Ancient
Indians used to build water temples as well as earliest forms of step
wells and reservoirs. Few exquisite examples of single-flight step
wells still exist in Delhi today. The oldest existing Baoli - the
Anangtal Baoli in Mehrauli, Delhi, was built in the 10th century by
the Rajput King Anang Pal II of Tomar Dynasty.
Agrasen's
Baoli (Agrasen ki Baoli) is among a few of its kind in Delhi,
consisting of 103 steps made of red stone. The Baoli was originally
built by Maharaja Agrasen, in the Mahabharat era, and later rebuilt
by the Agrawal community in the 14th century, most probably during
the Tughlaq period. It is located on Hailey Road near Cannought Place
in Delhi, India, in the vicinity of Jantar Mantar. It is now a
protected monument by the Archeological Survey of India (ASI), and
has a mammoth board indicating it's national importance, but even the
ticket-less entry attracts only a few visitors. You can reach the
Baoli by taking KG Marg from outer Cannought Circus, and then turn
left towards the Hailey Road.
The
Baoli is an unique blend of architecture with an impressive design
known to have existed centuries ago. The stone walls of the Baoli,
dressed with inventive designs with a series of arched structure are
grim and desolate, but still beautiful. The Baoli is 60 meter long
and 15 meter wide rectangular step well, made up of a series of
superimposed arches supported on piers or columns. Some parts of the
Baoli are permanently immersed in water, but there exists three
levels in the visible area (the area which is above the water) of the
Baoli, each of which is lined with arched niches on either sides.
These allow the visitors to explore various alcoves and rooms that
once may have been used as sites for retreat or puja. Presently, the
rooms considered dangerous are secured with gates, and most probably
are the favorite dwelling place for the pigeons.
The
Baoli had water till recent times, but now it has dried up and one
can see the bed of the reservoir, full of bird feathers and
droppings. It is well known for the pigeons and bats residing in the lofty places of the dry reservoir, and the presence of birds as well
as "love birds" will make you realize that the Baoli is not
a secluded place at all. It is a cool and silent place in the heart
of the capital. The silence deepens as one moves to the bottom of the
stairs, the magnificent view of the skyline disappears gradually, and
the light of the day starts fading, assuring the fact that it is considered on of the spooky haunted places in Delhi. The gradual
increase in the gurgling sound of pigeons, and squeaky chatter of
bats echoing off the stone walls makes this place creepy.
The
scuttlebutt about being followed by something or somebody invisible,
the intensity of which increases if you increase your pace, makes the
Baoli feels mystic. There are rumors of evil spirits in this ancient
architecture since quite some time. As per the claims, the Baoli was
earlier fill with filthy Black water which attracted mostly
disheartened, discouraged and depressed admirers with magnetic
effects. The fatal attraction of the mystic waters hypnotized people
to their death by alluring them to jump in the waters. It is believed
that the "Baoli of the unseen", used to call for people to
offer their lives and raise its water levels.
The
occurrence of supernatural activities and existence of the evil one
is controversial and has been debated every now and then. The loud
and shrill cry of the bats definitely add up to the evil reputation
of the Baoli, and may play a role in increasing eeriness inside the
monument. Some believe that the haunted tales are a myth, while some
claim to be eye witness to these shocking stories. The mystic
architecture definitely needs your visit. Come and experience the
sensation of being alone in the Baoli.
The Agrasen Ki Baoli in Delhi is considered haunted and is placed at 10th position in the list of ten most haunted places in India.
