In the arid village of Abhaneri, Rajasthan, a staircase plunges nearly 30 meters into the ground, revealing one of India’s deepest and oldest stepwells: Chand Baori. With 3,500 steps carved in a symmetrical, inverted-pyramid design, this architectural feat has intrigued locals and scholars alike.
Named after a local Nikumbh dynasty ruler, Raja Chanda, the stepwell dates back to the 8th–9th century. Though originally built to conserve water, Chand Baori has served many roles—from royal retreat and public gathering spot to cinematic backdrop and subject of global architectural study.
3,500 Steps into the Earth
Chand Baori descends 13 levels with steep, zigzagging steps on three sides and pillared corridors on the fourth. The structure ends in a massive water tank at the bottom, where the air is 5–6 °C cooler than at the surface. On the northern wall, a multistory corridor houses two shrines: one to Ganesha, and one to Mahishasuramardini.
Sculptures of dancing figures and deities such as Durga and Vishnu adorn the upper levels. One room, called Anderi Ujala, was used for drawing water using pulley equipment.
Origins in the 8th Century
Though there is no epigraphic record confirming its exact origin, Chand Baori’s design and carving style link it to the 8th–9th centuries, likely predating the nearby Harshat Mata Temple. Archaeologists compare its features with similar temples in Paranagar and Mandore.
According to architectural texts like Aparajitapriccha and Vastushastra, the inverted-pyramid stepwell follows the design type known as vijay vapi. The upper palace structure visible today was added later, possibly during the rule of the Chauhan dynasty.
Temples, Rulers, and Ruin
Adjoining the stepwell is the Harshat Mata Temple, built in the 7th–8th century and once a major pilgrimage site. It was destroyed during Mahmud Ghazni’s invasions, and the remaining sculptures and fragments are now housed in the arcades of Chand Baori under the Archaeological Survey of India.
Later, Mughal rulers are also believed to have caused damage to some of the interior sculptures. The stepwell remained in use into the late medieval period and underwent several architectural modifications.
From Pilgrims to Pop Culture
Chand Baori served not only as a water source but as a resting place for pilgrims. Its deep, cool interior offered relief from Rajasthan’s heat. In recent years, it has been used as a filming location for Indian films such as Paheli and Bhool Bhulaiyaa.
Though The Dark Knight Rises was not filmed there, its stepwell prison set was inspired by Chand Baori’s geometry. Today, the site stands as one of India’s largest surviving stepwells, still drawing visitors to its symmetrical depths.
In the village of Abhaneri, Rajasthan, lies a vast stepwell that plunges 13 stories underground, built in the 8th or 9th century.
Called Chand Baori, it features 3,500 zigzagging steps in an inverted pyramid shape and has drawn global interest for its scale and design…🧵👇 pic.twitter.com/Hkw5OKr3NT
— Detective Tiger's Stories (@TigerDetective) June 25, 2025