Prints of Photographs 

This picture captures the timeless grandeur of the stepwells nestled beside the Mallikarjun Temple in Loni Bhapkar. These stepwells, characterized by their L-shaped design and dual entrances, serve as a testament to the rich historical and cultural heritage of the region.

The Harbola ke Baori or Tapi Baori, as it is also called is about four storeys deep and is rectangular in shape. This baori is constructed out of enormous sandstone blocks, far heiftier than those used in the other stepwells of Jodhpur. Incredibly beautiful, this baori stand as a testament to the skill of the workers who designed this baori to provide for water for the people of Jodhpur. 

The Sun Temple in Modhera, Gujarat, is a magnificent 11th-century temple dedicated to the solar deity Surya. Constructed during the reign of Bhima I of the Chalukya dynasty in 1026 AD, the temple is renowned for its intricate architecture and elaborate carvings that depict various aspects of Hindu mythology and cosmic elements.

Rani ke Vav, located in Patan, Gujarat, is an exquisite example of ancient Indian stepwell architecture. Built in the 11th century during the reign of the Solanki dynasty, it was commissioned by Queen Udayamati in memory of her husband, King Bhimdev I. This UNESCO World Heritage site is renowned for its intricate carvings and sculptures that adorn its seven levels of stairs, showcasing mythological, religious, and secular motifs. 

Naktya Raviyachi Vihar in Karad exemplifies Bhanani-style architecture, characterized by its square shape, measuring 136 feet in length and 100 feet in depth. Believed to have been constructed during the Shilahar reign, this well has stood solid for 800 years, thanks to its lime and stone joint construction. Recognized as a protected site by the Archaeological Survey of India, the well dates back to the 17th century

This  is the Mahila Baug Jhalra, a historical gem nestled in the city of Jodhpur. The stepwell boasts a rectangular shape adorned with four chhatris or pavilions positioned at each corner, adding to its architectural grandeur.

This is a drone photograph of the Loni Bhapkar stepwell in Baramati district, showing the perfect rectangular shape of this ancient structure. The Loni Bhapkar stepwell, located in the village of Loni Bhapkar in Maharashtra, is a historical gem showcasing the architectural ingenuity of ancient India. 

 The Stepwell, adorned with a pavilion and surrounded by weathered stone walls, exuded a tranquil aura, evoking visions of bygone eras when it served as a vital water source and resting place for weary travelers.

Bajirao Chi Vihir, also known as Bajirao’s Well, is a magnificent stepwell located near the village of Limb in the Satara district of Maharashtra, India. Built in the 18th century by the legendary Maratha Peshwa Bajirao I, this stepwell is a testament to the architectural prowess and engineering acumen of the Maratha period. 

The Adalaj Stepwell, located in the village of Adalaj near Ahmedabad in Gujarat, is a remarkable example of Indian stepwell architecture. Built in 1499 by Queen Rudabai, this five-story structure is an architectural marvel, showcasing the intricate craftsmanship of the Solanki style.

 This serai is sandwiched between Isa Khan's tomb and Humayun's tomb enclosure, inside the world heritage site of Humayun's tomb complex. There are several arcaded chambers that functioned as shops, but what excites most is that it has two wells leading to the tank, thus making it a baoli.

Rani ke Vav is truly the queen of all stepwells, renowned for its lavish ornamentation, grand scale, and significant expense. Measuring 210 feet long and 89 feet deep, it impresses with its sheer size. However, it is the sculptural decoration that truly takes one's breath away. Hundreds of intricately detailed sculptures and reliefs of deities, their consorts, and vahans, along with a variety of patterns, adorn nearly every surface.

The chhatris at Mahila Bagh Jhalra, constructed from pink sandstone, gleam in the morning sunlight. Each corner of this baoli is adorned with two delicate features: freestanding chhatris on the steps and larger pavilions above. These pavilions, resembling duplexes, provided shade under their arches and offered views from their rooftop balconies. 

Harbola ke Baoli or also called Tapi Baori was discovered by this artist in the heart of the city of Jodhpur in one of the lanes. The entrance to this stepwell was locked and when her guide opened this she found to her amazement an incredibly beautiful stepwell carved out of sandstone gleaming in the sunlight of the morn. Walking through the stairs and the banisters transported her to those days when this city ws saved by this stepwell during the times of a terrible drought. 

The stepwell of Baramoti chi Vihir is carved from the hard rock baslat of the Deccan plateau. The entrance to this stepwell is flanked with the sculptures of two images of the Liger (the symbol representing the might of the Marathas and has the face of a Lion and the body of a tiger). As basalt rock is very hard so few sculptures were carved on this Stepwell. 

The Brahmendra Swami Mandir Kund features three rectangular tanks adorned with floating turtles. Adjacent to these water tanks stands a temple boasting remarkable architecture, housing an idol of Lord Parashurama. This temple holds the distinction of being the first one dedicated to Lord Parashurama that the author visited. 

The Naktya Raviyachi Vihir in Karad boasts a striking architectural feature: its captivating arches. Constructed in the Bhanani architectural style during the Shilahar reign, these arches showcase exquisite craftsmanship and structural ingenuity. Made using lime and stone joints, these arches have withstood the test of time, remaining solid and impressive even after 800 years.

The Adalaj Stepwell, located near Gandhinagar in Gujarat, is renowned for its unique octagonal shape, particularly notable in its well shaft. This architectural marvel, constructed in the 15th century, features a meticulously crafted octagonal well shaft that descends to provide access to water. 

The Harbola ke Baori or Tapi Baori, as it is also called is about four storeys deep and is rectangular in shape. This baori is constructed out of enormous sandstone blocks, far heiftier than those used in the other stepwells of Jodhpur. Incredibly beautiful, this baori stand as a testament to the skill of the workers who designed this baori to provide for water for the people of Jodhpur. 

As the story goes, the wife of Emperor Humayun, Hamid Banu Begum, brought 300 Arabs from her pilgrimage to Mecca and settled them in Delhi. She built a caravan serai for them, now popular by the name Árab ke Sarai". This serai is sandwiched between Isa Khan's tomb and Humayun's tomb enclosure, inside the world heritage site of Humayun's tomb complex.