Sher Shah Suri Stepwell (Baoli) at Wazirabad

23rd April 2023

(All images copyright 2023 Mirza Ali Usman Baig, text written in this article is the author's Research and shouldn't be reproduced)

Saifur Rehman Dar, a renowned archaeologist from Pakistan, has left an indelible mark on the field of archaeology with his significant contributions. In his seminal article, "Caravanserais along the Grand Trunk in Pakistan," Dar sheds light on the ancient origins of the Grand Trunk Road, a historic highway that stretches across several Indian states, from Calcutta to Peshawar, with a history dating back approximately 2500 years.

During the medieval period, Sher Shah Suri, a visionary Indian emperor who reigned over the northern regions of the Indian subcontinent from 1540 to 1545, played a pivotal role in the construction of the Grand Trunk Road. Alongside this monumental achievement, Sher Shah Suri also spearheaded the creation of numerous caravanserais, forts, fortified towns, milestones, army posts, Dak posts, stepped wells, and shaded groves along this ancient highway.

In his meticulous survey conducted from 1987 to 1989, Sir Saifur Rehman Dar meticulously documented the remnants that still existed along the Grand Trunk Road. Notably, he highlighted a remarkable stepped well, belonging to the era of Sher Shah Suri, located outside the village of Dhaunkal in Wazirabad.

A stepwell is a type of well in which the water is reached by descending a set of steps. The Dhaunkal stepped-well was in extremely decrepit condition and luckily got repaired in recent years before totally got vanishing from the scenes. The first and most obvious feature of stepwells is the steps themselves, in the current structure the steps are wide enough to accommodate both humans and animals to reach directly up to the water table. The last thread of the stepwell ends on the large platform having a roof present on the top. This platform has a staircase on one end and a cylinder well on the other supported by elegant arches.

Another key feature of stepwells is the shaft or well itself, which is typically cylindrical in shape. The well is usually dug deep into the ground to reach the water table, and the walls are often lined with stone or brick to prevent collapse. The Dhaunkal well has dried up for ages and now only historical monuments are left at this site.

Many stepwells also feature small chambers or rooms, serving various purposes. Some were designated for storage, while others held religious or ceremonial importance. Similarly, within the Dhaunkal stepped well, a rectangular room can be found, adorned with arched openings on all four sides. A staircase positioned in one of the corners allows access to the roof of this room, completing the intricate architectural design.

Through the work of Saifur Rehman Dar, the secrets of stepwells are unveiled, offering us a glimpse into the past and the ingenuity of those who came before us. These marvels of architecture stand as testaments to the rich history and cultural heritage of Pakistan. By recognizing and preserving these historical treasures, we ensure that future generations can continue to marvel at the architectural splendor and appreciate the profound legacy they represent.