Revival of Rajon Ki Baoli restores its historic grandeur

Rajon Ki Baoli, a historic stepwell located in Mehrauli Archaeological Park, has recently undergone a significant desilting and restoration process after more than two decades. This restoration work aims to conserve the structure and improve its water management system, which had deteriorated over the years due to neglect and pollution.

According to a senior official from the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) Delhi Circle, the process was a comprehensive water revival operation designed to restore both the physical structure and the water supply system of the Baoli.

The official explained that the Baoli had been heavily clogged with debris, garbage, and silt for many years, which had obstructed the flow of water and affected the overall condition of the stepwell.

Also read: ASI plans stricter regulations for filmmakers violating shooting norms at Delhi monuments

“We started by pumping out the old stagnant water, then we proceeded with a thorough desilting process. The desilting work has rejuvenated the stepwell, giving it a much-needed facelift,” the official told Patriot.

It was commissioned by Daulat Khan in 1506 CE, an administrator of the Lodi dynasty of the Delhi Sultanate. The enclosure of Rajon Ki Baoli includes a mosque and a tomb.

In addition to the desilting work, ASI also carried out consolidation efforts on the Baoli’s stone structure. “The consolidation treatment was essential to enhance the strength and coherence of the stones, especially those that had been damaged over time. This will help preserve the Baoli for future generations,” the official added.

A key aspect of the restoration was the improvement of the water supply to the Baoli, which had been plagued by pollution. The water had been contaminated due to improper drainage from the nearby Church Colony. The official explained that the polluted water had caused significant damage to the stepwell, especially during the monsoon season. “Rainwater would bring in debris and garbage, which further deteriorated the condition of the Baoli. There was also no proper levelling of the water,” the official said.

To address this issue, ASI wrote to the Delhi Jal Board several months ago, requesting the creation of a proper drainage system for the Church Colony. “We worked closely with the Delhi Jal Board to set up a new drainage system to prevent polluted water from entering the Baoli. This will not only protect the stepwell but also ensure that the water remains clean and properly levelled,” the official explained.

Also read: ASI to provide free sanitary pads at Delhi’s Agrasen ki Baoli and Qutub Minar

“The Baoli now looks much more appealing, especially with the clean water, and we are hopeful that this will attract more visitors to the site,” the official added.

The restoration is expected to yield positive results, with the number of visitors to Rajon Ki Baoli likely to rise. “In the past, the poor condition and stinking smell emanating from the Baoli had deterred many tourists. But with these improvements, we hope to see an increase in both national and international visitors,” the official remarked.

ASI is also looking to extend its conservation efforts to other historical water bodies in Delhi, including Roshan Ara Bagh and Sheesh Mahal in Shalimar Bagh.

In a notable cultural development, Rajon Ki Baoli was recently used as a filming location for the first time. The Bollywood film Ul Jalool Ishq, starring Naseeruddin Shah, Vijay Varma, and Fatima Sana Shaikh, was shot at the stepwell in February.

Javed Khan, the line producer of the film, shared that the location had never been explored for film shoots before. “It was an incredible experience shooting here. The Baoli’s historic ambience added a unique touch to the film,” Khan said.