The Wazirpur Monument Complex can be seen as a one of the lesser known sites in New Delhi. Built in 1526, this complex is nestled in sector 5 of a quiet and calm residential setting of Ramankrishna Puram, this precinct has been lucky to be away from the eyes of people who may try to demean the true value of such hidden marvels in our cities. This precinct is not very well frequented, which has been crucial in maintaining this site to its present condition. With no drastic encroachments and a well defined site boundary, this precinct showed a potential to be developed into a space which can be used effectively and innovatively for the welfare and use of the people.
Stepwells are wells or ponds in which the water may be reached by descending a set of steps. Stepwell construction is known to have gone on from at least AD 600 in the south western region of Gujarat, India. This practical idea to conserve water spread north to the state of Rajasthan, along the western border of India where several thousands of these wells were built. The construction of these stepwells hit its peak from the 11th to 16th century.
The site has 6 tombs, all forming a part of important listings conducted by esteemed institutions like Indian National trust for Art and Cultural Heritage and have also been protected by the Archeological Survey of India (ASI) as a site of national importance. The Wazirpur Tomb, the main tomb of all the 6 present is a Grade B structure .Along with these tombs, the site has a very simplistic baoli. Dating back to the Lodhi Era, the baoli along with the tombs showcase a very simple and solid facade treatment with stone masonry as a main construction technique.
Most existing stepwells date from the last 800 years. There are suggestions that they may have originated much earlier, and precursors to them can be seen in the Indus Valley civilization. The city of Mohenjo-daro has wells which may be the predecessors of the step well - as many as 700 wells have been discovered in just one section of the city. Stepwells are certainly one of India’s most unusual, but little-known, contributions to architecture. Today, India is home to about 3000 baolis dotting the urban and rural landscape of states like Rajasthan Gujarat and Delhi. These structures are unique to India and for centuries have been areas which were very socially and culturally an important part in the lives of men and especially women. With the historic and cultural significance that these monuments hold, it is intriguing to study what makes them so unique and worthy of all conservation attempts possible.
CHAND KI BAOLI, RAJASTHAN
RANI KI VAV, GUJARAT
RANI KI JI BAOLI, BUNDI
THE CURRENT SCENARIO...
ADALAJ KI BAOLI, GUJARAT
AGRASEN KI BAOLI, NEW DELHI
Today, what we witness is a sad state of neglect and dilapidation. These breath taking structures have not even an inch of breathing space; with concrete structures or temporary housing units coming up in its immediate vicinity. We see children taking a dip in the polluted water that these baolis house today or men women washing their utensils and clothes in these royal structures.
THE WAZIRPUR MONUMENT COMPLEX IS LOCATED IN RAMAKRISHNA PURAM, NEW DELHI A SMALL AND COZY GALLERY IN THE BAOLI
With a plethora of baolis that dot our urban landscape, these structures must be seen as potential sites for useful public spaces that give the society the much needed breathing spaces.
The baoli is a fairly uncomplicated structure and possesses a domed turret on each of the two corners where it emerges from the ground. A staircase leads down to the tank level which is filled up with garbage, plastic bottles, polythene and wrappers as well as rubble and construction debris. There are shallow chambers built along ledges in the side walls of the baoli where visitors used to sit when the baoli gurgled with the presence of water level which rendered it relatively cooler than the surroundings – at present, sunlight streams down to the tank level and scorches every square inch of the structure; even the pigeons that have made their homes in the niches around the tank wall remain cooped up in their shady nests.
This project aims at invoking an idea in society and in the minds of the authorities to see these structures as probable sites for the holistic development of society. GANDHAK KI BAOLI Residential housing surrounding this Archeological Survey of India protected monument; children bathing in the baoli.
UNNAMED BAOLI, WAZIRPUR MONUMENT COMPLEX
These on site images can showcase the current situation of these water marvels and the neglect that these structures are subject to. The baolis documented are from New Delhi. Many more such baolis pan India are facing ignorance.
The current state of this beautiful complex is rather grave. With temporary settlements and housing units coming up bang next to the baoli, this structure in particular and the site in general faces grim prospects of future degradation. UNNAMED BAOLI, MUNIRKA A residential dilapidated building built adjoining the baoli
TUGHLAQABAD FORT BAOLI This baoli is inside the Tughlaqabad Fort which lies in ruins in its entirety. Similar is the condition of the baoli as well.
It is our responsibility as able architects and designers to identify possibilities of growth and the ways in which these structures can contribute to the society in numerous way with just a few necessary interventions. The aim of this project is to revive and redevelop a site which can go a long way in improving the quality of life of people who live in Delhi as well as tourists who would enjoy visiting such unique masterpieces of architecture. This project also makes an attempt at making people realize the true potential of these water marvels and generating awareness among people to become more sensitive towards these structures in particular and other monuments in general. Sensitizing people is the most important motive of this project which should be accomplished by providing a use to the structure which people can relate to.
AGRASEN KI BAOLI, CONNAUGHT PLACE In between the tall buildings of the very busy Connaught Place, lies this beauty, which rose to popularity after the movie PK; attracting many tourists today, who till a few years back were unaware of the existence of this great structure.
HAZRAT NIZAMUDDIN KI BAOLI, NIZAMUDDIN This baoli lies in the heart of the famous Nizamuddin Dargah. Devotees, children and men from the neighborhood flank the dargah and take a dip in the baoli. Residential units have come up all around the baoli sabotaging and jeopardizing the rich cultural value that the dargah and the baoli have to offer.
REDEVELOPMENT OF STEPWELL PREMISE AS A CENTRE FOR PERFORMING ARTS, NEW DELHI GUIDED BY PROF. MUKTA LATKAR TALWALKAR | RAMYA RAMANATHAN | FINAL YEAR B.ARCH THESIS
T H E WAT E R M A RV E L S O F I N D IA . . .
WAZIRPUR MONUMENT COMPLEX, RAMAKRISHNA PURAM, NEW DELHI
ABOUT THE MAGNIFICENT BAOLIS