I became aware of this Baoli through an
article I read in the daily newspaper back in 2007. The article provided
detailed information about the historical significance of this structure and expressed
concern about the lack of efforts by government and historical departments to
preserve the site.
Water holds significant importance in
Hindu mythology, representing a boundary between heaven and earth, known as
tirtha. The sacredness of water is widely acknowledged across the subcontinent,
evident in the extraordinary and monumental architecture that showcases the
engineering achievements of designers and builders in the region. Stepwells,
considered manmade tirthas, served not only as sources of drinking water but
also as cool sanctuaries for bathing, prayer, and meditation. The concept of
stepwells may have originated to ensure water availability during periods of
drought.
Evidence of steps leading to water
levels in artificially constructed reservoirs can be found in sites of the
Indus Valley Civilization, such as Dholavira and Mohenjo-Daro. Mohenjo-Daro,
for instance, features cylindrical brick-lined wells that may serve as
predecessors to stepwells. The earliest examples of rock-cut stepwells in India
date back to 200-400 AD.
The Uperkot caves in Junagadh contain
the earliest known bath-like pond reached by steps, dating back to the 4th
century. Nearby, the Navghan Kuvo, a well with a circular staircase, is another
example. Its construction is attributed to the Western Satrap (200-400 AD) or
Maitraka (600-700 AD) periods, though some suggest a later date in the 11th
century. Additionally, the nearby Adi Kadi ni Vav was constructed either in the
second half of the 10th century or the 15th century.
Stepwells in Dhank, Rajkot district,
date back to 550-625 AD, followed by stepped ponds in Bhinmal (850-950 AD). The
construction of stepwells reached its peak during Muslim rule from the 11th to
16th century. Initially utilized as an art form by Hindus, the practice of
constructing stepwells became more prevalent during this period due to the
harsh climate and water scarcity in regions like Gujarat and Rajasthan. Wells
were seen as the most reliable source of continuous water supply.
The stepwells, known as vavs, came to be
more than just water sources. The architectural design around the wells
transformed them into subterranean retreats. A typical vav consists of two
elements: a vertical shaft with a thick surrounding wall to maximize water
retention, and a series of imposing flights of steps built over an inclined
passage leading from the ground level to the water level deep below.
Sher Shah Suri and Wan Bhachran Baoli
Sher Shah Suri, the founder of the Sur
Empire in northern India, left a lasting legacy during his brief reign from
1540 to 1545. Among his achievements were the construction of the Grand Trunk
Road, the introduction of civic and military reforms, the issuance of the first Rupiya
coin, and the establishment of a speedy postal system across the subcontinent. His
foresight and futuristic vision can be observed in the facilities along the
Grand Trunk Road, designed to cater to travelers’ needs.
Wan Bhachran, located in Mianwali
District of Punjab province in Pakistan, was a town and administrative
subdivision. The term 'Wan' means 'a well' in Punjabi, while 'Bhachran' refers
to the Bhachar clan predominant in the region. Sher Shah Suri built this baoli
(stepwell) in the 16th century as part of his efforts to construct similar
structures along the routes taken by his army. This baoli served as a source of
fresh water not only for humans but was also designed to accommodate large
animals like elephants.
The availability of freshwater
attracted settlers to the area, and the first tribe to establish itself there
was the "Bachar Tribe," contributing to the name "Wan
Bhachran," meaning "The Well of Bachars." It was previously
known as "Khichi" before the colonial period but later recognized as
"Wan Bhachran." The main tribes in the area include Bhachar, Miana
Bhatti, Thethia Rajputs, and Ghanjera.
Baoli at Wan Bhachran: Location and
Architecture
The coordinates of Wan Bhachran baoli
are 32°25'1.08"N and 71°41'44.93"E.
The baoli consists of two main parts: a
vertical shaft from which water is drawn and surrounding inclined subterranean
passageways, chambers, and steps providing access to the well. The lift well
has an inner diameter of 19.26 ft and is constructed using kiln bricks with a
wall thickness of approximately 2 ft.
The inclined landing portion of the
baoli has a width of 8 ft and a length of 100 ft. The last buried tunnel
section spans 80 ft in length.
At the start of the stairway, two
minarets stand, resembling medieval pillars known as 'Kos Minarets.' These
minarets were constructed to ensure visibility from a distance for passing
caravans and travelers.
Overall, baolis like the one at Wan
Bhachran exemplify the ingenuity and architectural prowess of their builders,
while also serving as important water sources and places of retreat and
contemplation in the arid regions of the subcontinent.
After eleven years, in 2018, I had the
opportunity to visit this place. To my dismay, the condition of the site was
appalling. The well was filled with garbage, dense bushes had grown around the
staircase, and sewage from nearby houses had contaminated the area. It was
disheartening to see that no fencing or rehabilitation work had been undertaken
by the responsible authorities to protect this site for future generations.
This historical gem is at risk of disappearing within a few short years.
It is disconcerting to witness the
neglect and lack of preservation efforts towards such an important historical
edifice. The article I had read in 2007 had already raised awareness about the
need for action, but it seems that little has been done since then. The
authorities should recognize the significance of this site and take immediate
steps to restore and protect it, ensuring its survival for future generations
to appreciate and learn from
