangular in plan and has a mosque and a tomb on its roof in the western corner. Both these structures also belong to the Lodhi era. Inscribed work and embellishments are found on the outer façade of the colonnades as well as the mosque. The tomb is 12- pillared and has glazed tiles on its dome. There are four sets of stairs which lead to the roof: one each at the starting of the steps in the south in the eastern and western colonnade respectively, and two in the northern pavilion near the well. There is one set of stairs in the northern portion which provides access to the lower levels of the stepwell.